The sea, beaches and islands are the real highlights of a camping holiday in Charente-Maritime
When planning your holiday in Charente-Maritime, it goes without saying that the sea and beaches will feature heavily in your choice. You won't be disappointed, as there is so much to choose from. You'll be spoilt for choice with La Tremblade and its 25 km of Blue Flag beaches, Châtelaillon-Plage with its 3 km of white sand, not to mention what awaits you on the islands of Ré, Oléron and Aix.
Campsites: a wide choice for tailor-made holidays
You will find nearly 300 campsites listed in Charente-Maritime, so you can choose the perfect place for your next holiday. The vast majority of campsites in Charente-Maritime have 3 or 4 stars, while there are around 20 5-star campsites.
Campsites with direct access to the beach in Charente-Maritime
More than 200 campsites in the department are located just a few kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean, offering a real opportunity to enjoy the beach and sea bathing. Among them, it should be noted that some campsites have direct access to the beach in Charente-Maritime, for even more comfort and safety. We recommend, for example, the Bois Soleil***** campsite in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne or the La Côte sauvage***** campsite in Les Mathes.
Water parks at campsites in Charente-Maritime
In 2025, there are around 190 campsites in Charente-Maritime offering at least one swimming pool. If you want to go further and enjoy a real water park, with several pools, crazy water slides and sometimes even a lagoon, check out our selection of campsites in Charente-Maritime equipped with a water park. For example, discover the Séquoïa Parc***** campsite in Saint-Just-Luzac, the Les chênes de Médis**** campsite (in Médis) or Atlantique Parc***** in Les Mathes.
Luxury rentals or unusual accommodation in Charente-Maritime?
Unless you choose to camp on a pitch – and there are some very spacious and shaded ones in Charente-Maritime – you will have a wide choice of rentals, from mobile homes to chalets, as well as a range of luxury accommodation and unusual rentals. In Saint-Georges d'Oléron, we particularly recommend the Verébleu***** campsite or the Les Cabanes d'Oléron**** campsite, for its colourful unusual accommodation, inspired by the famous Oléron oyster huts. In Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, choose a safari tent at the Huttopia Chardons Bleus*** campsite, a campsite on a human scale.
Things to see and do during your camping holiday in Charente-Maritime
Like a history book, from Fort Boyard and Rochefort to La Rochelle
In Rochefort, don't miss a visit to the Corderie Royale. If you want to go back a little further in time, stop off at La Rochelle to discover the port that Richelieu had siege in the 17th century because he feared that this Huguenot city would become a stronghold from which the Protestants, aided by England, could set out to conquer the kingdom. The ramparts of Saint Martin de Ré, built by Vauban and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, date from around the same period. The last example is the famous Fort Boyard, which Napoleon III wanted to turn into a prison, but never did, and which was only saved from demolition by a television programme. It is not open to the public. However, it can be visited during boat trips organised from Fouras or La Rochelle.
Dreams and celebrations
It's possible that old stones leave you cold. If so, treat yourself to a dream come true with a visit to La Rochelle Aquarium. Located near the Old Port, it is one of the largest private aquariums in Europe. Covering an area of 8,445 m², it exhibits more than 12,000 animals of 600 different species, spread across 3 million litres of seawater in the aquariums. Every year, it welcomes more than 800,000 visitors, making it the largest and most visited aquarium in France. As you'll need a whole day to see everything, take a lunch break in the museum's panoramic restaurant, which is affordable and serves good quality food. Animal lovers can also spend a whole day at La Palmyre Zoo to discover its 1,600 residents representing 110 species.
But coming on holiday to Charente Maritime also means treating yourself to the chance to party. For music lovers, there are numerous festivals throughout the department where you can dance to the sound of music. All genres are catered for: French music at the Francofolies de La Rochelle, classical music at the Festival de Saintes, etc.
Charente-Maritime on foot, by bike or on horseback...
If you prefer walking, Charente-Maritime is not necessarily the worst choice. The figures speak for themselves: 5,300 km of walking routes and trails (marked paths, the Way of St James, etc.), 4,200 km of cycle paths (including the Vélodyssée) and mountain bike and hybrid bike trails. Even horse riders will find something to suit them with 1,000 km of bridleways.
A land of gastronomy
Enriching your culture is one thing. Enjoying the fruits of the earth is another. From this point of view, the department has much to offer. At the top of the list of local delicacies is, of course, the oyster, and more specifically the Marennes-Oléron oyster, which is the only one in France to have been awarded the Label Rouge.
But that's not all. Charente's gastronomy offers endless riches and appeals to all tastes. To simmer a fish-based dish made from everything that wriggles in the estuary , lampreys, shad, sea bass, meagre... and eels from the neighbouring marshes are cooked with delicacy and passion by local restaurateurs.
Pineau and cognac, in moderation of course, are also part of this region's rich heritage. In short, there are many products that are generally only found in this part of France: various fresh vegetables and fruits such as melons, various varieties of goat's cheese, etc.
Sunbathing, walking, learning and dining are all on the agenda for your next holiday in Charente-Maritime. Look no further, this is the place for you...