With its retro charm and its Belle Époque style, this pretty seaside resort attracts the eyes of sea lovers. The people of La Rochelle come here for a day, the tourists for a weekend or more, but all are attracted by the gentle way of life. However, Châtelaillon-Plage hides an agitated past. A human presence is attested from the Merovingian period, as evidenced by the cemetery located at Boucholeurs. Especially, in the 12th century, the viguerie (smallest medieval administrative entity) of Châtelaillon extends from the Sèvre in the north to the Charente in the south, on all the islands except Oléron. The fortress of Castrum Allionis (the castle of the Eagles) was then the capital of Aunis, but in 1130 the Duke of Aquitaine forced the last lord to surrender. Sometimes French, sometimes English over the course of the wars of the Middle Ages, Châtelaillon becomes a township at the French Revolution, but faced with a decline in population it is attached for a time to Angoulins. But the end of the 19th century was a time of change. The arrival of the railway transformed the town. Sea bathing enthusiasts flocked to the seaside resort to discover a 3 km long beach of fine sand. It was a real renaissance for Châtelaillon, which became a full-fledged commune in 1896. Thanks to several hundreds of 1900's style villas, the small seaside town has resisted concreting and kept all its character. Everyone can admire the architecture born of the "desire for the shore", from the chalet to the seaside castel and cottage while eating an ice cream or going to the beach. With its exceptional panorama of the Charente archipelago - Aix, Ré, Oléron - the jewel of Chatelaillon is often taken by storm. Here, children are spoiled, having fun in the shallow sea and spotting the animal totems, while adults relax in the thalassotherapy or the casino. Don't forget a detour to the village of Boucholeurs. With its low houses, narrow streets and oyster port, it offers a touch of authenticity. Long before seaside tourism, this hamlet lived from fishing, taking advantage of its position south of Chatelaillon. Even today, the "farmers of the sea" play with the tides and continue the exploitation of 240 hectares of oyster beds.

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Cabines de plage à Châtelaillon-Plage CMT17 - E. COEFFE
Châtelaillon-Plage. altitudedrone - Fotolia

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