La Natonnière: Fishing Port, Beach and Experiences on the Water

If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in La Natonnière, the area offers several different points of interest: the fishing port of La Cotinière, a beach, a chapel and activities on the water. The port is known for small-scale fishing; at Plage de Matha, you can enjoy walks and water sports, while guided tours explore history and everyday working life. This gives you a practical way to choose what suits you: harbour and cultural attractions, time at the beach or trips on the water.

Harbour and Fishing History

The port of La Cotinière is the leading small-scale fishing port in Charente-Maritime and ranks seventh nationwide. The guided tour “Balade contée au port de La Cotinière” connects the port with its history: it begins with a natural shelter from 250 years ago and traces the development of fishing methods, from rowing and sailing to engines and hemp nets, and then selective trawls. The story thus takes you from early conditions through changes in fishing, rather than simply presenting individual fishing gear side by side.

The tour lasts two hours and tells the story of the profession of a fisherman's wife from her perspective. As well as the development of fishing methods, the profession itself is at the centre of the tour. Dates may vary seasonally; check when the tour runs before your trip.

Fish Auction and Chapel

Another guided tour takes you through the fish auction. Accompanied by fish merchants, visitors get an exclusive look at the sales process, where freshly landed fish, crustaceans and shellfish are traded. This offers a different way to experience the port from the historical tour: here, the focus is on auctions and the landed catch, while the other tour explores history and fishing methods. For this bookable experience, check the reservation requirements and seasonal dates in advance.

The Chapel of Saint-Nicolas Notre-Dame des Flots was built in 1966 in a modern style. Its notable features include the stained-glass windows and roof structure. The year it was built provides a historical reference, while the style, windows and roof offer tangible architectural details. Alongside the maritime attractions, the chapel is a building with its own distinctive design.

Plage de Matha

Plage de Matha is a family beach near the fishing port of La Cotinière. You can reach the beach on foot or by bicycle via the cycle path that runs alongside the car park. At Plage de Matha, you can relax, go for walks and enjoy water sports. Beach services and lifeguard supervision may vary seasonally; check what is available during your travel dates.

Excursions and Diving

Les Croisières Oléronaises offers trips from La Cotinière by semi-rigid boat to Fort Boyard and Île d’Aix. Routes and operating times may change, so it is a good idea to check the details before your trip. IØ Plongée offers two different types of diving experience: introductory dives around Oléron are available with no prior experience required. Certified divers can explore rocky dive sites and wrecks around Oléron with the operator at the port of La Cotinière. The water-based experiences therefore differ in format and requirements: from boat trips to named destinations to diving options for beginners or certified divers.

Discover more destinations: Soubran, Siecq, Bazauges, Dolus-D'oléron, Vérines, Saint-Sauveur-d'Aunis, Montlieu-La-Garde, La Benâte

Return to the broader travel overview: Charente-Maritime.