The Seudre is on the coast of the Saintonge, between the Charente and the Gironde. The smallest river in France, the Source of the Seudre is in the South of the Charente-Maritime. It waters Saujon first, before becoming an estuary that runs through the oyster farming basin of Marennes - Oléron.
Surrounded by oysters
At the entrance to the ocean, the Seudre estuary presents itself as a vast marsh lagoon opposite the Ile d’Oléron. The high salinity has favoured the installation of oyster farming, with the implantation of a great many salt flats. Here the work of the sea farmers – oyster farmers and salt makers - such as the conquest of the mud flats and the dyking of the salt flats has shaped the landscape. These people knew how to adapt the environment to the development of their activity.
A unique labyrinth
Shallow and well sheltered, the Seudre has a large number of navigable canals. Maritime arteries perfect for exploring the local heritage, made up of small harbours, multicoloured oyster sheds as well as the flora and fauna of this gigantic aquatic labyrinth, in which it is a pleasure to get lost.
Surrounded by oysters
