A pleasant stroll and fun time for the family to share
How about a refreshing break with the children in a bucolic setting in Vals de Saintonge? Head for the Miniature Port at Saint-Savinien in Charente-Maritime, an authentic spot where young and old can seek adventure aboard miniature boats and have fun with attractions from yesteryear. So avast, m’hearties! Let’s go to an extraordinary miniature maritime world created by local artisans.
The Port of Saint-Savinien, a miniature maritime world
The Île de la Grenouillette is home to an original family activity – the Miniature Port of Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente. Young sailors have 18 miniature boats to choose from for their maritime expedition, all inspired by originals, made in wood especially for children.
Tugboat, Mississippi steamboat, tramp steamer, ferry, trawler … The choice is vast. With the family, go for a sail on the lake, navigate the small and big channels and admire the faithfully reproduced typical décor. Starboard and port will no longer be a mystery to you!
Extend your exploration of the maritime world and visit the dockyard exhibition. Learn about the family history, the artisanal know-how of Jean-Louis Foucaud, an enthusiastic naval carpenter, carried on by his elder daughter Stéphanie and discover all there is to know about miniature naval construction!
Enjoy the leisure base of the île de la Grenouillette with your children
If you’ve enjoyed the nautical experience, spend some time on the île de la Grenouillette.
Once back on dry land, the children can travel back in time – on the authentic merry-go-rounds from the 1900s that will delight young and old, as in the days of yore. Pedal-driven karts, period swings, old car carrousel, fishing for wooden sardines … the kids will amuse themselves all day long.
That’s not all. Our young adventurers can play in the inflatable games area – tame a rocking horse, climb a lighthouse, enjoy giant slides, jump onto a mountain of air. And the youngest have their own inflatable games to enjoy this fun moment in the shade of the trees.
Hungry now? At the Bistrot des Marins d’eau douce, have a break on the shady terrace for a coffee, a crêpe or lunch; there’s even a picnic area close by.
Suggestions for getting the most out of a boat trip at Saint-Savinien
The leisure base on the île de la Grenouillette is open to all. You can wander round the lake or along the Charente to admire the picture postcard setting and the children piloting their boats.
Boat trips are payable as is access to the inflatables and fairground rides but there are packages available for unlimited daily use. The tariffs can be found on the Port Miniature site.
The miniature boats were designed for children and they have priority; life-jackets are supplied. Adults may of course accompany their little sailors and under nines must be accompanied by an adult.
The inflatables, mostly installed under the trees and regularly hosed down in summer, can get quite warm so socks are recommended to fully appreciate the attraction.
We hope you will have enjoyed your quality family time at the Port Miniature. To extend the adventure, go on the treasure hunt in the streets of Saint-Savinien, Une Petite Cité de Caractère with the geocaching app Tèrra Aventura!