Dating back to a fifteenth century defensive castle, it was rebuilt to a romantic style castle two centuries later. Fires have destroyed two wings, and from the twentieth century on it is being restored. It was called the castle of sleeping beauty by Pierre Loti.

The French (symmetrical) gardens lie in swampy terrain and sink 5 cm per year.

On the grounds, approximately 1 km from the castle, there are also prehistorical caves where Neanderthal remains as well as Mammot remains have been found.

A route through the Medoc, visiting the famous winehouse of Mouton-Rothschild near Pauillac, crossing the river Gironde twice by ferry

A small circus is on the archer's spot at the camping. We decide to join, although already tired from a day at the zoo.

The 12th century fortress of Brouage once held 5000 men and was reachable over water for supplies and men. It's situated in the middle of swamps influenced by tide.

A large zoo (for France) with about 1600 animals. The zoo is beautifully situated and has a single route that takes you everywhere, and very close to the animals. There's a sea lion and a parrot show. O, and beware of the flamingo smell. It's awful. Impressive: the bat cave. Never saw it like that!

Pictures from the cities of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, Royan, Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, Meschers, and Talmont-sur-Gironde.

A small town, nicely located at the bay created by the Oléron Island. Some streets near the coast are car free at summer nights.

A number of fortresses was built in this region from the time of Louis III to Napoleon, to protect the Navy in the harbour Rochefort from enemy attacks. The largest is Oléron castle, situated on the southeastern point of the island. Since the distance between Oléron Island and Aix Island (Île d'Aix) was too great for canons, Fort Boyard was built. However, it was never actually used, since by the time it was finished, the reach of canons had expanded, and international relations became more dependent on diplomacy and less on warfare.

This year, our holidays take place in the last two weeks of August, visiting Charente-Maritieme near the Isle of Oleron (Ile d'Oleron). Our location is camping La Pignade in Ronce-les-Bains.

http://www.camping-lapignade.com