Clair Soleil
   Cozes, Pays Royannais,
   Charente Maritime, France

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 Out & About - The Local Coast
next: a circular tour
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   The east bank of the Gironde estuary is studded with interesting places,
   close to one another and each within ten miles of Cozes. Here are three.
   Visit all in one day or perhaps spend a day in each.

    Talmont - just 8 kms west from Cozes:



The imposing Romanesque church at Talmont-sur-Gironde, built in 1094.



It is dedicated to St Radegonde, queen, deaconess and peacemaker who died in 587.
Talmont-sur-Gironde, just 8 kms from Cozes, was the river crossing and resting place for Pilgrims on the via Turonensis to the shrine of Saint James of Compostela in Spain.

During the Hundred Year War between England and France, Talmont became a strategic location and King Edward I of England established a fortified village around the church in 1284.   Much later in 1652, the village was destroyed by the Spanish.



Above and below, village streets in Talmont, which today is recognised
as being one of the 150 most beautiful villages in France.





The cliffs of Talmont viewed from near the church.



A fishing jetty (carolette) on the cliffs at Talmont.
Meschers - about 7 kms from Talmont and 12 kms from Cozes:



Troglodite Caves in the cliffs at Meschers-sur-Gironde



A room in the caves at Meschers



Fishing jetties and nets at the fishermen's caves at Meschers



Working boats and leisure craft in one of the marinas along the Gironde.



One of the many former windmills that powered the region's agriculture.
St Georges - about 7 kms from Meschers and 15 kms from Cozes:

Tall trees at Saint-Georges-de-Didonne

and the viewing tower in Parc d' Estuaire



The fine sandy beach at Saint-Georges-de-Didonne to right and left


 
Out and About - Next:
   
A Circular Tour
The Rochefort Area
Saint-Andre-de-Lidon
City of Saintes
Back to Cozes

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