La Tremblade is a town on the Atlantic coast in the department of Charente-Maritime in the region of New Aquitaine, 20 km north of Royan and 50 km west of Saintes.
The vast communal territory (61 km²) includes the village of La Tremblade on the left bank of the estuary of the Seudre, bordered by marshes, and the seaside resort of Ronce-les-Bains, on the ocean.
La Tremblade was developed in the Middle Ages thanks to its salt marshes and then as a fishing harbor and commercial port (transport of salt from the 14th century onwards to merchandise to New France). A stronghold of Protestantism, the locality was very early also a stronghold of oyster farming (as early as the 17th century). This is still the case today: La Tremblade has about ten trawlers and remains the first oyster farm in France.
Tourism has become the other pillar of the local economy with the development of Ronce-les-Bains, an old private property between the sea and the huge Coubre forest, where first second homes were built in the second half Of the nineteenth century.
With nearly 4,800 "permanent" inhabitants, La Tremblade is a popular destination and a popular resort for tourists looking for nautical pleasures (20 km of beaches) and natural preserved environment.
In addition to the colorful huts (oyster workshops) along the estuary and the picturesque quays and houses of the harbor district, in terms of built heritage, we will be interested in the church of the Sacred Heart. It is a neo-Gothic style bell-porch façade, typical of the region, and was built in 1880, replacing an ancient temple converted into a place of Catholic worship.
Also worth seeing is the Protestant temple built in 1823 and its neoclassical façade.
In another register, south-west of the commune, the Coubre lighthouse was built in 1905, and its 64 m tower houses an electric fire with a range of 80 km. It is open to the visit: from its 300 steps, a 360-degree panorama allows to appreciate the estuary of the Gironde and the island of Oléron. An ecomuseum also evokes the history of the lighthouse. Closed in January and from 13 November to 25 December. Price: 2.50 and 4 euros. For further information, please call +33 5 46 06 26 42.
Back in the village, to see finally, the charming covered market that dates from 1864.
Circuits have been designed to better discover on foot the historic heart of the port and oyster city. Hiking trails (on foot or mountain biking) have also been arranged to apprehend the estuary of the Seudre and "Au fil de l'oître" walks are proposed in July and August, punctuated with tastings. For further information, please call +33 5 46 36 37 71.
Another way to discover La Tremblade, the little train (on the road) of the Shooting Shell. It runs between July and August between La Tremblade and Ronce-les-Bains and proposes a second circuit including the Port. Free. Information at +33 5 46 36 37 71.
The train of seagulls, it, circulates on a real railway of La Tremblade in Saujon (21 km). Taken by the oldest steam locomotive in France (1891), it runs along the salt marshes. Passengers also have the opportunity to observe the fauna and flora of the region. Information at +33 5 46 05 37 64.
Another way to discover the coast and the estuary: to borrow a ferry boat that connects the banks of the Seudre: contact the +33 5 46 36 37 71.
Or choose a walk at sea by embarking from the port. Please call +33 6 14 52 32 73.
Along the coast or the estuary, countless opportunities for hiking (on foot or by bicycle) are possible. Several mountain bike hire points exist on the town (including ATVs with electric assistance on +33 6 66 95 81 39). Brochures on circuits and information at +33 5 46 36 37 71.
Note that the huge forest of the Coubre is also the opportunity for many walks. Guided excursions are offered with a frame. Please call +33 6 70 86 66 89.
For the pleasures of the beach and the relaxation on the fine sand, we can highlight the beach of La Cèpe with a family vocation, like that of the Galon d'Or, or that of the spanish point, already more wild but Monitored in season.
The beaches of the Bouverie, the Mus du Loup and the Old Phare are further from the center of Ronce-les-Bains.
La Tremblade is famous for its surf spots among the most "dangerous" of France. It is therefore preferable to practice this sport in a framed way: it is one of the many activities offered by the nautical base (with sailing, board, kayak, kitesurfing...). A "garden of the seas" welcomes children from 4 years old! For further information, please call +33 5 46 76 85 03.
For equestrian enthusiasts, join the equestrian center at +33 6 21 15 36 90.
And to play tennis, you can reserve courts at +33 5 46 36 05 67.
In mid-March, Carnival, with a procession from the schools in the streets of the town.
The last weekend of March, Habitat and Decoration.
The weekend including May 1st, Salon des Plantes et Saveurs.
At the end of May, Extreme 300 is an amazing sporting event: a timed race of the 300 steps of the Coubre lighthouse.
The first weekend of July, feast of the Old Gréements: animations and exhibitions of old boats in a friendly atmosphere.
The first weekend of August, feast of the Sea: entertainment and shows.
Finally, the rich local terroir is to be discovered on the markets. At La Tremblade, market every morning at the market hall and market on Saturday. From mid-June to mid-September, craft market on Tuesdays and Thursdays on Foran street. In Ronce-les-Bains, from June to September: daily markets food and fair every morning, and from October to May: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays morning. In July and August, night market on Sunday evening until 23:30.