Perched on its rocky promontory, Talmont-sur-Gironde certainly deserves the three certification labels awarded to it: "Most Beautiful Village in France", "Small Town of Character" and "Village of Stones and Water". Along with its nicknames of "Pearl of the estuary" and "Gem of Saintonge", this gives you an idea of the charm this small fortified village exudes.
Its Romanesque Church of St. Radegund, which overlooks the Gironde estuary, is one of the most beautiful in the region. Built from 1094 onwards, it has been a listed Historic Monument since 1890. You can admire the carvings on its northern portal, its choir adorned with carved arches, the profusion of motifs on its capitals and its small seaside graveyard with views of the surrounding landscape. At low tide, you can go down to the rocks, at the foot of the cliff on which the building stands. The approach to the church is a superb sight, especially when the sun sets on the estuary...
The flowery side streets and alleys are a delightful place for a stroll, past the typical low, white houses adorned with hollyhocks. Guided tours are organised to discover the secrets of this little gem of Charente, and the little Talmont Museum has an exhibition of traditional kites.
On a rocky promontory overlooking the Gironde is the small village of Talmont-sur-Gironde. Located in the department of Charente-Maritime, in New-Aquitaine, it takes place about fifteen kilometers from Royan and its beach, in a marshy plain.
Occupied since Antiquity, the territory of Talmont-sur-Gironde became a seigneury in the High Middle Ages. Then surrounded by ramparts, the town is an important military square, as well as a stopover point on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. However, it was not until the 18th century that it developed as a fishing and trading port.
Today labeled the most beautiful village in France, Talmont-sur-Gironde is now known for its architectural heritage and its certain charm. The houses with white facades and blue shutters bring harmony to the whole old town, as well as appreciable luminosity. Its location is also ideal for enjoying all the sights of the region, as well as the coasts overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Always surrounded by ramparts, the Church of Sainte-Radegonde is one of the architectural jewels of the village of Talmont-sur-Gironde. Located on a cliff overlooking the estuary of the Gironde, it offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings. Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, it was once used as a stopover on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and has now been classified as a Historic Monument. In the Romanesque-Saintonge style, the building also knows some elements of Gothic style on its western facade. Inside, one can notably discover a wooden Christ, or even a frigate ex-voto of the nineteenth century. Adjoining the church, a marine cemetery has also been classified as a Historic Monument. It possesses several cenotaphs, as well as tombs of the eighteenth century. In season, it is covered with hollyhocks, like the rest of the village.
Built at the end of the 19th century, the domaine de la Fond was owned by a family of cognac negotiators, the Pélisson. You can still see the building, a cylindrical tower, and a garden.
The Talmont museum was built in one of the traditional houses of the village. It is divided into several sections on the history of the church and the village, paleontology, and traditional fishing techniques. You can admire collections of fossils, pottery, photos, models or objects of everyday life. A yole, a traditional maritime boat for the fishermen of the Gironde estuary, is also in the yard of the building.
Walking through this ancient bastide that has retained its original design designed by Edouard I of Aquitaine, visitors can admire traditional white and blue houses rebuilt in the 18th century, and enjoy the view of the Gironde.
A traditional market is held every Sunday morning from April to the end of September.
For the Thursday of the Ascension, place to the day of the wind with animations of kites, a garden of the wind, or even workshops for the children.
The annual festival of Talmont-sur-Gironde is held annually around the 15th of August. There are fireworks, torchlight retreats, children's games, a fanfare or a giant picnic.
