Those fishing huts on stilts that you see all along the coast of Charente Maritime are called 'carrelets' (pronounced 'carrelay').

Without the carrelets, St Palais would lose a lot of its personality - perhaps even its soul! They're recognised by the authorities as part of the cultural heritage of Charente Maritime.

Fishermen use the nets to catch shrimps, mullet, sea bass, sardines and crabs...