Marans (French pronunciation: [maʁɑ̃] ⓘ) is a commune in the Charente-Maritime department, administrative region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine (before 2015: Poitou-Charentes), southwestern France.

Being located north of La Rochelle, it has close relations with the latter to which it has much to owe for its rapid urban and economic growth.

By the 11th century, a small market town had gathered around the castle and the priory of Saint-Étienne, depending on the Maillezais Cathedral.

Cardinal Richelieu reassured the castle for fear of occupation by the reformed troops after the departure of the royal guards.

Marans chickens lay exceptional eating gourmet eggs that are highly prized by chefs around the world.

In 1885, the municipal council decided to build a new church, and consequently the community started the clearing of the ruins of the priory in Saint-Étienne, keeping only the clocktower which had been decreed a historical monument in 1921.