The village of Talmont-sur-Gironde is about 15 kilometres south-east of Royan on a promontory on the northern side of the Gironde estuary in Poitou Charentes. The village is officially listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.
Note: this article describes Talmont-sur-Gironde in Gironde, not Talmont-Saint-Hilaire in the Vendée department.
Exploring Talmont-sur-Gironde
Surprisingly perhaps given its position, Talmont was founded as an English bastide town in the 13th century and the layout of the streets now is more or less the same as it has been for the last 700 years.
Leave your car in the large car park just outside Talmont-sur-Gironde: the streets of the village are narrow and to be explored on foot.
The village is situated on a small peninsula and there is a footpath along the coast around the village - you can start by following these ramparts around the outside of the village. There are several viewpoints across the Gironde estuary along the way, and you will also see the ruins of a tower called the 'Tour Blanche' and the Talmont Church of Saint-Radegonde.
Talmont-sur-Gironde is best known for this lovely 11th century church, built in the Roman style and next to a small cemetery, that stands at the head of the promontory right on the edge of the cliffs. The facade of the church was rebuilt in the 15th century after the original facade fell in the sea.
Apart from its location, the church also has some highlights to discover such as the ornately carved entrance, and some fascinating carvings of animal heads just below roof level.
You can learn more about the history of the church and of the fishing industry in Talmont-sur-Gironde in the small local museum (small entry charge payable).
If possible try and see the church at sunset when its colours are most attractive.
Next to the church, the cemetery for Talmont-sur-Gironde is charming, with flowers growing in profusion among the ancient gravestones. The views along the coast from the cemetery and church are impressive, with white cliffs in both directions.
After completing the tour of the ramparts you can explore the narrow streets of Talmont-sur-Gironde to see the low attractive whitewashed houses, reminiscent perhaps of small villages in Greece. Among the narrow streets you will find several small shops and cafes.
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Exploring the village is especially enjoyable from the end of spring to well into the summer, when self-seeded hollyhocks seem to push from every crack and space possible - both in the village and the cemetery - which is an unusual sight for which Talmont-sur-Gironde is renowned, and which brings a lovely splash of colour to the town.
You can finish your visit with a stroll along the small harbour to see the traditional boats. On the hill across from the harbour you can see the Talmont vineyards.
Attractions nearby
Much of the interest nearby follows the coastline, with beaches and small villages and towns such as Meschers-sur-Gironde to explore.
From Royan you can also get a ferry across the Gironde estuary to start exploring the Medoc peninsula.
You can find more travel ideas in the Charente-Maritime guide and the Poitou-Charentes guide.
To make travel arrangements to visit Talmont see HERE
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Photos of Talmont
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See complete Talmont Photo Gallery
Map of Talmont and places nearby
Places to visit near Talmont
Church Sainte-Radegonde of Talmont
The Church Sainte-Radegonde is a roman style church of the 12th century on the coast at Talmont-sur-Gironde
Church Sainte-Radegonde of Talmont guide
Meschers-sur-Gironde
The beaches and rocky coast attract visitors to Meschers, and you can also see troglodyte cave dwellings
Meschers-sur-Gironde guide
Le Verdon-sur-Mer
The small resort of Le Verdon-sur-Mer is quiet but has long sandy beaches
Le Verdon-sur-Mer guide
Saint-Vivien-de-Medoc
While Saint-Vivien-de-Medoc would not be considered a tourist destination, you might like to stop and admire the church when you are passing
Saint-Vivien-de-Medoc guide
Soulac-sur-Mer
Soulac-sur-Mer is a long established beach resort at the north of the Medoc peninsula
Soulac-sur-Mer guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Charente-Maritime
Tourist classifications for Talmont
Talmont is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Talmont-sur-Gironde, Cozes, Saintes, Poitou-Charentes, 17120, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.534, longitude -0.908
Plan your visit to Talmont, Charente-Maritime
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Forêt de Suzac: site of natural beauty (8 km)
- Pointe de Suzac: site of natural beauty (11 km)
- Pointe de Grave: site of natural beauty (11 km)
- Royan: town of art and history (13 km)
- Soulac-su-Mer basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-fin-des-Terres (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (17 km)
- Parcs et jardins du château de Beaulon: remarkable garden (20 km)
- Mornac-sur-Seudre: most beautiful village (22 km)
- Forêt de la Lande: site of natural beauty (23 km)
- Zoo de la Palmyre: zoo or wildlife park (26 km)
- Pons ancien hopital des pèlerins (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (28 km)
- Forêt de Pons: site of natural beauty (29 km)
- Pointe de la Coubre: site of natural beauty (31 km)
The French version of this page is at Talmont (Francais)