Canadian roots in Charente-Maritime

The Charente-Maritime has many sites linked to New France. And for good reason, with such a long coastline, the area saw many ships set sail for Canada. On the Marennes Basin, a visit to the magnificent, well-preserved village of Brouage is a must if you want to retrace the steps of Samuel Champlain, founder of the city of Quebec in 1608.

The Charente islands also bear witness to this rich past with a strong visible heritage such as at the Château d'Oléron, with its citadel, or on the Ile d'Aix, whose port was the port of return for the Acadians deported after 1755. During the colonial period, this port also served as an fore-port for Rochefort and was a very active place of embarkation.

Rochefort was also an essential historical centre with the construction of the Arsenal, which you must visit today to understand the strategic importance of this city and its links with New France. The Corderie Royale, the Hermione, and the Musée de la Marine are all must-sees during your visit. The river Charente, which crosses the department, also played a very important role in the relations between the French provinces and the colony of Canada, as materials, manufactured products and food were transported to the port of Rochefort.

Finally, discover the sublime city of La Rochelle, which was one of the main French ports to maintain relations with New France: trade, fishing and embarkation of approximately 4,000 emigrants, of all origins, embarked in La Rochelle towards the Gulf, the St. Lawrence valley and the Atlantic coast, from 1628 to 1662 alone. Today, you can follow the traces of this history by visiting the city and its historic districts or the New World Museum, which includes a section dedicated to New France.