Seaside & islands

The best of the Atlantic Coast

From Aiguillon Bay to the Gironde estuary, the Charente-Maritime coast spans 463 kilometres. Perfect for seaside holidays, it combines seaside resorts that are popular all year round, including Royan, Châtelaillon-Plage, Fouras, Saint-Palais-sur-Mer and Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, as well as unspoilt islands such as Île de Ré, Île d’Oléron, Île d’Aix and Île Madame.

Facing the Atlantic Ocean, this area boasts an amazing variety of landscapes. You’ll find expansive, fine sandy beaches, exotic creeks, cliffs, bays, headlands, peninsulas, marshlands and vast river estuaries. Because of the Gulf Stream, this particular part of Charente benefits from an exceptional micro-climate and stunning light. Fans of the great outdoors know exactly where to find the endless beaches that emerge out of forests. There is still a thriving fishing trade here, so you can enjoy grilled sardines, bream, meagre and sole, not forgetting the local Marennes-Oléron oysters.

The variety of landscapes lends itself to all sorts of activities, from relaxing on the beach to exploring maritime heritage, water sports and admiring the magnificent views.

Seaside & islands

Coastal activities