The best beaches in the Poitou-Charentes? Head straight for the Charente-Maritime...
Warm sunshine, cool water, soft sand.... If you're dreaming of a beach holiday or simply just a great day out by the sea, then you're spoilt for choice. The Poitou-Charentes boasts as many as 100 beaches - yes 100! - spread along the coastline and the easily accessible islands that lie just off 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 when choosing the best beach for you is the archipelago of islands, including Ile de Ré and found off the coast of La Rochelle. Known as the French Hamptons, it's here that those French glitterrati after a less blinging experience than that found on 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. Just don't forget your hat!
Le-Bois-Plage-en-Ré, Ile de Ré: wherever you are on Ile de Ré, you are not far from a picture postcard beach. However, the southern side of this small island is where the best beaches are considered to be, and this one is one of the prettiest – and popular. A very gorgeous seven kilometres of gently shelving fine white sand with clear blue water, and a lovely village that’s surrounded by vineyards and forest. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards in the summer. For something quieter, head for La Plage de la Conche between Les Portes and St Clements. At the edge of the Trousse-Chemise Pine Forest, it's a spot popular with artists.
Grande Plage, Ile d'Oléron: pick a spot anywhere along the 12 km stretch of this beach that's on the southern tip of the island. Backed by sand dunes and the typical pine forests of the area, it has a very attractive natural setting that 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, the former is particularly highly rated. For calmer beaches that are more suitable for families with young children, head east to resorts such as St Trojan les Bains, where the beaches are patrolled. Water sports are also popular here. Other family-friendly beaches are Boyardville in the north and Saumonards in the south.
Châtelaillon plage: located on the Atlantic coast, not far from La Rochelle and facing Ile de Ré, Aix and Oleron islands – from the beach you can see Fort Bayard - this three kilometre long stretch of sandy beach is made even more attractive by the century-old resort town that’s noted for its Belle Epoque architecture. 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 Royan and part of the Côte Sauvage, this beautiful five kilometre stretch of beach is backed by sand dunes and forest. As the name Côte Sauvage - wild coast - suggests, 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, but if you're looking for an uncrowded beach this stretch is where to go.
Saint Palais-sur-Mer: north-west of Royan, located in the estuary and surrounded by the small but attractive seaside town is this curving, sandy beach with very calm waters. Near the beach are plenty of cafés 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 loads of places to buy an ice-cream!
St Georges-de-Didonne: just south of Royan, this two kilometre long beach with tranquil waters, is set between cliffs at one end and a 36m high lighthouse at the other. In between, the beach is fringed by pine forests. As well as the long promenade, there are walks along the cliff tops, giving you breath-taking 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 worth a visit is Conche de Pontaillac to the west which is more sheltered and can be less crowded.
Next page: A VERY FRENCH TRADITION - THE INLAND 'BEACH'
Words: Rachel LOOS
Photograph: ©CRTPC.