Charente-Maritime, with its iconic islands — Ré and Oléron — has 460 km of Atlantic coastline rich in maritime activities. The 4 to 6 metre tidal range sets the rhythm for oyster farmers, shore fishers, and sailors. At low tide, the rocky platforms of Île de Ré reveal medieval fish traps, witnesses to centuries of harnessing the tides.
La Rochelle, the leading marina on the Atlantic seaboard, Royan at the mouth of the Gironde, and the oyster villages of Marennes-Oléron all depend daily on tide times. The Pertuis d'Antioche and Pertuis Breton, maritime channels between the islands and the mainland, experience strong tidal currents that demand expert navigation.
