Fishing huts on the Gironde estuary - Fishing huts

Published on 20 Jan 2023

Reading time: 1 min.

6 unmissable spots to observe fishing huts in Royan Atlantique

Along the Royan Atlantic coast, you'll find numerous stilt houses: the famous carrelets . Built of wood, some are quite rustic while others are more comfortable. They are generally accessible by a small wooden staircase or a pontoon, of varying lengths, that connects them to the mainland. It's always impressive to see these fishermen's huts standing above the water, braving the wind and tides! Here are the best spots to observe carrelets in the area. Who knows, you might even be lucky enough to catch a fisherman working his net?

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1. The Concié in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer

When taking the Sentier des Douaniers (Customs Officers ' Path ) from the Grande Côte, the Concié cove is a prime spot for admiring the fishing huts on stilts. On either side of the rocky inlet, they face the vastness of the Atlantic. To the left, the panorama even allows you to make out the silhouette of the Terre-Nègre lighthouse.

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2. The Caillaud cliff in Talmont-sur-Gironde

Numerous fishing huts on stilts dot the banks of the Gironde estuary. The Caillaud cliff is one of the most remarkable spots. There, you'll find a line of more than a dozen huts connected to the cliff by long walkways. As an added bonus, the view of the promontory overlooking the listed village of Talmont-sur-Gironde is breathtaking!

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3. Pontaillac Beach in Royan

Pontaillac , a trendy district of Royan, is nonetheless a historic area. This is evidenced by the row of fishing huts (carrelets) that line the beach on the right. At the beginning of the 20th century, while some enjoyed sea bathing , others indulged in the pleasures of fishing.

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4. The Pilou cliff in Barzan

A little further south, near Barzan-plage , lies a peaceful and unspoiled spot. Here, fishing huts on stilts extend into the Gironde estuary, following the curves of the Pilou cliff . The landscapes are breathtaking when the sun illuminates the white limestone.

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5. Le Breuil, between L'Eguille and Saujon

The Seudre estuary also boasts some beautiful spots for admiring fishing huts on stilts. From Saujon, follow the Seudre Trails that run along the estuary. At Le Breuil, these huts are revealed in an unusual setting, amidst the marshes . A tip? The beauty of the place is most striking at high tide.

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6. Port Maran to Arces

Here's a spot well-known to locals and very pleasant for observing fishing huts on the Gironde estuary. Halfway between Meschers and Talmont , you can reach Port Maran on foot or by bike, following the marked coastal path Le Canal des 2 Mers®. At the end of the walk, a picturesque landscape of fishing huts unfolds before you.

Now it's your turn! Share your best photos of fishing huts on social media #royanatlantique

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