Here's our guide the best things to do and visit in the Charente Maritime. The west coast of France means big sandy beaches, glorious sunny weather, seaside resorts and fishing posts, and loads of brilliant attractions. The Charente-Maritime is an absolute favourite with families who cross to the ferry ports at St Malo, Cherbourg or Caen and make the half-day drive down and across to the Atlantic beaches.

The beaches in this area are fantastic. Head to the Cote Sauvage for waves that are perfect for surfing and water sports. Alternatively head to La Palmyre Bay close to our holiday parks for a family day out where the kids can splash around in gentle waves to their hearts’ content.

Things to do in the Charente Maritime

Visit La Rochelle

La Rochelle, the capital of Charente-Maritime, still boasts three intact medieval towers guarding its port. Climb up to the top for beautiful views over the ocean and the buzzing streets below. Best of all are the ice cream cafes and seafood restaurants dotted around the picturesque harbour.
Discover the Poitevin wetlands

The Poitevin marshes may not sound like a great attraction - but these inland waterways are known as 'Green Venice' for a reason! Hire a boat and enjoy a fantastic day out, exploring the wildlife in this, the second largest wetland in France. There are also hiking and cycling trails through the area.
The 'Oyster city'

If you like your Oysters, the Charente is the place to visit. Oyster farming is huge here. Located in Marennes, you can visit this 'Oyster City', walking through the marshes and enjoy a tasting session. There are also exhibitions and activities on the theme of oysters for children.

Culture and Activities

Food and drink

The Charente Maritime is a region rich in seafood and other local specialities. You must try the oysters, mussels, prawns, shellfish and fish, plus woodpigeon and seaweed are local delicacies! You can also bring back some salt from the Ile de Ré or Charentais honey as a souvenir.

Not to be missed!

The Palmyre zoo, the La Rochelle aquarium, the Baleines lighthouse, Gatseau beach, Fort Boyard, the Ile de Ré, the Notre-Dame de Royan church, the island of d'Oléron, Rochefort…

Sports

The west coast and the Charente is brilliant for all kinds of sports. There are fantastic family-friendly cycle ways all around the coast close to our Siblu holiday parks, plus of course surfing and kayaking on the water, sea fishing, and horse-riding.

Activities for the family

The Rompsay Canal

Relax on the quiet waterways near La Rochelle. The canal and its calm water can be navigated by kayak or stand up paddle, for a peaceful day sheltered from the waves and the wind.

Zoo de la Palmyre

A highlight of anyones stay at our La Palmyre campsite is the opportunity to discover more than 1600 different species of animals at La Palmyre Zoo. This world-famous zoo is renowned for looking after and breeding endangered animals; it's easy to while away the day exploring the huge 18 hectares and marvelling at all the creatures from around the world.

Boat trips to the islands

The region is famous for its beautiful islands, which are easy to reach for a day trip from the mainland. It’s well worth visiting the Ile de Ré (connected to La Rochelle by bridge), or enjoy a boat trip to the Ile d’Oléron (great for water sports), and the Ile de Yeu (an active fishing port with beautiful natural diversity).

Not to be missed

Le Fort Boyard

A recognisable sight off the west coast of France in the Charente is Fort Boyard, made famous by TV programmes. Although you cannot visit the interior, it is possible to approach it by boat, catamaran and even helicopte for a closer look.
Le Roche Courbon château

Here is an activity that will amaze adults and children alike. You can wander through the French gardens, visit the many furnished rooms of the castle, its caves, but also play treasure hunts and even an escape-room type game.
Royan

If you fancy an evening out, head to Royan for seafood at one of the many restaurants that line the bay. It will be a memorable evening to eat looking over the sea, watching the sunset.

Seafood platters

Le gigourit (similar to black pudding)

l’Île de Ré potatoes

La Cagouille de la Saintonge (seafood)

Le grillon charentais (pate)

La galette charentaise (cake)

Days out

The Blue lakes of Touvérac

Here's one for all nature enthusiasts - not far from the small Charentais village of Saint-Maigrin is a 40 hectare forest complex, at the heart of which are the old quarries of white clay. These are now stunning lakes with turquoise and crystal clear waters. Take your binoculars and hike for a morning.

The Régulus Caves

Discover the homes of old pirates in these caves that served as dwellings throughout the centuries! This fun half day out suits adults and children, you'll be amazed at the history and stories behind these caves and the people who used to live in them.

Tour the islands

The island of Aix, the island of Oléron, the island Madame or the island of Ré…take a cruise and visit them all! A word of advice, don't forget your camera!

Check our Siblu holiday parks for fabulous camping in France: Bonne Anse Plage, La Pignade, Les Charmettes and Mer et Soleil in Charente Maritime.

7.9/10 - 199 reviews
Mer et Soleil d'Oléron

Charente Maritime
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Oléron
- Superb beach nearby
- Pool complex
- Maxi playground
- Ultra-comfortable mobile homes
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8.1/10 - 645 reviews
La Pignade

Charente Maritime
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La Tremblade Ronce-les-bains
- Superb aquatic area
- Riding stable
- 3km from the beaches
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8.2/10 - 1604 reviews
Les Charmettes

Charente Maritime
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La Palmyre-Les Mathes
- Superb aquatic area
- Access to the beach by bike
- Family activities
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8.4/10 - 729 reviews
Bonne Anse Plage

Charente Maritime
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La Palmyre-Les Mathes
- Wonderful pool complex
- 3km from the beaches
- Under the pines
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Must-See Sights in Charente-Maritime

Things to do in the Charente Maritime

Visit La Rochelle

Discover the Poitevin wetlands

The 'Oyster city'