Marennes, Charente Maritime

Description:

Geography and Transport

Marennes is a small town situated on the north side of the River Seudre and its estuary, on the Atlantic coast of Charente Maritime.  The commune covers an area of 20.09km^2.  It is on the D728 from Saintes, which is the main road heading towards the Pont Viaduc d'Oleron, and access to the Ile d'Oleron itself.  At Saintes (41km) it is possible to connect with the A10 motorway.  The D728E takes traffic south from Marennes and over the estuary to La Tremblade and Les Mathes.  The nearest rail link is at Rochefort (24km) for access to the TER regional trains, and the nearest commercial airport offering flights to the UK is La Rochelle (58km). 
See also:  La Tremblade, La Palmyre-Les Mathes, Saint Trojan les Bains

Climate

The maritime climate here keeps winters mild and summers warm (but not too hot) and  is within an area that receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.   Average daytime summer temperatures here are a few degrees cooler than neighbouring Royan, with 20C to 23C (15C to 17C night).  Winter daytime temperatures are 9C to 10C (6C to 7C night).  The wettest month is November (62mm), and March and May to August are the driest months with between 24mm and 29mm.  September is normally warmer than June, with 21C daytime, and 16C night.

Tourism

The Bassin de Marennes-Oleron has 3000ha dedicated to the farming of oysters, and it produces 60% of the oysters in France.  The Cite de l'Huitre is a discovery centre with themed ‘Cabanes' that introduce you to oyster culture and farming.  The site is 4km long, and can be accessed from La Cayenne Port in Marennes.  Visitors can walk or hire a bicycle, and there is also a small train to shuttle people between attractions.  The Port de Cayenne also has boat trips on offer, and in the summer season pedestrians and cyclists can catch a 9 place ferry from Marennes to La Tremblade (Les Bateaux Passeurs).

L'Eglise Saint-Pierre de Sales is a landmark in the town, with an 85m tall spire.  Originally founded in 1047, the church has been re-built during the 14^th and 15^th centuries, and is open to visitors all year.  Nearby is the Chateau de la Gataudiere, an 18^th century building that not only offers guided tours, but also hosts an adventure parc and paintball facility within the grounds.  Parc d'Arbre en Arbre offers a number of rope swings, bridges and other climbing activities. Marennes has a sandy beach which has lifeguards during the season, and is backed by a sweeping promenade, ideal for jogging or cycling.  The beach also offers volleyball and watersports such as sailing.

Fort Louvois, which is accessible from the Pointe du Chapus is a 17^th century fort constructed to help protect the armouries at Rochefort.  Marquis de Louvois (Minister for War to Louis XIV) started the project, but the plans were later scaled down by Vauban, who completed the project in 1694.  The fort is accessible by a 400m causeway.

Every 2 years in July, Marennes holds an art exhibition ‘Exposition des Arts Plastiques, where amateurs and professionals show off their skills at oil and water painting, sculpture and other arts.

Economy

Marennes is part of the Saintonge Maritime economic zone which has an unemployment rate of 11.4%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006). 

Facilities

The town has most facilities including supermarkets, restaurants, cafes and an outdoor swimming pool (open summer only).

Education

There is a state nursery , primary and secondary school in Marennes, but for college (Lycee) the nearest facilities are at Bourcefranc le Chapus (4km).     

Key Stats

Most of the properties in Marennes are main residences 82.2%, with 12.1% are classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (30% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (26.8% vs 18.2%).  20.2% of the local population are under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (48.1% vs 51.9%).

Key Facilities and Services: