Pays Charentais offers many seaside resorts for lovers of sunbathing and water sports. Many of them came into being at the end of the 19th century, when sea bathing became fashionable. Royan is fortunate to have no fewer than five beaches. Its neighbour, Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, is also very sought after with its Belle Époque villas and protected environment.
The five beaches of Fouras-les-Bains are all different, with the one in the town centre being the busiest. Châtelaillon-Plage has preserved its beautiful period villas on the promenade that runs along its large beach. Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, meanwhile, enjoys an ideal location between two limestone cliffs.
The Charente islands also have some gems to visit. On Oléron Island, Saumonards beach in Saint-Georges-d'Oléron is one of the most beautiful. Surrounded by forest, it has a wild identity that never fails to enchant. Its competitor is Gatseau beach, in Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, with its south-facing expanse of fine sand that's sheltered from the wind.
Ré Island is not to be outdone, with each of its beaches being more delightful than the one before it. The largest are located on the south coast with Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, a fortunate combination of beach and forest, or La Couarde-sur-Mer, bordered by vineyards and salt marshes. In the north is the superb beach of La Conche des Baleines, in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, ideal for bathing. Trousse Chemise beach in Les Portes-en-Ré, facing the famous small wood that Charles Aznavour once sang about, also has a great deal of charm, as does the wild coast of Ars-en-Ré.
Guide of the Charente-MaritimeUnmissable places and recommendations in the Charente-Maritime
CharentesGuide to the territory - Tourism and staying here
Guide of Ars-en-RéTourism, breaks and holidays around Ars-en-Ré
Municipality of Ars-en-RéDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Ars-en-Ré
Guide of Le Bois-Plage-en-RéTourism, breaks and holidays around Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré
Municipality of Le Bois-Plage-en-RéDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré
Guide of Châtelaillon-PlageTourism, breaks and holidays around Châtelaillon-Plage
Municipality of Châtelaillon-PlageDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Châtelaillon-Plage
Guide of La Couarde-sur-MerTourism, breaks and holidays around La Couarde-sur-Mer
Municipality of La Couarde-sur-MerDetailed tourist information about the municipality of La Couarde-sur-Mer
Guide of Les Portes-en-RéTourism, breaks and holidays around Les Portes-en-Ré
Municipality of Les Portes-en-RéDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Les Portes-en-Ré
Guide of RoyanTourism, breaks and holidays around Royan
Municipality of RoyanDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Royan
Guide of Saint-Clément-des-BaleinesTourism, breaks and holidays around Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
Municipality of Saint-Clément-des-BaleinesDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
Guide of Saint-Georges-de-DidonneTourism, breaks and holidays around Saint-Georges-de-Didonne
Municipality of Saint-Georges-de-DidonneDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne
Guide of Saint-Georges-d'OléronTourism, breaks and holidays around Saint-Georges-d'Oléron
Municipality of Saint-Georges-d'OléronDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Saint-Georges-d'Oléron
Guide of Saint-Palais-sur-MerTourism, breaks and holidays around Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
Municipality of Saint-Palais-sur-MerDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
Guide of Saint-Trojan-les-BainsTourism, breaks and holidays around Saint-Trojan-les-Bains
Municipality of Saint-Trojan-les-BainsDetailed tourist information about the municipality of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains
Landscapes of FranceThe diverse scenery that makes France a popular holiday destination and a walkers’ paradise
Seaside resorts of FranceCoastal towns with beaches for bathing
Outings in the Charente-MaritimeIdeas for walks and hikes in the Charente-Maritime
Photos Oléron islandPhotos of category "Oléron island" to view and download
Photos Ré islandPhotos of category "Ré island" to view and download
Photos of the Charente-MaritimePhotos of the Charente-Maritime to view and download
Hotels in the Charente-MaritimeA wide choice of hotels with reductions of up to 70%.
Vacation rentals in the Charente-MaritimeSelf-catering holiday homes, gîtes and apartments.
Bed & breakfasts in the Charente-MaritimeRooms from local hosts offering a personal welcome.
Restaurants in the Charente-MaritimeRegional and international cuisine, style of restaurant and menus.
Leisure activities in the Charente-MaritimeA great selection of activities including sports, well-being, gourmet food and entertainment.