Mornac sur Seudre

Looking for an authentic, picturesque destination for your next excursion? Charente-Maritime ? Look no further, Mornac sur Seudre is a must-visit gem!

One of France's most beautiful villages, Mornac-sur-Seudre will captivate you with its rich medieval heritage, iconic oyster port, salt marsh landscapes and magnificently preserved nature. Nestled on the Arvert peninsula, not far from Royan and framed by the majestic Coubre forest, Mornac-sur-Seudre is the perfect getaway for those looking to revitalize, explore, savor delicious food and soak up local culture.

In this detailed guide, we invite you to discover the captivating charm of this village, its must-see places, entertaining activities and unique experiences that will leave a lasting impression. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty and character of Mornac-sur-Seudre!

Discover Mornac-sur-Seudre: a jewel of Charente-Maritime

A brief history of the village

Mornac-sur-Seudre, a village rich in history, traces its roots back to Merovingian times in the 6th century. Its economic development took off in the 12th century, driven by fishing activities and the salt trade, essential thanks to the Seudre salt marshes.

The port of Plordonnier was a nerve center for trade, linking the village to neighboring regions and further afield. The village has preserved its oyster-farming tradition to this day, affirming its status as a key center of Marennes-Oléron oyster cultivation.

Typical architecture and picturesque alleyways

The village of Mornac sur Seudre has wonderfully preserved its medieval architectural heritage. The church of Saint-Pierre stands as a perfect example of the Saintonge Romanesque style, dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, with its fortified bell tower, the historic refuge of the inhabitants.

The central halls are the beating heart of the village, bustling with markets and festivities. The narrow paved streets, surrounded by whitewashed houses with colorful shutters, are adorned with hollyhocks, adding a lively and charming touch to the whole. The many art galleries, craftsmen and second-hand booksellers enrich these walks with unique discoveries.

Ranking among France's most beautiful villages

Since 1988, just like the village of Talmont sur GirondeMornac-sur-Seudre is a proud member of the elite "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (Most Beautiful Villages in France), a distinction that honours its commitment to promoting its heritage and natural setting. In 2011, it also joined the "Villages de pierres et d'eau" network, highlighting the charms of waterside villages.

Between land and sea, Mornac-sur-Seudre is an invitation to explore the alliance between history, culture, nature and gastronomy, in a setting that is quite simply exceptional.

Must-sees in Mornac-sur-Seudre

The oyster port and its colorful huts

The port of Mornac sur Seudre is the soul of the village, vibrating to the rhythm of the age-old oyster-farming tradition. Admire the colorful huts of the oyster farmers is a must, as are those of La TrembladeThey not only house the equipment and the oysters, but some have been transformed into charming boutiques, workshops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to enjoy the famous Marennes-Oléron oysters, proudly PDO. The port also offers a breathtaking view of the Seudre estuary and the medieval Plordonnier lighthouse, essential to old-fashioned navigation in the channel.

Saint-Pierre church and its heritage

Saint-Pierre church stands as the village's oldest and most prestigious jewel, in the typical Saintonge Romanesque style of the 11th and 12th centuries. With its fortified bell tower, it has long served as a refuge for the inhabitants. Inside, you'll find treasures such as a shell stoup, an 18th-century organ and 19th-century frescoes. Listed as a historic monument since 1907, the church's garden conceals ancient Merovingian and Carolingian sarcophagi.

The traditional market and local produce

The Mornac-sur-Seudre market is the epicurean's rendezvous, bustling on Wednesday and Sunday mornings under the 16th-century covered market halls. The place also comes alive with nocturnes and summer events. Come and discover an array of local produce: seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, goat's cheese, artisan bread, honey, wine and, of course, oysters. It's the perfect opportunity to sample Charente-Maritime specialities such as cagouilles, jonchées and galettes charentaises.

Salt marshes: a unique ecosystem

The salt marshes of Mornac-sur-Seudre are a remarkable ecosystem, inhabited by fauna and flora specialized in surviving in a saline environment. A wide variety of birds such as herons, egrets, storks and avocets can be seen here, as well as unusual plants such as glasswort and obione. These marshes are also the production site for Seudre salt, which has been awarded a PGI. A visit to the saltworks is a unique opportunity to meet the salt-makers, who share their passion for their trade and the transmission of their ancestral know-how.

The sailboat La Flèche

The sailboat La Flèche is a 9.80-meter cutter built in 1954 by Bernard frères in La Tremblade for the Baudit family, fishermen from Mornac-sur-Seudre. For more than 20 years, she plied the Marennes-Oléron basin for fishing and oyster farming.

In 1985, it was sold to the Maison Heureuse educational leisure association in Boyardville for pleasure boating. But soon, La Flèche In 1992, she was saved by the Seudre et mer association, which undertook her restoration. The yacht was classified as a historic monument in 2000.

La Flèche is now an ambassador for the Seudre's maritime heritage. It offers sea outings to discover the basin and the traditional skills of fishing and oyster farming.

If you would like to sail aboard La Flèche, please contact the Seudre et mer association:

• Address: Maison du Marais, 17113 Mornac-sur-Seudre
• Phone number: +33 5 46 92 00 20
• Website: http://association-seudre-et-mer.wifeo.com/

Activities and experiences not to be missed

Markets in Mornac-sur-Seudre

• The market takes place every Friday morning in the church square.

Flea markets in Mornac-sur-Seudre

• Flea market and garage sale:
  
  • Date: September 7, 2024
  • Time: 8:00 a.m.
  • Location: Parking de la Cure

Nearby flea markets

• Brocante du Challenge pédestre Pays Royannais:
  
  • Date: July 28, 2024
  • Location: Saint-Augustin (7.5 km from Mornac-sur-Seudre)
• Flea market - garage sale:
  
  • Date: August 11, 2024
  • Location: Saujon (7.7 km from Mornac-sur-Seudre)
• Firefighters' flea market at St Palais lake:
  
  • Date: July 28, 2024
  • Location: Saint-Palais-sur-Mer (8.8 km from Mornac-sur-Seudre)
• Summer flea market:
  
  • Date: August 18, 2024
  • Location: Saint-Georges-de-Didonne (10.6 km from Mornac-sur-Seudre)

Boat trips through the marshes

A boat trip through the marshes of Mornac-sur-Seudre is an experience not to be missed. This trip lets you explore the canals, salt meadows and oyster huts, while enjoying the calm and unspoilt beauty of nature. It's also an opportunity to observe the local flora and fauna, while learning about the history and workings of the marshes. A number of service providers, departing from the port of Mornac-sur-Seudre, offer boat excursions, with or without a guide.

Walks around the village

For walking enthusiasts, Mornac-sur-Seudre offers a wide range of hiking trails. A variety of circuits, suitable for all levels, allow you to discover the village's heritage and natural surroundings. Among these, the Chenal de Téger loop offers an immersion in the salt marshes, while the artisans' walk takes you through local workshops. Maps and information are available from the Mornac-sur-Seudre tourist office.

Discover traditional trades: salt and oyster farmers

The village of Mornac-sur-Seudre proudly preserves its traditional trades, particularly salt and oyster production. Encounters with salt and oyster farmers offer a fascinating insight into their world. Visits to the salt works and oyster huts reveal the age-old methods of salt harvesting and oyster farming. Take advantage of these visits to sample local products, emblems of regional know-how.

Festivals and cultural events

Mornac-sur-Seudre comes alive all year round with its festivals and cultural events. The comic strip festival in May, the street arts festival in July, featuring theater, music, circus and dance, and the port festival in August, celebrating oyster culture with entertainment, tastings and fireworks, are just some of the highlights not to be missed.

• Book Fair:
  
  • Date: August 3, 2024
  • Time: 9:00 a.m.
  • Location: Sous les halles

• Visit Port Festival of Mornac-sur-Seudre is an annual event that takes place on July 14ththe French national holiday.

  The day begins with a parade of local brotherhoods and associations, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial. The afternoon is devoted to entertainment: traditional games, concerts, street shows...

   

  In the evening, a grand fireworks display is set off on the harbour, before a popular ball brings the day to a close.

Conclusion

Mornac-sur-Seudre, with its rich medieval heritage, charming oyster port, picturesque salt marshes and unspoilt nature, offers a range of unforgettable experiences. The village is the perfect destination for those looking to relax, explore, savor delicious specialties and immerse themselves in the local culture.

Whatever your interests - history, art, gastronomy or a love of nature - Mornac-sur-Seudre promises to meet your expectations. Don't miss the opportunity to discover this jewel in the crown of France's most beautiful villages.

A memorable adventure awaits you!

FAQ

What are the main attractions in Mornac-sur-Seudre?

In Mornac-sur-Seudre, a medieval oyster-farming village classified as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages, you can explore :

• The charm of white houses with colorful shutters, the Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre, centuries-old covered market halls and flower-decked alleyways.
• The salt marsh and its salt production techniques, with representative wetland flora and fauna.
• Water-based activities include cruises on the Seudre, kayaking, stand-up paddling and the picturesque "train des mouettes" (seagull train) for a breathtaking view of the landscape.

How do I get to Mornac-sur-Seudre from Bordeaux, La Rochelle or Royan?

From Bordeauxoptions include :

• The train via Saintesfaster but more expensive.
• The night bus and the bus, for an economical but longer journey.
• The car, for a flexible, low-cost solution.

From La Rochelleyou have :

• Cabs are fast but expensive.
• The bus, the cheapest but longest journey.
• The train, offering a good compromise in comfort.
• The car, similar to the cab but more affordable.

From Royanthe possibilities are :

• The bus, the cheapest but longest option.
• Cabs and cars are faster, but also more expensive.
• Please note that there is no direct train connection between Royan and Mornac-sur-Seudre.

Where to stay and eat in Mornac-sur-Seudre?

For your stay, choose from several rentals or gîtes offered directly by private individuals on the loclilala vacances website.

When it comes to gastronomy, savour local specialities in restaurants such as Les Basses Amarres, Le Bar Ouf or La Cambuse.

What activities are available in Mornac-sur-Seudre for families, couples or friends?

Recommended activities :

• Explore the listed village, with its artisan shops and historic buildings.
• Engage in water activities and hiking to enjoy the surrounding nature.
• Visit the Palmyre zoo, a popular attraction for its animal diversity in a natural setting.
• Have fun at Pirate Parc Royan, an indoor amusement park designed for children.
• Take part in equestrian activities at Les Mathines stables, offering lessons and rides for all levels.