The best known sites to see and Mylène's "hidden treasures"

At just 30 minutes from La Rochelle and one hour from Futuroscope Grand Courdeault is ideally situated with many activities and things to see and do just a short drive away. Whether you want to visit the coast or go inland or love visiting historic monuments you will be surprised at all there is to see.

Here you find some of the most famous visits but there are also the “pearls” of Mylène. Lesser known visits which we recommend you take the time out to discover.

If you'd like more information on one of the topics below - just click on the image or the hyperlink in the text

Major tourist attractions

With just over 3 million litres of seawater and , home to everything from fragile jellyfish to fascinating sharks visiting the aquarium will allow you to embark upon a unique voyage to learn about the sea.

Cross the bridge half an hour away from Grand Courdeault and discover this genuine island just off the Atlantic coast. The bridge is just under 3kms long and links the 85km² Island to the mainland although once on the island you feel thousands of miles away from La Rochelle which is just across the water.

At just one hour door to door from Grand Courdeault have a great family day out. Originally built to celebrate the cinematic industry Futuroscope has developped over the years to become the second most visited theme park in all of France.

The Marais Poitevin regional nature park covers 197000 hectares and is home to just over 280 thousand people spread over 92 villages. It is the biggest wetland environment on the Atlantic coast.

Come and discover an exceptionally rich and unique habitat and ecological system.

A une heure et demie seulement du Grand Courdeault on trouve Le Puy du Fou. C’est un lieu où les visiteurs oublient le XXIe siècle et partent pour un grand voyage dans le temps à travers les époques, les spectacles, et la gastronomie en totale liberté !

There are so many things to discover in La Rochelle. A 12century fishing and commercial hub which can be seen in the Vieux Port and the ultramodern marina - Les Minimes. Old medieval houses and renaissance architecture ..

From the land to the sea, from the hemp fields to the king's sailing ships - come and meet the rope makers in their historic 367m long rope-making factory on the banks of the Charente river.

A modern zoo containing many endangered species, it's goal is not only to let people see the animals but also understand the challenges that need to be overcome to protect them.

Cross the 2.6km bridge just half an hour away from Grand Courdeault and discover this famous Island. A stone's throw off the Atlantic coast the island can be visited entirely by bicycle on its many dedicated pathways.l

At just one hour door to door from Grand Courdeault have a great family day out. Originally built to celebrate the cinematic industry Futuroscope has developed over the years to become the second most visited theme park in all of France.

The Marais Poitevin regional nature park covers 204,822 hectares and is home to just over 280 thousand people spread over 92 villages. It is the biggest wetland environment on the Atlantic coast.
Come and discover an exceptionally rich and unique habitat and ecological system.

When you step into the Puy du Fou theme park you are transported back in time meeting Joan of Arc, Viking raiders and the 3 Musketeers. Do not miss the wild bird show or the chariot racing in the Roman amphitheater.

There are so many things to discover in La Rochelle. It's history as a seafaring and trading hub, the modern marina, the Aquarium, the Francofolies music festival, the old town with it's wooden timbered houses and arched shopping streets. There is something for everybody. Many great restaurants are to be found here, including one with 3 Michelin stars.

From the land to the sea, from the hemp fields to the king's sailing ships - come and meet the rope makers in their historic 367m long rope-making factory on the banks of the Charente river.

A modern zoo whose goal is not only to allow people to meet the animals but also understand the challenges that need to be overcome to protect them.

From the land to the sea, from the hemp fields to the king's sailing ships - come and meet the rope makers in their historic 367m long rope-making factory on the banks of the Charente river.

A modern zoo whose goal is not only to allow people to meet the animals but also understand the challenges that need to be overcome to protect them.

Mylène's "hidden treasures" - Seaside

Chatelaillon beach at high tide

“A charming Charentaise seaside town. Above all I recommend you to visit the beach at high tide. For me it's the prettiest beach in the area and only 30 minutes away from Grand Courdeault”. Mylène

Aix Island

"A 20-minute boat ride from La Rochelle and what a trip! You will go around Fort Boyard to get there and once on the island - the discovery - there are no cars allowed. To get around the island - you can either walk or take a bike. Slow down and take it easy..." Mylène

A Sea trip on a catamaran or sailboat from La Rochelle

" Discover the Seas safely and in a friendly atmosphere by exploring the Rochelais coastline and the islands of Ré, Aix or Oléron. A nice way to visit the region differently with the team of https://www.kapalouest.com/”. Mylène

Mylène's "hidden treasures" - inland

Maison Bégaud

“Few people know that Les Gîtes de Grand Courdeault is located in the recognized Cognac-controlled production area. Here, the local "aperitif" is Pineau. This is why I offer you a small bottle when you get here. If you like it (most people do) and want to know more about how it is made, I suggest you visit the Maison Bégaud, producers of Cognac and Pineau, also long-time friends.

https://www.begaudcognac.com/

In high season tasting visits are scheduled but out of season you can call La Maison Bégaud directly and mention my name to organize your visit. ” – Mylène

The locks in Bazoin

“The Marais Poitevin is an unusual area that local people particularly enjoy. Built by Monks from Holland to help manage the local water supply it can be enjoyed by boat, canoe, on foot, or by bike. Here I advise you to go to Le Marais Sauvage at BazoinIt's only 15 15-minute drive from Grand Courdeault - but you really get the impression to be in another world." - Mylène

The birds of the Marais Poitevin

"The ornithological reserve « Les Oiseaux du Marais Poitevin » is a great place for young and old to learn about birds and the Marais Poitevin." - Mylène

Zoodyssée Animal Park

30 minutes drive from Grand Courdeault is Chizé zoo. One of my children and grandchildren's favorite places to visit. There is space for the visitors and the animals. It's calm, it's well kept and fun and instructive for all the family." - Mylène

Pié de Font - walking trail

"All around Grand Courdeault there are many walks to do. Straight out of the front door, you can walk in the wide open fields around Grand Courdeault or you can choose to walk along a designated hiking path.

Here is a link which will show you a hiking path right next door to Grand Courdeault. On the same website find many other local hikes that are waiting to be explored." - Mylène

Mylène's "hidden treasures" - historic monuments

Brouages

"At first glance, Brouages seems to be simply a fortified town situated in the marshlands between Rochefort and Oléron Island. In fact, a long time ago it was a seaport whose livelihood depended upon the salt trade although today it is oysters that drive the local economy. The famous Cardinal Richelieu made it a fortress in the 17th century made up of townhouses, storage halls, gunpowder stores, blacksmith forges, and underground quays leading out to the sea nearby. The Canadian stained glass windows at the church also remind us that Samuel de Champlain - the founder of Quebec - was born in Brouages." - Mylène

Maillezais Abbey

« Originally a fortress, then an abbey later to become a cathedral, Maillezais developed over the centuries to become a powerful religious hub. The ruins are a remarkable site and a favorite of my guests. » - Mylène

The Roman church at Saint Pierre d'Aulnay

"It's not really a visit young children will enjoy as there are no guided tours - however this XIIth century church is very popular among the people who stay at Grand Courdeault. Extremely well preserved and situated on the St Jacques de Compostelle road there are a lot of interesting things to see. I have included a link - un lien - towards an article should you want to discover a little more if you're thinking about going there." - Mylène

Surgères - Terra Ventura - a family visit

"At only 10 minutes from Grand Courdeault you have perhaps heard of the famous "Surgères butter" but are probably somewhat less aware of the historic walled town centre. There is a very easy , fun family visit using the App TERRA AVENTURASurgères is 10 minutes drive from Grand Courdeault. Perhaps you have heard about the famous Surgères butter but do you know it's historic town centre? There is a family fun and easy walking tour to do using the App TERRA VENTURA. Let it lead you along the trail. Try out the App in Surgères and if you like it discover the many trails across France. In Charente Maritime TERRA VENTURA offers 20 fun trails to discover including one in Brouages. It's a fun family treasure hunt. Try the App. It's free." Mylène