close to our campsite

Discover the Corderie Royale

Just 40 km from our campsite on the Ile d’Oleron, Rochefort, one of Charente-Maritime’s main towns, offers visitors the chance to discover a colossal historical heritage.

The shape of the commune follows the course of the Charente River, which flows lazily down to the Atlantic Ocean.

La Corderie Royale: a museum dedicated to Rochefort’s military heritage

Formerly part of the Grand Arsenal de Rochefort, the Corderie Royale, the town’s main museum, traces its long military history.

This new town, built in the 17th century, was entirely designed to become a major military base. To this end, Louis XIV’s minister Colbert built an arsenal that would become Rochefort’s crowning glory.

The town quickly developed around all the trades associated with shipbuilding. Subsequently, despite the arsenal’s bankruptcy in 1720 due to the kingdom’s debts, Rochefort retained its prestige and renown thanks to the establishment of major schools such as theÉcole navale and the Compagnie des gardes-marines, from which many officers graduated. Later came other naval and military infrastructures: theAéronavale, theArmée de l’Air and the École de la Gendarmerie Nationale.

Today, Rochefort is enjoying a renaissance thanks to tourism, notably with the creation of a yachting harbor, and the opening up of roads that is helping its economic expansion.

Rochefort

City of Art and History

Rochefort, which has been awarded the Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (Town of Art and History) label, is one of Charente-Maritime’s top destinations, thanks to its exceptional architecture. The Corderie Royale is the centerpiece of the visit, as are “La maison du Roy” and the food stores.

Rochefort has many other treasures to admire: The water tower, an imposing structure dating from 1876, or the Place Colbert, a vast esplanade surrounded by beautiful facades of houses, witness to the filming of the movie “Les Demoiselles de Rochefort (Jacques Demy, 1967).

Last but not least, the fortifications built in 1662, which strangely enough were never functional, the builder having chosen aesthetics over defensive necessity!

There are also many museums and associations that bring their share of culture to entice more holidaymakers to discover Rochefort.

As well as being a cultural destination, the town boasts a major spa resort with a very good reputation. It’s a great opportunity to pamper your body during your camping vacation.

Don’t miss out on discovering Rochefort during your stay by booking a campsite or mobile home rental in the Dolus district on the island…