A stay at a campsite in Charente-Maritime gives you the chance unwind by the sea during an island getaway, roam across a legendary wine-growing region, explore a rich history and stroll around lots of charming villages. You can discover a whole range of authentic and unusual experiences on foot, by boat, or - thanks to the wide array of cycle routes - by bike.
There’s an entire history to discover!
Discover the exciting history of La Rochelle, close to our campsite in Charente-Maritime, Les Peupliers. From the iconic towers which overlook the port, enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the town and the islands of Aix, Oléron and Ré. You can also indulge in a little light shopping.
In Rochefort-sur-Mer, visit the Corderie Royale, rope manufacturer by appointment to the Sun King himself, and climb aboard the frigate Hermione, the largest replica of an old ship ever built in France.
From island to island… and from campsite to campsite in Charente-Maritime
Each of the four islands of the Charente archipelago is just as appealing as the others. The hollyhocks and the mimosas have got the right idea - on the islands, sweetness is the order of the day!
Île de Ré, pearl of the Atlantic
Les Peupliers, one of our campsites in Charente-Maritime, is located here… Ré is a bit of a flirt and attracts plenty of celebrities. The eastern part of the island is farmed: early fruits and vegetables, vines and the famous baby potatoes. You can explore the salt marshes, the little villages with their discreetly chic villas and the Trousse-Chemise forest by bike thanks to the many cycle paths. Don’t miss the medieval-inspired market in La Flotte-en-Ré! If you want to try regional products or do a bit of shopping, you’ll have no trouble finding something to satisfy both your desires and your curiosity in Rivedoux, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, Ars-Ré...
Île d’Oléron, the luminous isle
The largest island in the archipelago and home of Signol, our campsite in Charente-Maritime. Less well-known than Ré, it’s full of charming authenticity with its little villages, its long beaches, its oyster beds with multi-coloured huts, its marshes, its national forest and its cliffs. The port of La Cotinière, Charente-Maritime’s main fishing port, is home to a colourful flotilla which brings ashore sea bass, sole, langoustines and other species...
Between sea and sky: Île d’Aix and Île Madame
These are the archipelago’s two smallest islands. You’ll need to travel by boat from La Rochelle, Île d’Oléron or Île de Ré to reach Île d’Aix and have an enjoyable getaway. You can reach Île Madame from Port des Barques at low tide via the passe-aux-bœufs, the spit linking the two places. It’s definitely worth your while! In the middle of the salt marshes, an aquaculture farm offers you the chance to sample oysters and crustaceans. Along with Île de Ré, they encircle the famous Fort Boyard which you can see from up close during the boat trips that depart from Boyardville, St-Denis and Bourcefranc ports.
Just across from our campsites in Charente-Maritime, the mainland has some wonderful surprises in store for you.
Close to Marans, in the southern part of the Marais Poitevin (Poitevin Marsh), a boat trip on the Venise Verte is a must! Further south, Marennes, the oyster capital, is a great place to stop for lunch. Next, the department of Charente-Maritime brushes the Gironde estuary. Following ‘La Côte de Beauté’ (Coast of Beauty), stop off in La Palmyre to visit its 1,800-hectare zoo that’s home to more than 1,600 animals. You can then head to Royan, where there are some very interesting examples of 1950s architecture.
Inland, Haute-Saintonge invites you to discover its Roman art and its towns packed with art and history like the medieval town of Pons or the spa town of Jonzac. This part of Charente-Maritime is also characterised by its oenological heritage. Head off along ‘la route des vins’ (‘the wine route’) to discover the region’s vineyards and chat with enthusiastic wine-growers who’ll be delighted to let you sample the results of their work. This wine route takes your senses on a journey as you follow the sweet aromas of Cognac and pineau des Charentes, not forgetting that of the Charentes wines.
Saintes and Val de Saintonge, in the north-western part of Charente-Maritime, offer up green, rolling landscapes. Discover Unesco-listed churches, châteaux that served as the inspiration for stories like ‘Sleeping Beauty’, tucked-away villages and the Cognac vineyards and cellars. The La Boutonne river valley is listed as Natura 2000 site.
