? Theme: Art and Culture
? Poï’z: Zart the artist
? Distance: 3 km
⌚️ Duration: 1h30-2h
⚔️ Difficulty: ⭐️
?️ Terrain: ⭐️ (accessible with pushchair)
? Town: Châtelaillon-Plage
Pssst: The application and all the tours on this route are free. Isn’t the town beautiful?
And it couldn’t be easier. Go to the Terra Aventura website and follow the instructions. It’s now up to you!
Did you know?
You can also print out your route sheet directly from the website or from your Tourist Office.
? N46°04.999′ / W001°05.824′
Your 100% architectural adventure begins north of the beach at Châtelaillon. Can you hear the cannonballs whistling? Don’t worry! Here, the history of Fort Saint-Jean still resonates. A vestige of 14th-century military architecture, it sprang straight from Napoleon’s mind and Vauban’s plans. The solid square tower served as a guardhouse for the Atlantic coast.
What happened next? Decommissioned, then converted into a hammam, the building was annexed by the German army during the Second World War. It now belongs to a private owner. Clearly, everyone has a soft spot for the Fort!
? N46°04.769′ / W001°05.697′
Before heading for Châtelaillon town centre, head for the Pointe de Fouras to get a little further out into the ocean. Say, Zart, you can see a lot from the coast! Swap your spoon for your binoculars and scan the horizon. Hmmm… To the left? It looks like the little island of Aix with its twin red and white lighthouses. And behind, much more imposing, must be the island of Oléron.
On the right? You can see the Ile de Ré, easily recognisable by the bridge linking it to La Rochelle. And let’s not forget the unmissable Forts! Boyard or Énet, they once provided security for the mouth of the Charente and the Rochefort Arsenal. The English had better watch out!
? N46°04.764′ / W001°05.621′
Your treasure hunt continues in Châtelaillon town centre with a nice leap back in time. Rue Beauséjour is a page from the resort’s seaside history! It’s a page that began to be written in the 1900s, with the success of sea bathing and the railway boom. Paris-Atlantic in 10 hours, a revolution for holidaymakers!
Ladies were given beach cabins at the Hôtel Beauséjour, where they changed before being transported to the beach by the gentlemen. Once in the sea, they were taken back in the same way. Was it strange? Not so much at the time…
? N46°04.576′ / W001°05.626′ ?
During the Belle Époque, this is where the wildest evenings were spent! Umbrellas and top hats flocked from the beach to sample the exhilaration of gambling and cocktails for an evening.
Now,behind the big glass roof with its ocean view, you can tease the one-armed bandits and savour the delicious menu of the Eiffel restaurant. And above all, find the next clue!
? N46°04.350′ / W001°05.590′ ?
The architecture of Châtelaillontown centre is as rich as it is varied. A stroll through the streets will reveal 6 main types of building:
Zart’s tip: You can always tell a villa by its symmetrical openings and central pointed roof. Keep your eyes peeled, Zartists!
Among the most beautiful villas in Châtelaillon town centre are Villa Stella Maris in lavender blue, Villa des Dunes with its fine mantling and Villa Notre Dame des Flots with its elegant ceramics.
Which is your favourite? Make your choice quickly – the treasure trove is not far away!
