What to do in Charente-Maritime?

The Charente-Maritime is one of the most beautiful departments of Nouvelle-Aquitaine — and one of the least known for its full richness. Between La Rochelle, a radiant Atlantic capital, the wild majesty of the island of Oléron and the island of Ré, the medieval charm of Saintes and the beaches of Royan, the 17 offers a rare density of experiences on the French coast. Not to mention Fort Boyard, a popular icon visible from the coast, the classified villages of Mornac-sur-Seudre and Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, the Poitou Marshes to the east and the campsites with water parks in Charente-Maritime that make this department an excellent family destination.

Unmissable attractions to visit in Charente-Maritime

La Rochelle: the Atlantic capital

La Rochelle is the jewel of Charente-Maritime. Its Old Port, framed by three medieval towers (Tower of Saint-Nicolas, Tower of the Chain and Tower of the Lantern, listed as UNESCO World Heritage), is one of the most photographed images of the Atlantic coast. The arcaded streets of the historic center, the mansions and the Cathedral of Saint-Louis create a setting of rare architectural coherence.

The La Rochelle Aquarium is the largest private aquarium in France and continental Europe — 12,000 marine animals in 70 tanks including a 360° underwater tunnel. An essential visit for families with children. The La Rochelle Museum (New World Museum, Fine Arts Museum) completes the cultural offer.

For thrill-seekers, The Adventurers of La Rochelle (also known as Olympiads Adventurers Rochelle) offer tree-top courses and outdoor activities on the outskirts of the city. The Rochefort Royal Ropeyard is 30 minutes away.

The island of Ré: the island of bikes

The island of Ré is one of the most sought-after island destinations in France. Connected to La Rochelle by a 3 km bridge, it is best explored by bike on its 120 km of cycle paths. Its villages with colorful shuttered houses — Saint-Martin-de-Ré (capital fortified by Vauban), Ars-en-Ré, La Flotte — are ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. The Lighthouse of the Whales, at the western end of the island, is an emblematic monument with panoramic views from the top.

The island of Oléron: the great island of Charente

The island of Oléron is the largest island in mainland France after Corsica. Connected to the mainland by the Oléron Bridge, it stretches 50 km of coastline between Atlantic beaches, dunes and pine forests. Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is the most renowned seaside resort on the island — its vast beaches, its pine forest and its cycle paths make it an ideal stay for families.

The Marennes-Oléron basin is the leading oyster basin in France: Marennes-Oléron oysters are known worldwide for their fineness. A visit to an oyster shack in Marennes is essential to understand this exceptional craft. The Arvert Peninsula and its pine forests complete this fascinating territory.

Fort Boyard: the Charente icon

The Fort Boyard is one of the best-known images of Charente-Maritime — this sea fort built in the 19th century, made famous by the eponymous television program, is visible from the coasts of Oléron and the Fouras peninsula. Boat excursions allow you to sail close by from Boyardville, Port-des-Barques or Fouras — a unique experience for children and adults alike.

Rochefort and the Royal Ropeyard

Rochefort, a garrison city created by Colbert in 1666, is a city of art and history that surprises. The Rochefort Royal Ropeyard, a historic monument 374 meters long, is one of the finest 17th-century factories preserved in France. The reconstruction project of the frigate Hermione — which took La Fayette to America — was completed there: the replica is now visible in its basin in Rochefort.

The Rochefort transporter bridge, one of the rare ones still operating in France, crosses the Charente in a silent dance between Rochefort and Échillais.

Saintes and Roman heritage

Saintes is one of the richest cities in ancient heritage in the South-West. Its Arc of Germanicus (19 AD), its Gallo-Roman amphitheater and its archaeological museum make it an essential destination for history enthusiasts. The medieval city around the Abbey of the Ladies completes this exceptional architectural wealth.

Mornac-sur-Seudre and classified villages

Mornac-sur-Seudre is one of the most beautiful villages in France in Charente-Maritime. This fishing village on the banks of the Seudre, with its flower-lined streets, craftspeople’s workshops and fishing huts on the water, deserves an extended stop. The Château de La Roche-Courbon, east of Saintes, is the finest castle in the Charente — its water mirror, gardens and classical architecture make it the “Sleeping Beauty Castle” of the region.

The Poitou Marshes and Saint-Jean-d’Angely

To the east of the department, the Poitou Marshes — shared with the Vendée — offers its shaded canals to explore by boat or bike. Saint-Jean-d’Angely, a former stop on the Camino de Compostela, is a medieval city with a remarkable royal abbey and a preserved historic center.

What to do in Charente-Maritime as a family with children?

Charente-Maritime is a premier family destination. The La Rochelle Aquarium (essential for ages 5-14), boat excursions around Fort Boyard, cycling trips on the island of Oléron and visits to oyster shacks in Marennes are experiences accessible to all ages.

For families staying in a campsite with water park in Charente-Maritime — notably in the Royan, La Palmyre (zoo with 1,600 animals) or Saint-Palais-sur-Mer areas — the ideal program is simply: Atlantic beaches and aquatic pool at the campsite, cultural outings on less sunny days.

Camping with water park in Charente-Maritime

Charente-Maritime is one of the regions of France best equipped with campsites with water parks. The Royan / La Palmyre / Ronce-les-Bains area concentrates many 3 to 5-star campsites with complete aquatic spaces: water slides, lazy rivers, heated pools. The area around Châtelaillon-Plage, close to La Rochelle, and the Oléron coastline complete the offer.