For the gourmands
It's hard to leave Charente-Maritime without packing a few regional products. Some of them will slip in easily, allowing you to succumb to a sweet tooth back home. The département has no shortage of sweet specialities! While many families claim to have conceived the galette charentaise, your only concern will be to choose the taste: plain, with angelica, filled with chocolate, pear... The other sweet you'll be taking home as a gift (unless you're keeping it for yourself!) is the bois cassé. The recipe for this candy is as authentic as it is secret, but its taste is inimitable. As fine as it is sweet, it will awaken your taste buds. If you're spending a few days in La Rochelle, don't leave without some cobblestones in your bag. Don't worry, you don't have to dig them out of the Rue de l'Escale, just drop in at a renowned chocolatier. These little squares of gianduja with caramelized hazelnuts and fleur de sel promise moments of comfort.
Other regional specialities are ideal for transport, such as fleur de sel from the Ile de Ré - which will liven up your dishes - jams like those from Le Clocher in Ars-en-Ré, or honey for a fruity, sweet breakfast. If you've got room in your trunk, slip in a case of pommes de terre de l'île de Ré. Their taste is simply inimitable! You might even be tempted to bring back a basket of oysters!
When it comes to drinks, there's no shortage of choice! Local beers are sure to find a place in your souvenir basket. Charente-Maritime boasts a multitude of breweries: on the islands of Ré and Oléron, in Aytré, Nuaillé-d'Aunis and even at the University! Of course, you can also take home a bottle of Cognac and Pineau, two of the department's most famous spirits. You'll also find some top-quality Charentais vins de Pays.
We take care of ourselves!
In Charente-Maritime, we take care of ourselves! If sea bathing is still as beneficial as ever, you can also visit the thalassotherapy centers, all located near the ocean. Among the gifts to offer yourself, think of the handmade soaps made with quality products such as shea butter or donkey milk. Colorful and natural, they will quickly become indispensable in the bathroom! You can also treat yourself at home. You can trust the brand Léa Nature. Based in La Rochelle, it offers products that promise moments of well-being. It is also the case of two brands of care "Eau thermale de Jonzac" and "La source eau thermale de Jonzac" which will take care of your skin.
Leisure gifts
Before leaving the department, give yourself a souvenir by buying one of the many handcrafted creations. In La Rochelle, enter the Farol store to buy an exceptional knife or opt for the bags and accessories of the Matlama store. Marina Richer hijacks marine canvas and oyster trays to make unique and practical objects! Children are not forgotten and will gladly adopt the star stuffed animal of the island of Ré: the donkey in panties.
If you want to keep a link with the ocean, you will be spoilt for choice. A driftwood object, a model of a sailboat, a figurine of the Chassiron lighthouse, a placemat representing Fort Boyard, a pencil holder in the shape of a boot... Everyone will choose according to their tastes and their wallet!
Last but not least, a jewel. A visit to the island of Aix and you will be tempted to buy a pearly pendant, in Oleron, you will succumb to the creations of Sophie Brassens. In La Rochelle, Royan or Oleron, don't hesitate to visit the "Retour de plage" stores. The ideal opportunity to indulge yourself with handmade jewelry: necklace, bracelet, earrings, but also key rings are waiting for you.
Have the style
Your holiday may have inspired you to change your clothing habits. In Charente-Maritime, we love the sea and celebrate it by wearing the indispensable marinière. In case of rain, wear a yellow raincoat and the famous rubber boots. A timeless style! The département boasts a number of clothing brands, so you'll be sure to take home a nice souvenir. Cloé Grous runs the Maïana brand, which offers eco-responsible clothing made from recycled plastic bottles. In Royan, another brand puts the department in the spotlight: Phare Ouest 17. Created in 2012 by Amaury Baron, its aim is to reflect the joie de vivre of the people of Charente! And all you have to do is slip on a sweatshirt or tee-shirt to be won over. What's more, the brand contributes to respecting the environment by making sustainable clothing, limiting transport and choosing organic cotton or organic ink. Surfers, chefs... many people from the Charente-Maritime region wear these clothes!
For the home
A host of home accessories can be found in souvenir stores and flea markets in La Rochelle. As in other departments, you can take home a bowl with your name on it, napkin rings and mugs in the colors of the island of Ré. You can also find paintings representing characters and seascapes to never forget your last vacation.
To feel at home, nothing beats a pair of charentaises! If these slippers are made in the neighboring department, you can easily find them in shoe stores. Once on your feet, you will feel a real sense of relief. A must-have after work!
Finally, if you want to add a marine touch to your home, don't miss the Esprit Voiles store. Located in a charming street, a stone's throw from the Old Port of La Rochelle, the place is dedicated to making bags, accessories and decoration out of marine canvas. Not only is the fabric water-repellent, but it also does not fade in the sun. A great idea to decorate your home with colorful napkins, magazine holders or saucers.
