{"id":68187,"date":"2026-11-05T11:40:41","date_gmt":"2026-11-05T09:40:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/culturefrancia.com\/?page_id=68187"},"modified":"2026-11-06T10:20:51","modified_gmt":"2026-11-06T08:20:51","slug":"atlantic-islands","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/culturefrancia.com\/en\/atlantic-islands\/","title":{"rendered":"The 6 Accessible Islands Off Central Atlantic France"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Central Atlantic
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Central Atlantic
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Overview Table<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Name<\/th>\tTop+<\/th>\tTop<\/th>\tFerry
(one-way)<\/th>		\tFerry
(one-way)<\/th>		\tPrice
(round-trip)<\/th>		\tPeak
m (ft)<\/th>		\tSize
km (mi)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Noirmoutier<\/td>\t\u2705<\/td>\t<\/td>\tBridge<\/td>\t-<\/td>\t-<\/td>\t23 (75)<\/td>\t24 \u00d7 12 (14.9 \u00d7 7.5)<\/td><\/tr>
\u00cele d'Yeu<\/td>\t\u2705<\/td>\t<\/td>\tFerry<\/td>\t35min<\/td>\t\u20ac48.40<\/td>\t32 (105)<\/td>\t9.9 \u00d7 3.75 (6.2 \u00d7 2.3)<\/td><\/tr>
\u00cele de R\u00e9<\/td>\t\u2705<\/td>\t<\/td>\tBridge<\/td>\t-<\/td>\t-<\/td>\t19 (62)<\/td>\t25.75 \u00d7 5 (16.0 \u00d7 3.1)<\/td><\/tr>
Ol\u00e9ron<\/td>\t\u2705<\/td>\t<\/td>\tBridge<\/td>\t-<\/td>\t-<\/td>\t35 (115)<\/td>\t32 \u00d7 8 (19.9 \u00d7 5.0)<\/td><\/tr>
\u00cele-d'Aix<\/td>\t<\/td>\t<\/td>\tFerry<\/td>\t25min<\/td>\t\u20ac25<\/td>\t15 (49)<\/td>\t3 \u00d7 0.7 (1.9 \u00d7 0.4)<\/td><\/tr>
\u00cele Madame<\/td>\t<\/td>\t<\/td>\tCauseway<\/td>\t-<\/td>\t-<\/td>\t18 (59)<\/td>\t1 \u00d7 0.7 (0.62 \u00d7 0.4)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n <\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Noirmoutier<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In Our Top+<\/span>\u00a0 \u2705<\/p>

Size<\/span>\u00a0 24 \u00d7 12 km (14.9 \u00d7 7.5 mi)
Peak<\/span>\u00a0 23m (75ft)<\/p>

Full Name<\/span>
\u00cele de Noirmoutier<\/em><\/p>

Noirmoutier has a way of making you forget the mainland almost as soon as you arrive. Sandy beaches, pine forests, villages with low houses and salt pans give the island a wonderfully relaxed feel. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a change of scenery here. Often, a short bike ride is enough to take you from dunes to marshes.<\/p>

The Passage du Gois is one of the island’s most extraordinary sights. This road, more than 4 km long, connects the island to the mainland but disappears beneath the sea at high tide. You can only cross it during a limited window around low tide, and it’s essential to check the tide times and conditions before setting off.<\/p>

If you’d rather reach Noirmoutier without worrying about the tides, there’s also a bridge that’s open all year round. Even so, the Gois is well worth seeing for its unusual spectacle: the road emerging from the water, birds gathering on the sandbanks and people collecting shellfish as the sea retreats.<\/p>

In the north, the town of Noirmoutier-en-l’\u00cele has kept its old castle and lively streets. White houses cluster around the harbour, where the island’s maritime traditions are still very much present. Further on, the Bois de la Chaise is home to evergreen oaks, mimosa trees, beautiful old villas and little beaches lined with white bathing huts.<\/p>

On the western side, the island takes on a wilder character, with dunes, beaches open to the Atlantic and forests offering shelter from the wind. The little villages are dotted with gardens, low stone walls and old windmills, reminders of a time when local life revolved around farming and the sea.<\/p>

Salt marshes cover a large part of the island’s interior. Their shallow pools form a checkerboard of mirrors reflecting the clouds overhead. In summer, salt workers collect the crystals left behind as seawater evaporates, using techniques passed down through generations.<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd Google Maps<\/a><\/p>

\ud83c\udfde\ufe0f\u00a0Google Images<\/a><\/p>

\ud83d\udcdc Wikipedia<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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BY ROAD<\/strong><\/p>

Bridge<\/strong><\/p>

\ud83d\udccd\u00a0From Fromentine<\/em><\/a><\/p>

Tidal Causeway<\/strong><\/p>

\ud83d\udccd Passage du Gois<\/em><\/a><\/p>

\u2699\ufe0f <\/strong>Info (Tourist Office Website)<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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FERRY<\/strong><\/p>

Company 1
<\/strong>L’\u00c9vasion III<\/em><\/p>

Duration (one-way)<\/span>\u00a0 1h<\/p>

Price (round-trip)<\/span>\u00a0 \u20ac35<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd\u00a0From Pornic<\/em><\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f\u00a0<\/strong>Schedules & Prices (Official Website – Fr)<\/a><\/p>

Company 2<\/strong>
Compagnie Vend\u00e9enne<\/em><\/p>

Duration (one-way)<\/span>\u00a0 45min<\/p>

Price (round-trip)<\/span>\u00a0 \u20ac46.60<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd From \u00cele d’Yeu <\/em>Island<\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f <\/strong>Schedules (Official Website – Fr)<\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f <\/strong>Prices (Official Website – Fr)<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\u00cele d'Yeu<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In Our Top+<\/span>\u00a0 \u2705<\/p>

Size<\/span>\u00a0 9.9 \u00d7 3.75 km (6.2 \u00d7 2.3 mi)
Peak<\/span>\u00a0 32m (105ft)<\/p>

Full Name<\/span>
\u00cele de d’Yeu<\/em><\/p>

Getting to the \u00cele d’Yeu takes a little effort, but that’s part of its appeal. After the boat crossing, you arrive at Port-Joinville, with its pale houses, fishing boats and busy maritime life. Far from the mainland’s large ports, the island has kept an independent spirit shaped by the ocean and generations of sailors.<\/p>

One of its greatest attractions is the surprising variety of its landscapes. Along the northeastern coast, sandy beaches and small dunes create a gentle, open scenery. On the southwestern side, everything changes. Rocky cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, coves become narrower and waves crash against granite boulders.<\/p>

The Vieux Ch\u00e2teau, an isolated medieval fortress perched on a rock, overlooks one of the most spectacular stretches of this rugged coast. Its ruined walls almost seem to merge with the natural stone. Nearby, narrow paths follow the headlands and reveal breathtaking views over the sea, especially on windy days.<\/p>

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the island, although the occasional uphill stretch reminds you that it’s not quite as flat as you might expect. Between stretches of coastline, the roads pass through heathland, walled gardens and small woods. Houses with colourful shutters hide behind hedges and flowers.<\/p>

Continue across the island and you’ll reach Saint-Sauveur, once its main village, with quiet streets and a church whose tower is visible from afar. The road then leads back towards the rugged coast, where the tiny harbour of La Meule nestles between two cliffs. The boats look almost miniature, sheltered in this narrow opening in the rock.<\/p>

The sea hasn’t just shaped the island’s scenery. For centuries, it also provided a living for its inhabitants. Fishing, particularly tuna fishing, played a central role in local life. As you explore, lighthouses, small harbours and former maritime buildings tell the story of this past. Along the coastal paths, gorse bushes, low grasses and seabirds accompany the steady sound of the waves.<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd Google Maps<\/a><\/p>

\ud83c\udfde\ufe0f\u00a0Google Images<\/a><\/p>

\ud83d\udcdc Wikipedia<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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FERRY<\/strong><\/p>

Company 1
<\/strong>Yeu Continent<\/em><\/p>

Duration (one-way)<\/span>\u00a0 70min<\/p>

Price (round-trip)<\/span>\u00a0 \u20ac40<\/p>

High-Speed Boat Duration (one-way)<\/span>\u00a0 35min<\/p>

High-Speed Boat Price (round-trip)<\/span>\u00a0 \u20ac43.60 Low Season – \u20ac48.40 High Season<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd\u00a0From Fromentine<\/em><\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f\u00a0<\/strong>Schedules (Official Website – Fr)<\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f <\/strong>Prices (Official Website – Fr)<\/a><\/p>

Company 2<\/strong>
Compagnie Vend\u00e9enne<\/em><\/p>

Duration (one-way)<\/span>\u00a0 45min (from Fromentine<\/em>)<\/p>

Price (round-trip)<\/span>\u00a0 \u20ac46.60<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd From Fromentine<\/em><\/a>
\ud83d\udccd From \u00cele de Noirmoutier <\/em>Island<\/a>
\ud83d\udccd From Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie<\/em><\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f <\/strong>Schedules (Official Website – Fr)<\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f <\/strong>Prices (Official Website – Fr)<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\u00cele de R\u00e9<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In Our Top+<\/span>\u00a0 \u2705<\/p>

Size<\/span>\u00a0 25.75 \u00d7 5 km (16.0 \u00d7 3.1 mi)
Peak<\/span>\u00a0 19m (62ft)<\/p>

Full Name<\/span>
\u00cele de R\u00e9<\/em><\/p>

The \u00cele de R\u00e9 wins you over with its wonderfully gentle atmosphere. Connected to the mainland by a long bridge, the island offers a succession of whitewashed villages, beaches, dunes and salt marshes. Its almost completely flat terrain and extensive network of cycle paths make it ideal for exploring without a car.<\/p>

Low houses with green shutters, narrow streets filled with hollyhocks and pretty little harbours create a landscape that’s instantly recognisable. La Flotte and Saint-Martin-de-R\u00e9 reflect the island’s maritime trading past, with their handsome pale stone houses and harbours filled with gently bobbing boats.<\/p>

In Saint-Martin, powerful fortifications built in the 17th century still surround the town. They were designed to withstand attacks from the sea and provide a refuge for local people. The ramparts, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can be explored on foot, with views over the moats and old defensive structures.<\/p>

Further west, the landscape opens up. Salt marshes form a vast patchwork of shallow pools, crossed by narrow paths and home to numerous birds. The little villages have kept their churches, small squares and quiet streets, while salt producers continue a traditional craft that depends on sunshine and wind.<\/p>

At the far end of the island, the Phare des Baleines lighthouse rises high above the ocean. Nearby beaches are more exposed to the waves, while other parts of the coast offer calmer waters and long stretches of sand at low tide.<\/p>

The sea is everywhere, even when it’s hidden behind the dunes. Along the coast, oyster beds form dark lines in the shallow water. In the wetlands, herons, egrets and migratory birds find refuge in protected areas, far from the busy summer beaches.<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd Google Maps<\/a><\/p>

\ud83c\udfde\ufe0f\u00a0Google Images<\/a><\/p>

\ud83d\udcdc Wikipedia<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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BY ROAD<\/strong>
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Bridge<\/strong><\/p>

\ud83d\udccd\u00a0From La Rochelle<\/em><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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FERRY<\/strong><\/p>

Company
<\/strong>Compagnie Inter\u00eeles<\/em><\/p>

Duration (one-way)<\/span>\u00a0 1h10min<\/p>

Price (round-trip)<\/span>\u00a0 \u20ac27.50 (from La Rochelle<\/em>)<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd\u00a0From La Rochelle<\/em><\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f\u00a0<\/strong>Schedules & Prices (Official Website – Fr)<\/a><\/p>

\ud83d\udccd\u00a0From La Tranche-sur-Mer<\/em><\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f\u00a0<\/strong>Schedules & Prices (Official Website – Fr)<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Ol\u00e9ron<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In Our Top+<\/span>\u00a0 \u2705<\/p>

Size<\/span>\u00a0 32 \u00d7 8 km (19.9 \u00d7 5.0 mi)
Peak<\/span>\u00a0 35m (115ft)<\/p>

Full Name<\/span>
\u00cele d’Ol\u00e9ron<\/em><\/p>

Ol\u00e9ron is the Atlantic on a grand scale. Larger than its neighbour, the \u00cele de R\u00e9, it offers kilometres of beaches, vast forests, fishing villages and marshes crisscrossed by canals. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, the island is easy to explore, but it’s worth taking the time to venture away from the main roads.<\/p>

The western coast faces the open ocean. Waves roll onto long sandy beaches, sometimes backed by dunes and pine trees. On the eastern side, the more sheltered waters have encouraged oyster farming. Colourful huts, shallow pools and little harbours create landscapes entirely shaped by the rhythm of the tides.<\/p>

In the south, the Saint-Trojan forest stretches behind the dunes. You can walk through the shade of its pine trees before emerging onto wide beaches where wind and sand constantly reshape the scenery. Other trails cross former salt marshes, now divided between natural areas and maritime activities.<\/p>

Le Ch\u00e2teau-d’Ol\u00e9ron has an imposing 17th-century citadel, built to guard the approaches to the Charente estuary. Its ramparts offer lovely views over the sea and the surrounding pools. Further north, La Cotini\u00e8re is a reminder that Ol\u00e9ron is also a working fishing island, with a harbour that’s still very active.<\/p>

At the northern tip, the Phare de Chassiron, with its distinctive black and white stripes, stands watch over a rocky coastline swept by strong currents. From the top of the lighthouse, when it’s open to visitors, you can enjoy sweeping views of the ocean, villages and low-lying landscapes of the island.<\/p>

Off the eastern coast, the unmistakable outline of Fort Boyard rises from the water. This enormous fortress was built in the 19th century to defend the coastline. You can’t simply land there, but its unusual shape is easy to spot on boat trips around the island.<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd Google Maps<\/a><\/p>

\ud83c\udfde\ufe0f\u00a0Google Images<\/a><\/p>

\ud83d\udcdc Wikipedia<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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BY ROAD BRIDGE<\/strong><\/p>

\ud83d\udccd\u00a0From Boucefranc-le-Chapus<\/em><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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FERRY<\/strong><\/p>

Company 1
<\/strong>Liaison Maritime La Rochelle \u2013 \u00cele d’Ol\u00e9ron<\/em><\/p>

—>\ud83d\udccd To Boyardville<\/em><\/a><\/p>

Duration (one-way)<\/span>\u00a0 50min<\/p>

Price (round-trip)<\/span>\u00a0 \u20ac27.50<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd\u00a0From La Rochelle<\/em><\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f\u00a0<\/strong>Schedules (Official Website – Fr)<\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f <\/strong>Prices (Official Website – Fr)<\/a><\/p>

Company 2<\/strong>
Compagnie Inter\u00eeles<\/em><\/p>

—>\ud83d\udccdTo Boyardville<\/em><\/a><\/p>

Duration (one-way)<\/span>\u00a0 50min<\/p>

Price (round-trip)<\/span>\u00a0 \u20ac27.50<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd From La Rochelle<\/em><\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f <\/strong>Schedules & Prices (Official Website – Fr)<\/a><\/p>

—>\ud83d\udccdTo Saint-Denis-d’Ol\u00e9ron<\/em><\/a><\/p>

Duration (one-way)<\/span>\u00a0 1h<\/p>

Price (round-trip)<\/span>\u00a0 \u20ac27.50<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd From La Rochelle<\/em><\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f <\/strong>Schedules & Prices (Official Website – Fr)<\/a><\/p>

Company 3<\/strong>
Saint-Denis & Ol\u00e9ron Croisi\u00e8res
<\/em><\/p>

—>\ud83d\udccd To Saint-Denis-d’Ol\u00e9ron<\/em><\/a><\/p>

Duration (one-way)<\/span>\u00a0 1h<\/p>

Price (round-trip)<\/span>\u00a0 \u20ac27.50<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd From La Rochelle<\/em><\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f <\/strong>Schedules (Official Website – Fr)<\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f <\/strong>Prices (Official Website – Fr)<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\u00cele-d'Aix<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Size<\/span>\u00a0 3 \u00d7 0.7 km (1.9 \u00d7 0.4 mi)
Peak<\/span>\u00a0 15m (49ft)<\/p>

Full Name<\/span>
\u00cele d’Aix<\/em><\/p>

You reach the \u00cele d’Aix by boat, and the change of pace begins as soon as you set off. There’s no ordinary car traffic here, so the island’s little roads are best explored on foot or by bike, passing low houses, woods and beaches. The fortified village still bears traces of its military past, when the island helped protect the entrance to the Charente River.<\/p>

Napoleon spent his final days on French soil here in 1815, before leaving for exile. Further along, the coastal paths reveal coves, old defensive walls and beautiful views of Fort Boyard, the isolated fortress rising from the water. It’s the perfect island for a peaceful day out.<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd Google Maps<\/a><\/p>

\ud83c\udfde\ufe0f\u00a0Google Images<\/a><\/p>

\ud83d\udcdc Wikipedia<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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FERRY<\/strong><\/p>

Company
<\/strong>La Maritime d’Aix
<\/em><\/p>

Duration (one-way)<\/span>\u00a0 25min<\/p>

Price (round-trip)<\/span>\u00a0 \u20ac11 to \u20ac25<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd\u00a0From Fouras<\/em><\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f\u00a0<\/strong>Schedules (Official Website – Fr)<\/a>
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\u00cele Madame<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Size<\/span>\u00a0 1 \u00d7 0.7 km (0.62 \u00d7 0.4 mi)
Peak<\/span>\u00a0 18m (59ft)<\/p>

Full Name<\/span>
\u00cele Madame<\/em><\/p>

The \u00cele Madame is tiny and feels almost like a secret. To reach it, you have to cross the Passe aux B\u0153ufs at low tide, a sandy and pebbly causeway that’s regularly covered by the sea. It’s essential to check the tide times before setting off, because here, the ocean decides when you can return.<\/p>

Once on the island, a handful of paths lead through meadows, rocky areas and the surroundings of an old fort. A cross made of pebbles commemorates priests who died in the region during the French Revolution. All around, birds search for food on the exposed shore, in a vast and wonderfully quiet landscape.<\/p>

\ud83d\udccd Google Maps<\/a><\/p>

\ud83c\udfde\ufe0f\u00a0Google Images<\/a><\/p>

\ud83d\udcdc Wikipedia (Fr)<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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BY ROAD<\/strong><\/p>

Tidal Causeway<\/strong><\/p>

\ud83d\udccd\u00a0From Port-des-Barques<\/em><\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f\u00a0<\/strong>Info (Tourist Office Website)<\/a><\/p>

Carriage
<\/strong>La Cal\u00e8che de Madame<\/em>
<\/strong><\/p>

\ud83d\udccd\u00a0From Port-des-Barques<\/em><\/a>
\u2699\ufe0f\u00a0<\/strong>Info (City Hall Website – Fr)<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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TRAVEL GUIDE<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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CENTRAL ATLANTIC<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t
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Shortcut Links <\/p><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/summary>\n\t\t\t\t

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Top Picks<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

Cities & Towns<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

Villages<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

Islands<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/details>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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