La Roche bleue

This waterside bistro showcases seafood flavours and super-fresh produce. The menu sails between timeless classics (oysters, confit of octopus, lentils, mustard-flavoured sabayon and the chef’s lemon pie) and more spur-of-the-moment recipes. Inside, this former oyster shed upholds its heritage, while the terrace overlooking the marshes is blissful.

This picturesque 19C blue and white house stands on the boulevard that skirts the immense beach. Take a seat in a contemporary dining room overlooking the sea and dig into beautifully presented super-fresh fish and shellfish platters, the establishment’s pride and joy. Guaranteed to find favour with seafood lovers!

Z for Zanchetta, the chef celebrates his Italian heritage with sun-drenched cuisine and lashings of flair and talent: creamy risotto of scallops à la “risi e bisi”, spianata and cuttlefish ink jus; pearlescent cod on polenta with wild garlic and a wildly decadent and incredibly ethereal pavlova of strawberries and chocolate to finish. House baked bread and rillettes of hake kick off the show in this buzzy bistro in the heart of the village, where generosity and delicacy go hand in hand.

In a quaint little village, a short drive from La Rochelle, this restaurant stands at the end of a pedestrian only lane. Alsace-born chef Nicolas Durif unveils his passion for plants (like hyssop), of which he uses up to 60 in summertime, sourced from France and the rest of the world. Discreet nods to his homeland can be found in his creative lineup and in the enticing wine list. His several course surprise menus rich in citrus fruits and Asian spices come highly recommended.

"There are six seasons in the year": with this saying in mind, chef Cécile Richard adapts her recipes to the times, with a drive for creativity that can be sensed in her fresh and precise cuisine. Locally caught fish, fruit and vegetables from organic market gardeners, aromatic herbs and flowers from the garden can be enjoyed in this farmhouse, converted in a pleasant rustic style. Attractive glass-paned wine cellar. New menu every two months.

This modern spacious seafront restaurant boasts a panoramic terrace, ideal for sunset snapshots, and indoors, a suspended fireplace for warmth during colder months. The cheerful, spot-on service team celebrates a seafood-centric menu sourced from local fish auctions and the emblematic oysters of the Gillardeau family, who owns the establishment, as well as a fine lineup of meat dishes. The chef adds an exotic touch courtesy of spicy seasonings and influences from further afield. Stay for longer in one of four suites which have a balcony or a terrace with a sea view.