Cagouilles
The Charentais people are very fond of snails, and they have invented original ways to cook them. They enjoy the "les petits gris" (a small grey variety) which abound in the vines and ditches after it has rained. Sunset and sunrise are often a good time to look for them and for a snail to be collected, it must be adult (the outside of the shell has hardened).

Mojettes
The mojette is a small dried bean produced particularly in the Charente.

Cognac
The designated Cognac region extends along the banks of the Charente (which Henri IV called "the most beautiful stream in my kingdom.") It's here that this world-renowned spirit is produced.

Marennes-Oleron oysters
The farmers of the sea, oyster cultivators have built traditional cabins along the channels that add a unique charm to the marshes of the Charente coast. Made from painted wood or coated with coal tar, with their mossy red tile roofs, little windows and brightly colored doors, they are an emblem of the region where fine oysters are Paysans de la mer, les ostréiculteurs ont construit, le long des chenaux, les cabanes traditionnelles qui font le charme particulier des marais du littoral charentais. En bois peint ou enduit de coaltar avec leurs toits de tuiles rouges moussues, leurs petites fenêtres, leurs portes de couleurs vives, elles sont représentatives du bassin de Marennes-Oléron où on cultive les fines claires.

Ile de Ré salt
 

Charentais Melon

Pineau des Charentes: the result of a happy accident
There is a legend that Pineau des Charentes is not only the fruit of the vine, but also of chance. In 1589, when Henri IV acceded to the French throne, a Charetes winemaker, during the harvest, accidentally poured some of the grape must into a barrel containing cognac...
 

New potato from Ile de Ré - AOC
Like a fine wine, these potatoes have been granted their own AOC, or reserved designation of origin. The Ile de Ré is a long strip of land that benefits from a mild southern climate. It's a little food lover's paradise.