Discovery of La Palmyre
This is where the campsites are located. Often on the edge of the ocean, the mouth of the Gironde or the vast Bonne Anse bay, but also most of the town's economic activities (zoo, shops, etc.). For a top holiday in Les Mathes - La Palmyre with your family, friends or loved ones, we have selected the best campsites in and around the commune:
Which campsite should you choose to explore Les Mathes and La Palmyre?
Campsites in the heart of the pine forest
Les Pins de la Courbe *** campsite, located in Les Mathes in Charente-Maritime, is ideally situated just 3 km from the beaches of the Côte Sauvage, offering quick access to the sea and water sports activities. This family campsite covers a wooded, natural area with around 200 pitches, divided between traditional camping areas and a variety of accommodation rentals. Visitors can find classic accommodation such as mobile homes and chalets, as well as more unusual lodgings such as tree houses, colourful caravans and safari tents, offering a comfortable way to experience the great outdoors. The campsite offers a range of activities for young and old in high season, with seasonal entertainment, a heated swimming pool, a wellness area and a water park. It is an ideal setting for families and nature lovers, while being close to local tourist attractions such as La Palmyre Zoo and the Coubre lighthouse.
Campsites close to the seaside
The Palmyre Loisirs campsite **** in Les Mathes is close to the seaside resort of La Palmyre. The campsite offers around 400 pitches, divided between modern mobile homes, chalets and pitches for tents and caravans, providing a wide choice of accommodation to suit everyone. The campsite is open from 1 April to 30 September, so you can enjoy the area throughout the summer season. With its direct proximity to the national forest of La Courbe and the beaches of the Côte de Beauté (4 km), the site offers an exceptional natural setting. Holidaymakers can enjoy a water park, entertainment in high season and a variety of activities for all ages. It's the ideal place for a family holiday, combining relaxation, nature and leisure in a high-quality environment, which you can also discover by hiring bikes.
Campsite Sandaya Les Mathes
Les Mathes campsite **** in Les Mathes is ideal for families and nature lovers. Open from the end of May to the end of September, it offers 142 units of modern accommodation, with options ranging from mobile homes to chalets. The campsite is just 4 km from the beaches of the Côte Sauvage and offers a green setting between pine trees and the ocean. It has a 500 m² water park with indoor pool and slides, as well as access to the entertainment and services of the neighbouring L'Estanquet campsite. Nearby, you can take advantage of numerous activities such as bike hire and, during the high season, accrobranche (tree climbing) or a visit to La Palmyre Zoo. This Green Key-labelled campsite also makes a point of honour to respect an eco-responsible approach, ensuring a pleasant and environmentally-friendly stay.
5-star Atlantique Parc campsite - An exceptional water park
Camping Atlantique Parc ***** in Les Mathes is open from April to September and offers an idyllic setting just 2 km from the fine sandy beaches of the Côte de Beauté. The campsite has 513 pitches, divided between fully-equipped mobile homes and pitches for tents and caravans, suitable for families looking for comfort and conviviality to please everyone. The main attraction of the site is its exceptional water park, one of the largest in France, covering 5,000 m². This artificial lagoon, surrounded by fine sand, palm trees and deckchairs, offers holidaymakers a unique swimming area. Children can build sandcastles here, while older children enjoy the natural pool. There are also two heated outdoor and indoor pools, with four multi-lane slides. The nearby forest of Saint-Augustin-les-Mathes offers plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling.
Campsite Les Charmettes
Les Charmettes campsite **** in Les Mathes covers 40 hectares and offers 1,369 pitches, divided between modern mobile homes and pitches for tents and caravans. The main attraction of the campsite is its vast aquatic area for everyone, including an indoor swimming pool, three heated outdoor pools, slides, paddling pools and a children's aquatic area. For younger children, there are free children's clubs for ages 3 to 18, offering a range of activities to suit every age group. The campsite is open from April to November and is just 4 km from the beaches of the Côte de Beauté. Bike hire is also available.
What are the treasures of La Palmyre?
The Courbe lighthouse, a sentinel of light
The Courbe lighthouse is located in the commune of La Tremblade, 9 kilometres from Les Mathes. This "sentinel of light" is not just a place to visit, as it still plays an essential role in maritime traffic on this turbulent stretch of coastline. After climbing 300 steps, you'll be rewarded with a magnificent panorama. A 360° view of the wild coastline and beaches of La Tremblade, as well as the Ile d'Oléron, the Courbe forest and the Gironde estuary. Down below, the Ecomuseum will reveal the secrets of how the lighthouse works. There's also a shop, because you're always happy to take home a souvenir or make a gift. If you're a keen climber, you can take part in a race up the 300 steps as quickly as possible. The first of the year will take place on 10 May, symbolically on Ascension Day. In summer, races are also organised at sunset. Admire the reddening light at the end of the day and build unforgettable memories with family and friends... an excellent reason to take part! The lighthouse is open from mid-February to mid-November from 10am to 6pm and closed between 12.30pm and 2pm. Prices : Lighthouse + ecomuseum: €4. Free for children under 4. Children aged 5 to 11: €2.50. Family pass (2 children + 2 adults): €11.
La Palmyre zoo, one of the most famous in Europe
Opened in 1966, La Palmyre zoo began life with just 160 animals. Today, it is one of the most famous zoos in Europe. The zoo boasts 115 different species and 1,600 animals, including almost 300 births every year. Four endangered species are housed here: the Bornean orang-utan, the Asian elephant, the Oryx algazelle (a type of large antelope native to the deserts and arid regions of the Middle East) and the rhinoceros, all of which make this park unique. It's a great place to visit with the whole family, especially as there are shows at , one with sea lions and the other with parrots. The visit takes around four hours over a four-kilometre route. Admission costs €22, and €17 for children up to the age of 12. The park is free for children under 3.
Bonne Anse Bay, a meeting place for sports enthusiasts
The bay of Bonne Anse is the place to be for the more sporty types for a session of windsurfing, kitesurfing or even paddle-boarding, in complete safety thanks to the sandbank where you can enjoy the Atlantic swell. Catamaran, Optimist and windsurfing courses are also available. A beach that changes its landscape as soon as the sea recedes, giving way to fishermen on foot.
Landscapes to admire on foot or by bike
A multitude of activities are also on offer in addition to those on the water. Let's start with the Courbe forest, considered to be the "green lung" of Les Mathes. There are 30 kilometres of waymarked footpaths covering 800 hectares, giving walkers plenty to do. For those who prefer cycling, there's the Vélodyssée, a sort of "véloroute" that runs along the entire west coast, from Brittany to the Basque Country. 1200 kilometres of invigorating, environmentally-friendly cycling. The interesting part here is between Royan and Ronce-les-Bains. A tarmac cycle path built on the old Eaux et Forêts tramway. It's also a 30-kilometre ride in the heart of the countryside, a family outing in complete safety as only bicycles are allowed. You'll discover the region in a whole new way. image
The beaches of La Palmyre
Holidays are all about the beach! There's no shortage of them at La Palmyre, and here are a few to help you choose. La Lède beach, facing the Cordouan lighthouse and the ocean, is open to naturists. La Palmyre beach, close to the town centre, has the 'Tourisme et Handicap' label. The Pins de Cordouan beach also caught our eye because it is bordered by maritime pines and a dune belt.
The charm of the surrounding area
Talmont-sur-Gironde elected one of France's Most Beautiful Villages
Talmont-sur-Gironde is a typical Charente-Maritime village. Situated around thirty kilometres from the town of Les Mathes, it is a fortified town and one of France's most beautiful villages. It overlooks the Gironde estuary and sits on a rocky promontory. The magnificent walled church of Sainte Radegonde dominates the village. This quiet peninsula, with its white facades and blue shutters, has an air of holiday about it, and is best visited on foot (cars are parked outside), which undoubtedly adds to its charm. You can also walk along the cliff face, enjoying the scenery as you reach the remains of the Tour Blanche, the best preserved of the citadel. Climbing to the top of the tower affords an exceptional view of the peninsula, the church of Sainte Radegonde and the mouth of the estuary. The walk continues with a visit to the port, which has retained its old-world charm, with its wooden pontoons leading to the carrelets (fishermen's huts typical of the region), which in summer are home to the canoes of the maigres fishermen.image
Mornac-sur-Seudre, another listed village
Just 12 kilometres from Les Mathes, the village of Mornac-sur-Seudre is also listed as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages. Formerly a fishing and trading port, it is now mainly involved in oyster farming and salt marshes. Mornac-sur-Seudre is a village full of charm, with cobbled, flower-filled streets, white-painted houses, multicoloured huts, medieval market halls and a Romanesque church.
Itinerary for an extended weekend in and around La Palmyre
Les Mathes, La Palmyre and the surrounding area can also be explored over a long weekend or a few days' holiday by taking the road to the wild coast and its fine sandy beaches, for example. In the evening, a stroll around the oyster-farming port and a tasting of Marennes-Oléron oysters while admiring the sunset will be enough to enchant your day. The following day, explore the market in Royan (16 km from Les Mathes) and enjoy a picnic with the artisanal products found at the market, on the banks of the Gironde estuary. Afterwards, take a boat trip from the port of Royan for a breathtaking view of the Cordouan lighthouse.