• Charente-Maritime

  Along the western coast of France, cushioned between Normandy to the north and Bordeaux to the south, the department of Charente-Maritime occupies a swatch of pebbled shoreline and three islands. Much of the region’s tourism is focused around capital city La Rochelle, an ancient fortification kissing the Bay of Biscay. But there is much more to see in Charente-Maritime: The pastel shutters and rambling hollyhocks that adorn the area’s seaside villages, and the rugged beauty of wild island beaches, are unmatched. A thousand miles of bike and walking paths, prolonged stretches of seashore, and mild, sunny weather make Charente-Maritime an ideal destination for anyone who appreciates the great outdoors. But there is also much to taste in Charente-Maritime, where culinary traditions have been honed by centuries of practiced craftsmanship. The département may not enjoy the same notoriety as its more celebrated neighbors, but this is not for lack of merit.

  Like elsewhere in France, it’s all about terroir here, what the local land produces—it always has been, long before “locavore” became a buzzword elsewhere—and Charente-Maritime produces a bounty indeed. Since the Middle Ages, this region has used fluctuating ocean tides to its advantage, harvesting mussels, oysters, and sea salt in particular. Small producers have long churned barrels of pineau, a local drink made from blending wine with cognac. In the waters surrounding the three islands, Île de Ré, Île d’Aix, and Île d’Oléron, fishermen reel in a diverse range of fish and shellfish daily. Further inland, mineral-rich soil produces excellent fruits, vegetables, and wine. So pull up a seat on a terrace and order a round of fruits de mer crowded with shellfish both known and unknown. Surrender to a glass of pineau. You won’t be sorry you did. —Charente-Maritime text and photos by Cristina Sciarra

  On the blog: See Cristina’s Q&A with a local saunier, or salt harvester, from Île de Ré, as well as recipes inspired by the Charente-Maritime region.

  Find local foods in Charente-Maritime.

  Pineau

  Local mussels

  La Galette de Beurlay

  Tourteau fromage

  Local shellfish

• User Content

Below is user-submitted content for this region. Have something to contribute? Upload your regional-food photo or food memory.

• 

  FOIE GRAS AND CREAM EGGS

  Fontainebleau
  ssoloman
• 

  Macarons

  Paris
  ssoloman
• 

  Pizza Mario

  Paris
  ssoloman
• 

  Tatin de tomates confites, chevre cendre, roquette au pistou

  Paris
  liaht

• • A Splurge Worthy Cooking Class - Parisian Style

    slyavey
    21 rue Custine 75018 Paris
    What to do for one's 25th wedding anniversary? Why one goes to Paris! Instead of doing the predictable lavish dinner to celebrate, we took an "Evening Market Cooking Class" with the Cook'n With C…    Read more