Discover and explore the Charente-Maritime

Soon to be on vacation by the Atlantic Ocean, you want to know more about the sites to visit? Here are our top 10 places to visit during your camping vacations in Charente-Maritime, from the Gironde estuary to the Ré island.

Royan

A typical seaside resort of the Atlantic coast, Royan is above all a lively city that offers several points of interest, including the amazing Notre-Dame-de-Royan church, the Pontaillac district and its seaside villas, the Royan museum and the superb Grande Conche beach. From Royan it is also possible to take a boat trip to the Cordouan lighthouse.

The zoo of La Palmyre

Elephants, tigers and gorillas live at La Palmyre Zoo, one of the most famous zoos in Europe. Specialized in the conservation of endangered species, La Palmyre Zoo will delight young and old with a hundred different species living in a huge 18-hectare park.

Fort Boyard

Who has never heard of this incredible fort built on the open sea in the 19th century, between the island of Aix and the island of Oléron? The famous TV game show made it known all over the world. If it is not possible to visit it, several boat trips from the islands and from several coastal towns go around it and allow you to observe it closely.

The Cordouan lighthouse

Built on a rocky plateau off the coast of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, the Cordouan lighthouse tells the story of four centuries of maritime history. This magnificent white tower of 68 m, nicknamed the “Versailles of the sea” dates from the 16th century. It can be reached by boat from the port of Royan or Le Verdon-sur-Mer.

The aquarium of La Rochelle

The aquarium of La Rochelle is not just an aquarium. It is a relaxing dive into the fantastic world of the oceans. More than 12,000 animals are to be observed in an educational course divided into 9 different areas, including one dedicated to sharks and another to the abysses.

The City of the Oyster

At the edge of the channel of La Cayenne where the famous Marennes Oléron oysters are bred, the Cité de l’Huître offers to make discover oyster farming in a playful way. Themed huts and an educational oyster farm allow you to learn everything about oysters. An interpretation trail to follow on foot or by bike goes along the channel and the oyster beds through the Seudre marsh. The Cité de l’Huître is one of the most visited places in Charente-Maritime.

The caves of Matata and Regulus

On the cliffs of Meschers, along the estuary of the Gironde, there are places full of history and legends: the troglodytic dwellings of Matata and Regulus. Over the centuries, these caves dug by nature have sheltered homeless people, pirates, fishermen and protestants. Today they can be visited and offer a beautiful view on the estuary.

The Seagull Train

An unusual trip along the Seudre river in an authentic steam train, do you fancy it? The Train des Mouettes links Saudron to La Tremblade. It slowly crosses beautiful landscapes, including a salt marsh and vineyards, on a line built in 1876.

The lighthouse of La Coubre

Located 15 km from the Eldapi Vacances campsites, the Coubre lighthouse offers a breathtaking view of the Sauvage coast, the Coubre forest and the Gironde estuary. This 64 m high historical monument was built in 1904. There is also a museum. Visit it at the end of the day, when the sun is approaching the horizon, to see the ocean dressed in gold…

The Luna Park of La Palmyre

With about fifty attractions and rides, a miniature golf course and numerous food stands, the Luna Park of La Palmyre is the ideal place for a family outing. The youngest will be amazed to meet Disney characters and the older ones will appreciate the excellent thrill rides.