Tourist Attractions, beaches, what to see and things to do in the Charente-Maritime
The Charente-Maritime is best known for its many, many miles of sandy beaches, charming islands and pretty seaside towns – and is considered the second sunniest department in France (only the sweltering Mediterranean coast beats it).
So if you’re after a seaside holiday that feels very French and has some of the best beaches around, then this is definitely the place to head to. Towns such as La Rochelle and Royan, plus the islands of Île de Ré and Île d’Aix, still have a strong sense of French identity and spirit, and the area has long been a popular holiday destination for the locals who flock here from all over France.
Unlike the ultra-glamorous Cote d’Azur, however, the Charente Maritime (which along the Charente, Deux-Sèvres and the Vienne, make up the Poitou-Charente region in south-western France) has a laid-back and relaxed mood – not to mention being rather less expensive, whether you want to stay in a hotel, hire a gîte or go camping.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
So, what are the main tourist attractions in the Charente-Maritime? Well, let’s start with the capital – the historic port town of La Rochelle. It has a turbulent history that is reflected in the town’s design and architecture, with a mix of styles from Gothic archways to grand Renaissance buildings.
But the town is full of life today too, with a seafront full of bustling restaurants, bars and cafes that in the evening comes alive with performing artists and stalls. Fanning back from here is a myriad of pedestriansed streets full of interesting boutiques and small markets.
For children, the aquarium is considered one of the best in Europe.
ILE DE RE
Off the coast of La Rochelle and connected via a three kilometre bridge, is the island of Ile de Ré, with beautiful sandy beaches and villages of whitewashed cottages with painted shutters, including Ars-en-Ré and Flotte-en-Ré, considered to be two of the most beautiful villages in France ("Les plus beaux villages de France" mark is given to 152 villages in the country).
This is where the Parisians come to stay so if you’re after a holiday with more than a dash of style, then this is the place for you. Bird lovers shouldn’t miss the nature reserve. Further out but as pretty is the island of Île d’Aix. L’Île d'Oléron is France’s largest island after Corsica and has some fine beaches. It also has an interior of towering pine forests and atmospheric muddy banks hung with oyster nets, plus unspoilt French villages, all making for a charm of its own.
Further down the coast is Rochefort that dates from the 17th century when it was designed by Colbert, the naval minister to Louis XIII, as a fortified town in order to protect the coast. Its streets in a regular grid pattern are lined by elegant houses decorated with wrought iron balconies.
Travel south again and at the mouth of the Gironde river is Royan. Once a town for the French bourgeoisie, it was bombed heavily during the second world war and is now know for its modernist architecture and wide boulevards. Its excellent beaches of fine sand are also popular, and the Palmyre Zoo with 16,000 animals and birds including giraffes, tigers, monkeys and hippopotamuses. Nearby are Talmont and Mornac-sur-Seudre, another two villages considered some of the most beautiful in France.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO AWAY FROM THE COAST
But you don’t have to stick to the most well-known areas for your holiday – the entire coastline is one long beach with smaller villages, resorts and hotels stretching along its length, and there’s plenty to see and do. Amongst them are a number of family friendly beaches as well as places to enjoy all manner of water sports from surfing to snorkelling. Many of the beaches are also accessible for those who are disabled. The Charente-Maritime is not all about beaches, however.
Move inland and there are plenty of tourist attractions and things to do as you travel through pretty countryside of rolling hills dotted with grazing cattle and sheep to the town of Saintes. With medieval houses and narrow streets plus significant Roman times, including an amphitheatre and churches, it is well worth a visit.
Not surprisingly, with such a long coastline fantastic seafood is a speciality of the region, especially the local Marenne-Oléron oysters and buchot mussels. And then there’s locally-produced salt and the distinctive flavour of the Île de Ré potato! Moreover the famous cognac and the less well known pineau des charentes are also produced in the Charente-Maritime, as well as the Charente. Not forgetting the area's many great golf courses. What are you waiting for?
Words: Rachel LOOS
See also:
What to see in Charente-Maritime
What to do in Charente-Maritime
Accommodation in Charente-Maritime
Restaurants in Charente-Maritime
Pineau producers in Charente-Maritime
Cognac producers in Charente-Maritime
Golf courses in Charente-Maritime
Official tourism site for Charente-Maritime