Port-Des-Barques and Île Madame are part of the Grand Site de France “Estuary of the Charente – Rochefort Arsenal”. The coastal landscape, nature and history give the destination several distinct points of interest: on Île Madame, a protected natural area sits alongside military heritage and oyster farming; at Pointe de Port-des-Barques, a coastal path and a restored dune edge shape the redesigned landscape. When planning your trip, you can decide which of these themes matter most to you.
Coastal scenery and activities on the water
Work at Pointe de Port-des-Barques was reported as completed in April 2026. The redesign includes a restored dune edge, with almost two hectares returned to characteristic local vegetation. The Pointe also has a three-kilometre coastal path. These specific dimensions and landscape features provide a clear picture of the coastal area without implying any particular walking time or level of difficulty.
Water activities also differ considerably. Recreational freshwater fishing is possible at Lac des Rouches. On Île Madame, at Passe aux filles, there is a guided introduction to recreational mudflat fishing. It includes observing marine life and practising in a responsible way that protects biodiversity. Comparing these two activities shows the difference between fishing at a freshwater lake and a guided exploration of the mudflats and their wildlife.
At Plage des Anses, a water basin makes swimming possible regardless of the tide. This is a distinct coastal feature alongside the three-kilometre path and fishing activities: here, the focus is on swimming independently of the tide.
Fort, chapel and oyster farming
Fort de l’Île Madame was built in the early 18th century to help defend the Rochefort Arsenal. Its rooftop terrace is accessible on a guided tour, and has a viewpoint overlooking the Charente estuary and the Pertuis Sea. If you are interested in the fort, a guided tour is therefore part of the access arrangements described for the rooftop terrace.
Another trace of history leads to Chapelle Notre Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse. It was completed and opened for worship in 1948 using stones from the Rochefort Arsenal, which was destroyed in 1944. The fort and chapel thus point to different periods of local history: the fort dates from the early 18th century, while the events of 1944 and the chapel’s completion four years later are central to its story.
Oyster farming can be experienced at two specific locations. Les Cabanes de l’Estuaire is an ecomuseum housed in a former oyster hut within an active oyster farm in Port-des-Barques. On Île Madame, Ferme Aquacole offers oyster tastings and guided tours of the farm. Opening arrangements may vary; check them if you plan to take a tasting or guided tour.
To choose between the local attractions, it helps to consider their different focuses: Pointe brings together coastal landscaping and a clearly defined path, while Île Madame combines a natural area, a fort and oyster-related activities. There are also the freshwater lake and the tide-independent swimming basin as distinct ways to enjoy the water. This can help you decide whether the coast, nature, history or oyster farming should shape your trip to Port-Des-Barques most.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Clément-Des-Baleines, Siecq, Mortiers, Saint-Romain-sur-Gironde, Mazeray, Ozillac, Sainte-Marie-De-Ré, Vandré
See the full travel guide: Charente-Maritime.
