Every year, thousands of families ask themselves the same question for the holidays: where to go this summer to truly unwind? Charente-Maritime is one of those destinations that everyone agrees on. It boasts fine sandy beaches, pine forests, and fishing villages bathed in Atlantic light. And to fully enjoy it without breaking the bank, camping proves to be the ideal choice. Here’s why!
Sommaire
Campsites near the ocean
Simplicity and authenticity are intrinsic characteristics of a camping stay on the Charente coast. No impersonal hotel lobbies or restaurants with strict hours. Here, life moves to the rhythm of the sun and tides. In the morning, children wake up to the scent of pine trees. In the evening, families gather around a barbecue listening to the crickets.
Charente-Maritime indeed abounds with well-equipped campsites, open to all budgets. Among them, the Vacaf campsite in Royan is an interesting option for families. Certified Vacaf, it allows families receiving holiday aid to enjoy a quality stay in a green setting, just minutes from the Royan beaches, a valuable solution to make holidays more accessible for everyone.
The region also offers exceptional sunshine (more than 2200 hours of sun per year) and pleasant summer temperatures (between 25 and 30 °C). All this makes it an ideal setting for family holidays.
A destination tailored for families
The region is also highly popular thanks to its numerous tourist sites particularly suited to families, which allow for wonderful discovery holidays.
Beaches for all tastes
Royan is renowned for its five urban beaches, including Grande Conche, a vast crescent of golden sand facing the Gironde estuary. Ideal for children, it is supervised in season, calm, and lined with restaurants and shops. Wilder, the beaches of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer or Pontaillac attract nature lovers and those seeking relaxation away from the crowds.
The Coubre Forest
A few kilometers north of Royan, the Coubre forest stretches over more than 8000 hectares between dunes and ocean. It features marked cycling trails, ideal for family bike rides.
At the end of the path, the beaches of Les Mathes and La Palmyre await with their vast sands and spectacular landscapes, offering views of the wild coast. The Coubre lighthouse, perched at 64 meters, offers a breathtaking view of the entire wild coast.
The Palmyre Zoo
It is impossible to talk about the region without mentioning the Palmyre Zoo, one of the most visited zoos in France. With more than 1500 animals spread over 18 hectares of forest, it offers a full day of discoveries for young and old alike. Among others, you can find:
- Lions;
- Giraffes;
- Gorillas;
- Penguins, etc.
A visit that often leaves a mark on children.
Talmont-sur-Gironde
About twenty minutes from Royan, the medieval village of Talmont-sur-Gironde is among the most beautiful villages in France. Perched on a limestone cliff overlooking the estuary, it charms with its streets adorned with hollyhocks and its 12th-century Romanesque church. A cultural and picturesque getaway not to be missed.
Water activities for everyone
Charente-Maritime is a paradise for sea lovers. From Royan, it is possible to rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards on the estuary or at sea. You can also embark on a cruise to the island of Oléron, the largest island in mainland France after Corsica.
Additionally, it is possible to go sea fishing with guided outings offered by local clubs. If you want to learn to surf, you can take lessons at the spots in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne.
For the little ones, nautical bases also offer initiations suitable from 6 years old. This can be a first adventure on the water that they will remember for a long time.
Why camping is the best choice this summer?
Camping is no longer just about tents and shared sanitary facilities of the past. Modern establishments offer comfortable mobile homes, swimming pools, play areas, entertainment, and even wellness spaces. And above all, they allow you to stay in the heart of nature, just steps away from the sites that make Charente-Maritime so charming.
Budget-wise, camping represents a substantial saving compared to hotels, often much less expensive than a hotel stay for a family of four, without sacrificing comfort and conviviality.