Mornac sur Seudre, Charente Maritime

Description:

Geography and Transport

Mornac sur Seudre is a classic Charente coastal village, situated on the left bank of the River Seudre. 

The commune covers an area of 5.92km².  The village is situated north of Royan, on the D733 that takes traffic through the surrounding marshes.  The A10 motorway and other routes are available at Saintes (36km).  The nearest rail link is with the TER regional network at nearby Saujon (10km).  La Rochelle is the nearest commercial airport offering flights to the UK, where there are a number of budget airlines operating a variety of routes.

See also:  Saujon, Les Mathes, Royan

Climate

The maritime climate here keeps winters mild and summers warm (but not too hot).  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 23 and 28mm.  September is normally warmer than June, with 21C daytime, and 16C night.  Mornac sur Seudre is within an area that receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.

Tourism

Mornac sur Seudre is a traditional oyster village, with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings and pastel-blue shutters. It is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France). There are restaurants here, and small craft shops and boutiques, selling things such as leather, paintings and pottery.  The fortified St Nicholas Church is an 11^th century structure, and its fortified bell tower offers panoramic views over the town, marshes and oyster beds.  There is also a 14^th century covered market place (Les Halles). 

Nearby at Marennes (26km) is La Cite de l'Huitre, a visitor attraction where it is possible to walk, cycle or take a small train around the oyster beds, and learn about oyster farming, and the marshes.  Within a similar distance is the Cote Sauvage, with around 20km of protected and unspoilt beaches, backed by dunes and pine forest.

Economy

The economy of the village based on oyster farming, salt production and tourism.   Mornac sur Seudre 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 village has basic amenities, the nearest supermarket is at Saint Sulpice de Royan (6km) and a public swimming pool can be found in Saujon (10km)

Education

There is 1 state primary school in the village, and a nursery school in nearby Breuillet (3km).  For secondary schools and college (Lycee) children need to travel to Royan (12km).     

Key Stats

Most of the properties in Mornac sur Seudre are main residences 71.6%, with 24.9% classed as second homes.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (24.5% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (28% vs 18.2%).  21.5% of the local population are under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (45.7% vs 54.3%).

Key Facilities and Services: