Top of the most beautiful beaches in Charente-Maritime

Charente-Maritime is a very popular destination for lovers of swimming and the sea. With its 90 beaches between La Rochelle and Talmont-sur-Gironde, sunbathing and cool waves on the Atlantic coast are much appreciated by holidaymakers. Lifeguard posts, children's clubs, surf spots and facilities on the fine sandy beaches, here is a little marine paradise offered by the Charente-Maritime.

Opening photo: Boyardville beach - guitou60 / AdobeStock

Charente-Maritime, ideal beaches for children

As soon as the fine weather arrives, children like to run on the sand, splash around in the waves and build ephemeral castles with shovels and rakes. Offer them a day of activity in complete safety on the beaches of Charente-Maritime. 

Set up your towel south of Angoulins on the Grande Plage de Châtelaillon, a sandy stretch of 2 km perfect for family outings. At low tide, take long walks, fly your kite and walk your dog before the sea rises, where you can swim. Restaurants and parking lots are available for you to relax and admire the magnificent sunsets reflected on the salt water.

Go to Boyardville Beach, one of the most beautiful stretches of fine sand on the Island of Oléron. At the edge of the Saumonard forest, enjoy an unobstructed view of Fort Boyard and the island of Aix, and swim in complete safety on a supervised beach all summer long. On foot, by bike, by car or by shuttle, bring sunscreen and a towel for a lazy day with the family in Charente-Maritime.

To the north of Royan, between Vaux-sur-Mer and Palais-sur-Mer stretches the Grande Plage de Nauzan, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the shops set up along a cobbled promenade. In summer, enjoy the festivities organized between the night market on Monday and the musical walks on Thursday. Bike path, Club Mickey and access ramp, the beach is pleasant to spend the day.

We continue south to introduce you to the Grande Conche Beach, located in the city center near the port. de Royan Stroll along the seafront while enjoying a good home-made ice cream, and observe the magnificent villas in various styles, typical of this family beach with calm waters.

Charente-Maritime, wild beaches for peaceful holidays

Small coves, heavenly landscapes, color contrasts, there is plenty to escape to wild beaches in Charente-Maritime for a quiet stay.

Facing the Arvert peninsula, south of the Île d'Oléron, relax on the Plage du Gatseau in Saint-Trojan-les-Bains. Bordered by a pine forest, it offers an ideal setting for resting in the sun or in the shade. Fishing on foot, walking and swimming, take advantage of the tides to choose your activity. The particularity? You can get there by little train, a fun way to get around without running out of steam.

In Meschers-sur-Gironde, the Grande Plage de Suzac is unanimously acclaimed, located in a wide cove surrounded by pine forests: the Pointe de Suzac. Easily accessible on the road to Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, it offers an atypical landscape with its rocky limestone cliffs. Take advantage of a beautiful wild beach of 600 meters supervised in summer where there is a charming restaurant facing the sea.

Enjoy sunbathing in complete privacy on Plage de Couny in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, a wild stretch of beach between Conche-des-Baleines and Plage du Petit Bec. Located at the end of the Île de Ré, it faces the Vendée. Bathe with caution however, it is not supervised.

Defined as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Île de Ré, the Plage de Trousse Chemise makes you travel with its dunes which fall back onto the sea and the adjacent small wood. The long banks of fine sand are ideal for having fun, walking or lazing around with your feet fanned out to sunbathe.

Charente-Maritime, beaches famous for water sports

Beaches aren't just for sunbathing. Take advantage of an outdoor escape to try out new activities on the sand or on the sea.

Pontaillac Beach in Royan is the ideal destination for surfing, bodyboarding or windsurfing. Sliding sports enthusiasts can then relax in one of the many restaurants, ice cream parlors and cafés set up facing the sea, offering a privileged view of the beautiful beach of Pontaillac.

The Wild Coast of La Tremblade offers about twenty kilometers of the most pleasant beaches, where surfing and bodyboarding are the most popular activities. Bordered by a cycle path along the Coubre forest, it is easy to get away from it all in a colorful setting where the Coubre lighthouse dominates the tip of this large wild beach.

Located on the Île de Ré, the Plage des Grenette is a gliding spot very popular with surfers and bodyboarders. It is less pleasant for swimming with many pebbles and rocks at low tide.

On the Island of Oléron, the Plage de Vert Bois is ideal for surfing. Extending over several kilometers to reach Saint-Trojan Beach, it offers a landscape between dunes and oceans where the waves are a delight for board sports enthusiasts. A small car park is nearby, but it is best to go there by bike in the summer.

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