La Tremblade: between land, sea and estuary

The Indian summer settles in Charente-Maritime. Far from the summer crowds, this time of year makes us want to get away from it all and enjoy the still pleasant temperatures. Nestled between Marennes and Royan, the charming little port of La Tremblade is one of the main oyster farming centers in the Marennes-Oléron basin. Here, whatever the weather or the season, oysters have been pampered for generations. La Seudre, the marshes, the channel and the port of La Grève… La Tremblade enchants with its varied landscapes, its iodized air, the sweetness of life that reigns there and its sense of simple pleasures.

Land side or sea side, why choose?

Located on the Arvert peninsula, on the left bank of the Seudre estuary, facing Marennes and the island of Oléron, the small oyster farming town has been linked since 1972 by the Seudre viaduct which offers a sumptuous panorama of the Atlantic, the mouth of the river and its oyster beds. Head to the port of La Tremblade for an amazing trip along the water and a gourmet discovery of the estuary.

With its multicolored wooden huts, its pontoons that gently jut out into the channel, the port of La Tremblade is irresistibly original. Straight and perpendicular to the Seudre, it does not form a basin like the classic ports but rather a channel that stretches to the boarding jetty, gradually widening over about two kilometers, with wharfs on both banks. A picture postcard landscape on the estuary, this channel is the lifeline of the oyster port, known as the Chenal de La Tremblade, Grand Chenal, or "La Grève". It comes alive according to the tides with the merry coming and going of the boats, these small oyster barges called here "plates" which rub shoulders with pretty little boats and beautiful pleasure boats... Photogenic as you wish, this channel is a place of the most authentic rides in Charente-Maritime, with its quays strewn with heaps of oyster shells, large black plastic pockets, lockers and fishing nets.

On the water as well as on the shores, this effervescence contrasts with the serenity of the natural spaces and the surrounding marshes converted into “claires”, places of ripening for the oysters of the Marennes-Oléron basin. These unique landscapes, between land and sea, largely contribute to the picturesque charm of this oyster port which lives to the rhythm of the tides. All around, these large mudflats are a delight for the birds that live together in the estuary: herons, gulls, little egrets, sandpipers or spoonbills. This tells you the treasure of biodiversity that is nestled there.

First oyster port in France

Ahead of Brittany and the Arcachon basin, the Marennes-Oléron basin is the leading oyster producer in France. The port of La Tremblade hosts nearly a hundred farms, offering multiple sites suitable for oyster farming. With courage and humility, women and men have been able to observe, understand and apprehend this very special environment to make shellfish farming one of the main activities of the Seudre estuary. Refined in "clares" rich in plankton, the Marennes oyster is distinguished by its green color in contact with an algae, the blue navicula and by its power in the mouth.

In the 17th century the prosperity of La Tremblade was mainly based on its port and its salt marshes. However, the famous green oysters from the "Isles d'Arvert" were already famous dishes, prized by King Louis XIV and the French bourgeoisie.

To find out more about the Marennes-Oléron oyster basin, do not hesitate to visit the Maritime Museum of La Tremblade , located on Boulevard Roger Letelié. From its history to the work of the oyster farmer, the oyster will have no more secrets for you!

Unmissable tasting of oysters and shellfish!

Along the quay, a multitude of traditional restaurants specializing in seafood and fish await you for a gourmet break. For lunch, dinner, or tasting at any time, get a front row seat with the families of oyster farmers , facing the ball of the boats and the huts used for the operations of unpacking and sorting. On the menu: oysters of course… fine de claires, specials, sprouts en claires, number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 according to your desires.

Clams, cockles, clams, mussels, cakes, razor clams and langoustines complete the menus which highlight the quality of these jewels of the seas in all simplicity. Accompanied by buttered bread and a glass of chilled white wine to toast, it's paradise! You will appreciate the summer entertainment as much as the relaxed rhythm of life that reigns here out of season. The sense of hospitality of Trembladais and Trembladaises is not a legend. If you want to treat yourself at home, most producers offer the sale of seafood to take away. Freshness guaranteed!

Enjoy the changing lights and seascape compositions. Take a deep breath of the iodized air sheltered from the spray. Let yourself be carried away by the unique atmosphere offered by La Tremblade in the fall!

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Photos and Article written by Lesley Williamson.