At the base of the island of Oléron bridge, the municipality of Bourcefranc-le-Chapus has a privileged position on the Marennes. Facing the sea, this small town of 3,100 inhabitants is the first oyster port of Canton. Bourcefranc-le-Chapus, last town before the Oleron island, consists of two villages. Bourcefranc (from "frank town" because free of taxes) and Le Chapus (from "caput" or Latin in the lead). It is today the largest oyster port of Marennes-Oléron basin. Besides, the town hosts the Lycée de la Mer and Littoral, training young people for careers in the sea and, in particular, oyster farming.
Fort Louvois, built by Vauban and now a historical monument, is a must visit site.
With its wooden shacks on stilts, its marshes and clear beach with a sailing school, Bourcefranc-le-Chapus is a pleasant place to stay in the heart of the country Marennes - Oleron.
Its position is ideal for touring the area: on one side, Oleron Island, with its long sandy beaches and forests, and on the other, the Marennes with his City of the oyster, Brouage and ramparts of the seventeenth century, in the middle of the marsh.
Paris 500 km - 150 km Bordeaux.
The town consists of different villages. Besides Bourcefranc Le Chapus and she has the Pimpelière, La Sainceaudière, Chestnut and part villages Nodes and Chaînade. Historically activity is turned towards the sea. In the past fishermen and salt workers, residents are now many oyster farmers and fishermen for some others. Bourcefranc-le-Chapus has a very substantial shellfish logistics platform for shipment of shellfish and oysters in particular. This is Bourcefranc one takes the overpass to get to the island of Oleron.
