The Charentes maritime marshes are scattered with these charming little traditional huts built on the banks of the channels. Huts often in wood, painted in bright colours and with slate roofs. Discovery circuits are on offer, where professionals explain their craft: from raising oysters in the sea to their maturation in the oyster ponds.

Economically, oyster farming represents nearly 2,000 businesses in the département and around 10,000 jobs. The Marennes-Oléron basin alone assures 50% of French production. Although this activity at present is still very much artisanal, European regulations currently in force and to come in the future could push it towards a certain industrialisation. However, the profession, associations and municipalities are doing all they can to safeguard this heritage.