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.
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
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