A week in Charente-Maritime: discovery and escape in the west of France

Royan lighthouse

Dreaming of an unforgettable holiday with family or friends? Organise a week in Charente-Maritime ! You'll have seven days to explore the department's most beautiful towns, browse the typical local shops, sample the local specialities and discover some exceptional scenery. Our campsite in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, Océan Vacances has a packed programme for you to enjoy over the next few days in south-west France!

Day 1: Stroll around La Rochelle and Châtelaillon-Plage

la rochelle

Start your week in Charente-Maritime with a visit to one of the department's key towns: La Rochelle. Children and adults alike will love strolling around the Old Port, lined with three impressive towers: the Lantern Tower, the Saint-Nicolas Tower and the Chain Tower. You can also stroll along the quays, admire the sailing ships and discover the history of the city. After this long walk through the landscape, heritage and shops, head for Châtelaillon-Plage for an afternoon on the sandy beaches. Here you can enjoy water-based activities such as sailing, paddle boarding and sea cruises.

Day 2: Visit the Ile de Ré

After this tour of La Rochelle, continue your week in Charente-Maritime by exploring the’Ré island, accessible by a bridge. It's a real jewel of nature and authenticity. Spend the day exploring its villages, salt marshes and wild beaches. Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, Saint-Martin-de-Ré or even La-Flotte-sur-Mer, you won't get bored on your trip to this exceptional island. What's more, you can hire a bike to take you around this charming island.

Day 3: Exploring the island of Oléron

Among the Charente-Maritime's must-see islands, you won't want to miss a visit to the’Oléron island. Take advantage of your holiday to explore the varied landscapes of this island on the Atlantic coast. Its beaches, pine forests and salt marshes make it a paradise for nature lovers. A visit to the port of La Cotinière and the Château d'Oléron is a must. And don't forget to take some photos of your day on the island of Oléron to keep an indelible souvenir!

Day 4: Discovering the Marais Poitevin

Le Poitevin Marsh, nicknamed the «Green Venice», is a labyrinth of canals to explore by boat. It stretches across several départements, including the Vendée and Charente-Maritime. You can take advantage of this enchanted interlude in the heart of unspoilt nature, where flora and fauna can be discovered along the way. Children will marvel at the lush green landscapes of the Marais Poitevin.

Day 5: Spend a day in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer and Royan

Saint-Palais-sur-Mer offers idyllic beaches and coastal paths for a relaxing day out. For hiking enthusiasts, you can follow the path along the coast to discover the Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge) before walking closer to Royan. This town of art and history in the Charente-Maritime region offers an unforgettable experience thanks to its lively markets, its "Pont du Diable" (Devil's Bridge) and its many museums. Grande Conche beach or its gourmet restaurants.

Day 6: Strolling around Ile Madame

L’île Madame, the least well-known of the Charente islands, offers you a haven of peace during your week in Charente-Maritime. Accessible at low tide, this small island offers a unique experience with its fish ponds and wild landscapes.

Day 7: A stroll around the island of Aix

To finish the week in Charente-Maritime, l’island of Aix, accessible only by boat, is a small, unspoilt treasure trove. This pedestrian island is ideal for a peaceful day out, with its beaches, museums and Napoleon's house.

A week in Charente-Maritime is a rich and varied experience, equally suited to lovers of culture and history as it is to lovers of nature and outdoor activities. Every day brings new discoveries, from relaxing on the beaches to exploring the towns and villages steeped in history, not forgetting the gustatory pleasures offered by the local gastronomy. This département, with its diverse landscapes and unique heritage, is a destination that leaves visitors with lasting memories.