Situated on the west coast of France, Charente-Maritime is a region rich in nature, and this is reflected in its gastronomy. Famous for its exceptional oysters, visit Marennes Oléron and discover traditional cuisine close to the sea and salt marshes!

Find out more about the culinary specialities of Charente-Maritime!

The elegance of Marennes Oléron oysters

When talking about Marennes Oléron, it's essential to talk about oysters, renowned the world over for their exceptional quality. The Marennes environment is ideal for breeding and producing oysters, which are distinguished by their subtle taste, delicate texture and refined flavor.

Marennes Oléron oysters are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds! Get in touch with local producers! During your stay at Inspire Villages Marennes Oléron, you'll have the chance to meet Matthieu, a local oyster farmer, who offers his oysters and moules frites every week at Inspire Villages Marennes Oléron!

You can also place your seafood orders directly from our open-air hotel at Ma Reine des Huîtres, and have them delivered right to your door. 

And for the more curious, you can visit the Oyster City. A must-see in the region to learn more about the local history of this emblematic shellfish! You can even sample oysters on site ;)

The famous Bouchot mussels

In addition to oysters, the Charente-Maritime region offers another seafood specialty: Bouchot mussels.

They are recognized by the European Union as a Traditional Speciality Guaranteed, which guarantees a traditional production method and the quality of the product. These mussels, bred in the region's salt waters, are a real treat for seafood lovers, thanks to their tender flesh.

When it comes to local specialties here in Marennes Oléron, you can't go past these mussels, and more specifically, éclade. All you need is a wooden board, some pine needles and ... the famous mussels, which will have a unique smoky taste. It's a must-try here, a celebration of the sea and local culinary savoir-faire.

The crickets of Charente

Fancy a typical aperitif? Let yourself be tempted by Charentais crickets? Flavored with various herbs (garlic, pepper, sea salt from the Ile de Ré, nutmeg, etc.), Charentais crickets promise a tasty aperitif! An authentic pork-based recipe that has delighted many!

Île de Ré salt

To finish off our list of salty specialities from the Charente, we couldn't forget to mention the famous salt from the Ile de Ré! 

In the north of the island, the salt marshes stretch as far as the eye can see, producing 100% natural salt using ancestral techniques. In addition to its refined taste, Sel de l'Île de Ré is renowned for its rich mineral content. This raw, unrefined salt is a natural source of essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium, making it a healthy choice to enhance your favorite dishes.

For an authentic Charente-Maritime gastronomic experience, marry Sel de l'Île de Ré with local potatoes. Prepare new potatoes sautéed in fresh butter and sprinkle generously with this exquisite salt. The combination of the melting texture of the potatoes and the delicate flavor of the salt will create an explosion of flavors on the palate, evoking the region's seafaring terroir.

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Typical Charentais desserts

La Galette Charentaise

Galette Charentaise is a delicious Charente-Maritime speciality that appeals to lovers of traditional delicacies. 

This galette has a crispy golden surface, and its distinctive aroma comes from the angelica plant... For even more regional flavor, you can even add a drop of Cognac.

Once reserved for special occasions (weddings, christenings...), it can now be found in many local bakeries! However, if you'd like to try your hand at making it, it's very simple. All you need is sugar, flour, eggs and butter!

Charentais millas

It's a rustic pastry, made from simple ingredients such as corn flour, milk, sugar and sometimes eggs. The dough is thick and dense, and acquires a soft texture on the inside and a golden crust on the outside when baked, much like a flan.

Often flavored with vanilla, Millas Charentais has a distinctive aroma and delicate flavor. Traditionally served warm, sprinkled with sugar or accompanied by honey, this comforting dessert is an integral part of Charente-Maritime's culinary heritage, testifying to the region's long gastronomic tradition.

Discover Charente wine!

To accompany these culinary delights, don't miss the opportunity to taste the local wines. Charente-Maritime produces excellent white and red wines, perfect for accompanying your meals.

Charentais wine, rooted in Charente-Maritime's rich winemaking tradition, is a true expression of the region's terroir. Emblematic grape varieties include Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Merlot, which give Charentais wines their distinct complexity and aromatic palette.

 White wines, often used in Cognac production, have floral and fruity notes, while red wines are distinguished by their full-bodied character and red fruit aromas.

Pineau des Charentes, a unique regional aperitif, subtly blends grape must and Cognac, creating a smooth, well-balanced drink. Wine lovers can explore Charente-Maritime's wine estates, tasting these local nectars in picturesque surroundings, while discovering the history and know-how that make Charente wine a true regional pride.

Book your stay at our open-air hotel Inspire Villages Marennes Oléron now for a holiday of culinary discoveries!