The City of the Oyster

The oyster is an ancestral tradition in Charente-Maritime. The know-how and passion of the oyster farmers of the Atlantic coast have made the mollusc one of the specialties of the region. If you like oysters and wish to discover all the secrets of oyster farming, take the time to visit the Cité de l’Huître during your vacations…

Discover all the secrets of the Marennes Oléron oyster

Located along the Cayenne channel, 25 km north of the Eldapi Vacances campsites, the Cité de l’Huître invites visitors to discover the world of oyster farming. It is in the area, between the Gironde and Charente estuaries, that the Marennes Oléron oyster is grown.

decouvrir cite huitre charente maritime

The visit takes place in 4 thematic cabins of 4 different colors and atmospheres:

  • The green hut is dedicated to the history of oyster farming in the region. You can see different tools used and a film from 1907 that shows the oyster farmers of the time at work. 
  • The science behind oyster farming and the biology of the oyster are told in the blue hut. When you leave, you’ll know everything there is to know about the oyster. 
  • The red hut allows you to discover the territory of the Seudre marsh and the daily life of the men who live there. 
  • The Yellow Hut is a culinary invitation. One can attend recipe demonstrations with tastings and learn a few cooking tips that gourmets will not forget to note.

Discover the Marennes Oléron basin from all angles

Once you have visited the cabins, you can watch the film “Between Land and Sea” in the projection room. It is a very good visual complement to the cabins for the most curious among you. 

Then it will be time to stretch your legs! Thanks to the bicycles provided by the Cité de l’Huître, you will be able to enjoy a nice bike ride on the Chemin des Claires along the Seudre marsh. The loop is 3,5 km long and the path is flat, so it is easy to ride. It is also possible to do this path on foot. 

restaurant huitre charente maritime

Want to add a little challenge to this visit? Treasure hunting enthusiasts will appreciate the geocaching session to follow with a smartphone by downloading the “Geocaching” application. There are 6 caches to find in the marsh. Each one contains information or anecdotes about the marsh and oyster farming. Will you be able to find them?

And finally, the restaurant of the Cité de l’Huître is the ideal place to taste the oysters of Marennes Oléron. It also proposes salads, hot dishes and desserts… After the effort, the comfort! Make way for the gourmands !

Information, rates and schedules

The Cité de l’Huître is open from 10:30 am to 7 pm:

  • from April to All Saints’ Day vacations tous les jours pendant les vacances scolaires 
  • from Wednesday to Sunday except school vacations
  • les weekends d’octobre.

The adult ticket is 9 €. From 6 to 16 years old, it is only 5 €. Up to 5 years old, it’s free!

A reduced rate is proposed at 7 €, for students, unemployed and disabled people. The ticket includes the visit of the huts, the loan of a bicycle and the various proposed animations. It also offers a small reduction to the paleosite in Saint-Césaire and to the Gallo-Roman museum of Fâ in Barzan. It takes about 2h30 to visit the huts and to go for a bike ride.

From the Eldapi Vacances campsites, it will take you about half an hour to drive to the Cité de l’Huître. This visit may give young people the desire to start oyster farming!

Our selection of accommodations

Our accommodations

Discover the surroundings of the campsites