MARENNES & BROUAGE

OVERVIEW

Choose the road less traveled and relish an oyster tasting on this journey to the villages of Brouage and Marennes. Relax on a scenic one-hour drive to Brouage, once a port city guarded by a 17th-century fortress that fell into ruin after its harbor silted up and the town suddenly found itself nearly two miles from the sea, deep in the marshes. You’ll discover the area has since been repopulated and the land reclaimed into lush meadows where cattle graze happily. During your approximately one-hour visit, hear wonderful tales held by the city’s ancient walls which tell of Brouage-born Samuel de Champlain, founder of Quebec, and the love story of Marie Mancini and Louise XIV. Travel to captivating Marennes, a magnet for gourmets thanks to the village’s renowned oyster-farming basin. On your visit to a farm specializing in this delicacy, you’ll observe the fascinating methods employed in growing these coveted mollusks. You’ll savor a tasting of six delectable oysters accompanied with bread, butter and quintessentially French white wine as you celebrate the succulent charms of La Belle France.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Uncover the fascinating history of Brouage, once a port city that is now inland after the sea receded.
• Learn of Brouage’s storied citizens, including Quebec’s founder Samuel de Champlain.
• Visit an oyster producer and see how the mouthwatering mollusks are farmed in the foodie paradise of Marennes.
• Sample six savory oysters paired with local buttered bread and white wine.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.