Community of nearly 9,000 inhabitants, Aytré takes place in New-Aquitaine, in the heart of the department of Charente-Maritime. Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the second city of the urban area of La Rochelle is located not far from Châtelaillon-Plage or Dompierre-sur-Mer.
Occupied since antiquity, as evidenced by the discovery of numerous Gallo-Roman remains, the commune of Aytré underwent numerous looting in the Middle Ages, especially from the Vikings. Attached to the crown of France in the second half of the fourteenth century, it first saw the sea, before turning to viticulture in the course of the nineteenth century. It was at this time that the city developed strongly, benefiting from the economic influence of La Rochelle, its neighbor.
Tourist commune, Aytré enjoys a pleasant natural setting and many beaches ideal for practicing water sports or idleness. A modest architectural and historical heritage completes the ensemble that attracts visitors visiting the region.
Built in the 10th century, the church of Saint-Étienne has been reworked many times, notably during the course of the 19th century. Today it reveals a neo-Gothic style, as well as a bell-tower of the mid-19th century.
Private property today, the castle of Bongraine dates from the second half of the nineteenth century. It reveals a central dwelling of stone cut with circular towers with slate roofs. Former defense fortress against La Rochelle, it welcomed Queen Anne of Austria.
Sculpture by Christian Renonciat, the Horse-Ship, also called the Horse of Aytré, is a cast iron work of twenty tons installed in the center of a pool in cascades. The latter is inspired by the Viking drakkars and has recently become the emblem of the city.
Erected in the 18th century, the town hall of Aytré is the reconstruction of a building in the siege of La Rochelle and used for the cantonment of the staff of Louis XIII. From the original site, there is still the main entrance door.
Walking through the town, you can discover the tower of the old castle of the Reaux built in the sixteenth century. Former residence of Louis XIII during the siege of La Rochelle, it now hosts a socio-educational center.
Green city, Aytré has many natural spaces like the Maritime Garden with its 2,500 trees, park Pierre-Loti, or the small square on March 19, 1962. Also do not miss to enjoy the lake, very nice a promenade with the cove of Godechaud, a 3.5 km beach, or to go on the Chemin littoral, a long sandy beach for pedestrians and cyclists. The town is also developing plots of the Vélodyssée, a coastal cycle route from Roscoff to Hendaye.
The site of the marshes, rich of a voluntary nature reserve, is also a pleasant place of walk to discover the local flora and fauna. The beaches of Aytré and La Roux also offer a space for the practice of water sports or for the walk in edge of ocean.
The market is held every Friday morning.
Between March and April, place at the festival Les Amuses Gueules with readings of stories, musical readings and many other animations.
Every year in June, the town is crossed by the semi-marathon of Alstom which crosses the beach over several kilometers.
The festival Aytré Beach moves Summer is held in July, offering several free festivities.
For the National Day, in mid-July, Aytré offers its traditional fireworks.
In September, Aytré Asso's en Fête highlights all the associations of the municipality through various animations.
Exhibition - Les Expos d'Elsa - Maryline Gregorutti - Peinture et Sculpture
- From 22 may to 15 june 2024
- Médiathèque Elsa Triolet - 12 rue de la Gare
- A self-taught painter and visual artist, Maryline Gregorutti began her career in a professional theater company, where she made sets, costumes and posters.
Event - Aytré Prend le Large
- On 8 june 2024
- Parc de Godechaud - Route de la plage
- Join us in Aytré to celebrate the Fête de la mer et des littoraux with a brand new event : Aytré prend le large. This free, festive day promises total immersion in the marine world, with activities for all ages.
Cinema Concert - Le Souffleur d'Images et de Sons - Promenade en Charente-Maritime
- On 11 june 2024
- Salle Georges Brassens - 15-19 rue du 8 mai 1945
- To mark its 25th anniversary, FAR invites you to the premiere of the ciné-concert "Le souffleur d'images et de sons - promenade en Charente-Maritime", created in 2024 with musician and composer Pascal Ducourtioux.
Exhibition - Les Expos d'Elsa - Aytré, Ville Littorale
- From 19 june to 31 august 2024
- Médiathèque Elsa Triolet - 12 rue de la Gare
- Aytré is rich in talent : painters, photographers, sculptors, visual artists… Our region is home to many passionate creators who deserve to be in the spotlight. Meet them all year round at the Elsa-Triolet multimedia library !
Exhibition - Les Expos d'Elsa - Lo Doré - Peinture Aquatique
- From 19 june to 31 august 2024
- Médiathèque Elsa Triolet - 12 rue de la Gare
- Aytré is rich in talent : painters, photographers, sculptors, visual artists… Our region is home to many passionate creators who deserve to be in the spotlight. Meet them all year round at the Elsa-Triolet multimedia library !
Concert - La Grande Soirée Rétro II
- On 12 july 2024
- Parc Jean Macé
- Once again this year, the town of Aytré has a very retro surprise in store for the July 14 festivities. On the program : a huge disco plaza to get together.
Festival L'Horizon Fait le Mur
- From 26 to 27 july 2024
- Parc Jean Macé
- The festival's weekend program is mainly musical, with a mix of established and emerging artists. You can also discover theatrical, choreographic and visual creations…
Cinema - La Ciné Mobile
- From 8 to 29 august 2024
- Divers lieux d'Aytré
- 4 open-air screenings, in 4 corners of the city ! The ciné-mobile returns in 2024. - FREE 7th art, for all, in the open air - isn't that fantastic !
Exhibition - Les Expos d'Elsa - François Chayé - Portraits Abstraits
- From 4 to 28 september 2024
- Médiathèque Elsa Triolet - 12 rue de la Gare
- Aytré is rich in talent : painters, photographers, sculptors, visual artists… Our region is home to many passionate creators who deserve to be in the spotlight. Meet them all year round at the Elsa-Triolet multimedia library !
