Holidays in Charente-Maritime: what to visit, what to do?

Why Tourism in Charente-Maritime, why?

Because it is a beautiful department located on the Atlantic coast, in the South-West of France. Charente-Maritime is one of the favourite destinations of the French.

A large number of rivers cross it and it has a varied relief: plains, forests, small wooded areas, plateaus and, of course, swamps because of all the water present in the department. Facing the Atlantic Ocean and the warm Gulf of Mexico current that runs along its coasts, Charente-Maritime offers a mild climate all year round.

Its 233 km of coastline is completed by 230 km more thanks to the presence of four Charente islands: Ile de Ré, Ile d'Aix, Ile d'Oléron and Ile de Nôle. The largest rivers are four in total: the Sèvre, the Charente, the Gironde and the Seudre.

The department has many reasons to be proud of its local producers, especially Cognac and Pineau, but also one of the best oysters in the world, the Marennes-Oléron oysters!

Charente-Maritime is an excellent destination for spending holidays in nature, between beaches, heritage, castles, countryside and charming landscapes.

Excursions in Charente-Maritime, the best visits and attractions

• Rivers and estuaries: Sèvre Niortaise, Charente, Seudre and and estuaries such as the Gironde.
• The islands of Ré, Oléron, Aix, Madame
• Arvert, Royan, La Palmyre, Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, Vaux-sur-Mer, Ronce-les-Bains, Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, La Tremblade
• The communes of La Rochelle, Rochefort-sur-Mer, Saintes, Pons
• Not forgetting coastal towns such as Châtelaillon, Fouras, Meschers-sur-Gironde, Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, Mortagne-sur-Gironde, etc.

On this page, which will gradually be expanded, you will find useful information on water sports, the Ile de Ré or the Ile d'Oléron by bike, itineraries and bike hire, walking and hiking tours, a guide and advice on thalassotherapy, balneotherapy, well-being, leisure activities, walks and alternative transport, art galleries, craftsmen, artists, event calendars, museums, excursions, etc.

Here are a few ideas for family outings, to recharge your batteries by the sea, to discover the beaches or the most representative villages of the region: tourism in Charente-Maritime has a lot to offer!