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In sympathy with the building's heritage and protected status, there isn't a balcony, but every morning and evening you'll still want to swing open the windows at the front and take in the delightful views across the estuary and cliffs. Your "garden" is at the front, anywhere along the river, or on the grassed area, shaded by trees, where there is also a small cafe/bar which serves light snacks and a 'plat du jour' in the summer months.

Because the apartment is located in the top corner of the building there is no pedestrian traffic past the door, so this enables guests to sit out at the rear, where there is a small table and chairs, to take in the wine and drink in the sunset and spectacular views!

There is secure parking at the rear of the building

Along the quay, you will find 2 restaurants catering for most tastes, especially seafood. There is also a Pizzeria and Creperie, where you can have both sweet and savoury dishes. During the summer months, you can buy fresh bread, croissants, pain au chocolat, pastries, fresh fruit, fish and vegetables.

Within walking distance, is 'L'Hermitage' and chapel which has been within the cliffs for nearly 2000 years. When the sea used to reach the bottom of the cliffs and Mortagne was one of the principal ports for the pilgrims to the holy land, Saint Martial offered safe haven for distressed sailors. Almost opposite is 'Le Rancho', where you can enjoy horse riding or carriage trips.

When the tide is right, short, sight seeing boat trips are available (from 10 € per person).
Longer trips are available but are approximately 5 hours duration.
Fishing trips (50€ per person per day, but be prepared for 6 hours at sea) can be taken from Le Port quayside. These prices are subject to change, but costs are displayed at the boarding point of the boat.

Mortagne sur Gironde, hosts a multitude of fetes, fairs and events during the summer months. These include the 2 main Brocante fairs (flea markets) usually in April and June, the Fete de L'Agneau (June), Fete de Sardine (July), the Fete du Port (August). There are many more smaller events taking place throughout the year, including the Concours de Flipper (PIn Ball competition). We are not sure if it is held every year, but we have also seen a 'Soap box cart race' where the competitors hurl themselves in all designs and builds of carts, down the steep hairpin bends of the road and end up at La Rive at the finish line. Some of the carts are truly professionally built, and some really are soapboxes with wheels and some 'sort of' braking system. A great time is had by all.

In the main village there is a bank, post office, pharmacy, butchers, bakers and a co-operative mini-market. Also  a bar/tabac, tourist information and a vehicle repairs garage.

Travelling along the lower road, past L'Hermitage, the true marais (marshland) of the region opens out before you. This land is a protected area, where you can watch the eagles and buzzards soaring, the storks nesting on their 'pole platforms', and numerous other birds. Carry on along this road to the very end and turning right takes you to Port Maubert, a tiny little village, with a small collection of moored boats, car parking and a snack bar (summer months). If you had turned left at the T junction, you will drive through the grape vineyards to the village of St Fort sur Gironde. Up past the church is the Bar Amicale (English owned) where you can have a drink and a laugh with the locals.