Meschers-sur-Gironde travel guide

Visit Meschers-sur-Gironde (Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France)

Meschers-sur-Gironde is located between Royan and Talmont on the western coast of France, in the Charente-Maritime department and on the northern edge of the Gironde estuary.

The section of coast here between Négade Point and Coubre Point is known as the 'Cote de Beauté'. While not a major resort, Meschers is popular with people from the surrounding region.

Exploring Meschers-sur-Gironde

It is the coast and the beaches that attracts most people to Meschers - the sandy stretches of beach are attractively interspersed with rocky headlands and cliffs. The three main beaches are called Nonnes (the main beach), Vergnes (a little to the north) and Suzac.

Meschers-sur-Gironde also has a small port where there are a number of cafes where you can sit and unwind and admire the pleasure boats.

There is not a great deal to see in the town centre, but one historically interesting monument in Meschers is the church of Saint-Saturnin. Note that the belltower section dates from the 15th century and is much older than the rest of the church (17th century). There is also a small 19th century protestant temple and a park.

The troglodyte Grottes de Regulus caves are another reason that people come to Meschers-sur-Gironde. The caves, carved into the chalky rock along the seafront, have served various purposes over the centuries, from grain storage to hiding contraband, and occasionally they have also been used as homes.

You can see the caves and the sea from the Boulevard de la Falaise around the Point de Meschers and you can pay to visit the caves. A visit to the caves will also allow you to appreciate the views across the Gironde estuary. The adjacent Matata caves can also be visited.

From the port in Meschers you can take a boat trip along the coast to provide a different view of the cliffs and troglodyte dwellings.

The tourist office in Meschers suggest two walking routes to follow to best explore the tpwn and coast: each of these is about three kilometres long, the first explores the port area and the second explores the coast and caves.

Attractions nearby

The Church of Saint-Radegonde on a headland at nearby Talmont, itself listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France', is a particular local highlight just a few kilometres south of Meschers-sur-Gironde, and Royan is a lively seaside resort not far from here.

You can find more travel ideas in the Charente-Maritime guide and the Poitou-Charentes guide.

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Map of Meschers-sur-Gironde and places nearby

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Church Sainte-Radegonde of Talmont

The Church Sainte-Radegonde is a roman style church of the 12th century on the coast at Talmont-sur-Gironde

Church Sainte-Radegonde of Talmont guide

Talmont

Talmont-sur-Gironde is one of the prettiest villages in Charente-Maritime, well known for the imposing roman style church

Talmont guide

Le Verdon-sur-Mer

The small resort of Le Verdon-sur-Mer is quiet but has long sandy beaches

Le Verdon-sur-Mer guide

Royan

At Royan you will enjoy the beaches and also the promenade along the seafront

Royan guide

Soulac-sur-Mer

Soulac-sur-Mer is a long established beach resort at the north of the Medoc peninsula

Soulac-sur-Mer guide

Saint-Vivien-de-Medoc

While Saint-Vivien-de-Medoc would not be considered a tourist destination, you might like to stop and admire the church when you are passing

Saint-Vivien-de-Medoc guide

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Charente-Maritime

Address: Meschers-sur-Gironde, Cozes, Saintes, Poitou-Charentes, 17132, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.5575, longitude -0.953889

Plan your visit to Meschers-sur-Gironde, Charente-Maritime

Attractions, places & markets near Meschers-sur-Gironde

Charente-Maritime places to visit

Driving distances & route maps

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby

Forêt de Suzac: site of natural beauty (3 km)
Talmont: most beautiful village (4 km)
Pointe de Suzac: site of natural beauty (6 km)
Pointe de Grave: site of natural beauty (8 km)
Royan: town of art and history (9 km)
Soulac-su-Mer basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-fin-des-Terres (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (14 km)
Mornac-sur-Seudre: most beautiful village (18 km)
Zoo de la Palmyre: zoo or wildlife park (22 km)
Parcs et jardins du château de Beaulon: remarkable garden (24 km)
Pointe de la Coubre: site of natural beauty (27 km)
Forêt de la Lande: site of natural beauty (27 km)
Forêt domaniale de la Coubre: site of natural beauty (29 km)

Market days in Meschers-sur-Gironde, France

A seasonal market is held in Meschers-sur-Gironde on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Meschers-sur-Gironde (Francais)