On the right bank of the estuary, Mortagne-sur-Gironde offers one of the most beautiful views of the estuarine landscapes. Alternating between marshes, salt meadows, and sheer cliffs, Mortagne invites us to experience the good life. Just 20 km from the nearest beaches, we are charmed by the calm and beauty of this small town in the Royan region, with its two faces: an upper town and a lower town.
The lower town, the heart of Mortagnais
From the top of the cliff, the activity below invites discovery. We take the rue du port. The unavoidable of the commune is then offered to us: the marina and fishing port.
In the XNUMXth century, the port was already experiencing significant growth, particularly in the brandy trade from Saintonge to Bordeaux. We see, at the time, aligned on the right bank of the channel, cellars, warehouses and other stores. Prestigious houses such asHennessy take up residence there.
In the 3th and XNUMXth centuries, the port became industrialized and also became a crossroads for the export of goods. It even became the XNUMXrd port of the Gironde estuary in Lower Charente in the XNUMXth century. The region's potatoes then left for South America and South Africa via Bordeaux. The productions of the Gravelle cement plant, a stone's throw from the port, are thus sent towards Royan and Oléron. The flour mills, located on the right bank of the channel, ship their flour to Bordeaux, Blaye and the Médoc.
Stroll around the port of Mortagne
Moreover, even today, the port remains the dynamic place of the village. Restaurants, guesthouses and small shops are set up around the marina, like this old flour mill converted into a flea market. Speaking of which, we love to rummage around!
We then continue our exploration along the quayside of the estuary. In front of us, a small red brick house traces the history of the town. This former landing stage has now been transformed into a postcard museum. We extend the walk a few more steps along the quay on the pedestrian path. One of the most beautiful viewpoints as close as possible to the estuary is finally revealed. We feel very small in the face of the immensity of the nature that surrounds us.
Along the way, don't hesitate to take a detour to an unusual place: a room with around thirty pinball machines adjoining the miller's estate. A guaranteed return to childhood.
On the other side, on the left bank, we see in the distance a group of fishermen "at the quay" trying to remake the world while waiting for the water to cover the hull. Generations mingle, certainly sharing secrets of sailors and other fishing techniques such as "listening" fishingThis traditional technique is practiced in the estuary to find areas where meagre are present. Now it is time for these boatmen to set sail. Let us appreciate this magnificent spectacle of fishing boats lined up in the channel to finally reach the estuary.
The Saint-Martial Hermitage
Another must-see place in the town, themonolithic hermitage Saint Martial. Classified as one of the oldest monolithic sites in France, theHermitage Saint-Martial was dug into the cliff more than thirty meters high by sea monks and smugglers.
From the 76th century, when the estuary still washed the foot of the cliff, the work of these monks consisted of ferrying travelers to the shore of the Médoc by boat. We accessed it on foot from the top of the cliffs. You then had to go down a staircase of 20 steps whose impressive vault measures more than XNUMX meters high. The tower which overlooks the hermitage served both asamer and bell tower. Inside there is a storeroom, an oratory, a kitchen, two dormitories, and two cells.
A nature to discover at your own pace
Nature is at the gates of Mortagne-sur-Gironde. Between brackish waters of the Gironde estuary and dead cliffs Swamp of the estuary are a rich environment where elegant avocet, purple heron, aquatic warbler find refuge...
On foot, let's follow the Detours® trail over 8 km or the Terra Aventura route "The sheep farmers of the estuary" over 4,5 km. We cross the salt meadows, these marshes of the estuary, where the lambs graze from March to November. Stage point of the Canal of the 2 seas by bike®, Mortagne-sur-Gironde is ideal for walks. We take advantage of the hilly landscapes where hills, marshes and panoramas of the Gironde alternate in gentle mobility. And why not discover the riches of Mortagnaise at speed bumps ? In free or accompanied hikes, it is an original way to explore the estuarine landscapes.
Between nature and curiosities, Mortagne-sur-Gironde is the promise of a place where stones and water make the beauty of the landscapes.
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