The best beaches in the Charente-Maritime, Poitou-Charentes
There are as many as 100 beaches in the Charente-Maritime and the lovely islands just off shore along the Atlantic coast. All boast long stretches of clean, soft sand and as many are protected under the Conservertoire du Littoral (the society to protect the coastline), the scenery is unspoilt and quite beautiful.
A good starting place to the best beaches is the archipelago of islands, including Ile de Ré, found off the coast of La Rochelle. Known as the French Hamptons, they’re where those French gliterrati after a less blinging experience than the Côte d’Azur, come each summer for weeks of fun in the sun. Then there are the family friendly beaches round Royan while surfers will love the wild beauty of the Côte Sauvage.Here are few suggestions to get you started...
Le-Bois-Plage-en-Ré, Ile de Ré: wherever you are on this small island, you are not far from a lovely beach. However, this one, on the southern side of the island, where the best beaches are considered to be, is one of the most pretty – and popular. A very gorgeous seven kilometres of fine white sand with clear blue water, and a lovely village that’s surrounded by vineyards and forest. It is patrolled by lifeguards in the summer.
Grande Plage, Ile d'Oléron: pick a spot along the 12 km stretch of beach on the southern tip of the island. Backed by sand dunes and the typical pine forests of the area, it has a very petty natural setting which is in keeping with the unspoilt nature of the island. The waves are good so expect to see surfers. The southern part of the beach is designated as nudist so if going au naturel is not your thing, stick to the northern section! Other beaches worth noting are Vert Bois and L'Acheneau for surfers. For calmer beaches, more suitable for families with young children, head east to resorts such as St Trojan les Bains, where the beaches are patrolled.
Châtelaillon plage: located on the Atlantic coast, not far from La Rochelle, facing Ile de Ré, Aix and Oleron islands, this attractive three kilometre long stretch of sandy beach is made even more lovely by the century-old resort town that’s noted for its Belle Epoque architecture. From the beach you can see Fort Boyard. In July and August there are plenty of activities for children of all ages, as well as for adults (including beach volleyball). It has a ‘Handiplage’ award of excellence for catering for people with disabilities including amphibious wheelchairs.
La Palmyre: north of Ryan and part of the Côte Sauvage, this beautiful five-kilometre stretch of beach is backed by sand dunes and forest. As the name suggest, the waves can be big here so it’s popular with surfers and wind-surfers. It is not patrolled by life-guards so you need to be careful.
Saint Palais-sur-Mer: north-west of Royan, located in the estuary and surrounded by the seaside town, is this curving, sandy beach with very calm waters. Lining the beach are plenty of great cafes and restaurants, and in the evening the town comes alive with music. It is very child friendly with clubs for different age groups, and plenty of entertainment as well as places to buy an ice-cream!
St Georges-de-Didonne: just south of Royan, this two kilometre long beach with calm waters, is set between cliffs with a 36m high lighthouse at one end and in between fringed by pine forests. As well as the long promenade, there are walks along the cliff tops, giving you lovely views. There is also the Parc de l'Estuaire, with its interactive museum, forest walks and educational tours. The beach also has a ‘Handiplage’ designation which means it has some facilities suited for handicapped people including loos and shower.
Grande Conche: in Royan itself, the two kilometre beach features pretty striped tents and is perfect for bathing. Many families also head for Conche Foncillon and Pigeonnier. Also lovely is Conche de Pontaillac to the west which is more sheltered and can be less crowded.
INLAND BEACHES
You don't need to be by the coast to spend a day at the beach – it is a French tradition to create artificial beaches by rivers and lakes, both natural and man-made. Usually called outdoor recreation areas or étangs, they are life-guard patrolled during the summer months and are usually accompanied by a café plus a playground for young children. Some will also have a watersports centre. Your local tourist information centre will have details of one nearest you, but these are some of the more well-known ones.
One of the largest is found in an area called the Lake District of the Charente, Les Lacs de Haute Charente. Here two neighbouring lakes creates a water sports paradise but also plenty of space for relaxing by the water. Others include: Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, Bonneuil-Matours, Brossac, La Bussière, Château-Garnier, Condac, near Ruffec, Etagnac, Martin L’Ars, La Puye, Roumazieres, Saint-Cyr, Saint-Macoux Saint-Yriex, Saint-Sauveur, Valdivienne, Vars and Villefagnan
Words: Rachel LOOS
Photograph: ©CRTPC.