Travel Guide La Tremblade

Occupying the western part of the Arvert peninsula, La Tremblade is linked to the ocean and the Coubre national forest. Its name remains mysterious, although several hypotheses have been put forward: the marsh fever that made the inhabitants tremble; the commune's former name, cited by Claude Masse in the 17th century as "La Damblade"; the aspen trees that seem to tremble in the wind; or the fish brought in by fishermen in their nets. One thing's for sure: La Tremblade and its 20 kilometers of fine sand attract many vacationers. Families are particularly fond of Mus de Loup, Galon d'Or and Embellie. Surfers can enjoy a few moments on the breakers of the Côte sauvage. Each of these beaches is accessible either by road or by a cycle path winding through the fragrant pine forest. Further north, sailors dread the entrance to the Pertuis de Maumusson and its powerful currents. This infamous spot has been the scene of numerous shipwrecks. At La Tremblade station, you can take a ride on the oldest steam locomotive in France! On the banks of the Seudre, you'll reach one of France's most beautiful villages: Mornac-sur-Seudre. La Tremblade's northern district, Ronce-les-bains, is in a class of its own. It became a seaside resort in 1860, and has been welcoming tourists ever since 1876, with the opening of the Saujon-La Tremblade railroad line. Its sheltered beaches, protected by the island of Oléron, make it a bathers' paradise.