Our campsites in Charente-Maritime
in New Aquitaine
Looking for a change of scenery? Take a break at a campsite in Charente-Maritime!
With Cottage Parks, find a charming, eco-friendly campsite nestled in the heart of this beautiful département. With its wild beaches, vineyards, small ports and historic heritage, Charente-Maritime has everything to seduce you.
Here you’ll find the best addresses and tips for a holiday in harmony with nature. Pack your bags and let yourself be carried away by the Charente-Maritime way of life, for an unforgettable holiday!
Charente-Maritime, the ideal destination for your camping holiday
Located on the west coast of France, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Charente-Maritime is the perfect destination for a camping holiday.
With its mild, sunny climate, especially in summer, it invites you to enjoy the fresh air between beaches, islands and picturesque villages.
Lovers of swimming and water sports will appreciate the fine sandy beaches that line the Atlantic Ocean, particularly around the islands of Ré and Oléron, famous for their unspoilt seascapes.
The department also offers hiking and biking trails along the coast and through the marshes, offering unique panoramas.
In terms of heritage, Charente-Maritime is rich in historical and cultural sites, such as the fortifications of Brouage and the citadel of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Coastal villages and local markets immerse you in the friendly atmosphere typical of the region.
Food lovers will not be outdone: here, seafood such as Marennes-Oléron oysters are a must, to be sampled in the harbours or directly from the producers.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, outdoor activities or cultural discoveries, the Charente-Maritime region guarantees unforgettable, rejuvenating camping holidays.
What to see in Charente-Maritime during your camping holiday
Charente-Maritime, with its exceptional natural landscapes and unique coastline, is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors and nature. Here is a selection of unmissable natural sites for unforgettable memories:
- L’île de Ré: Renowned for its magnificent beaches, authentic villages and salt marshes, this island offers superb cycling trails to discover its natural landscapes and exceptional wildlife, particularly seabirds.
- Île d’Oléron: A wilder island, Oleron attracts visitors with its fine sandy beaches, pine forests and unspoilt dunes. The Chassiron lighthouse, at the northern tip of the island, offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and coastline.
- The Rochefort marshes: This fascinating ecosystem stretches for miles and is home to a diversity of animal and plant species. Hiking and observation trails let you discover these unique wetlands and their biodiversity.
- Baie de l’Aiguillon: Situated on the border between Charente-Maritime and Vendée, this bay is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Every year, it welcomes thousands of migratory birds and offers exceptional walks through wild landscapes.
- The Marais Poitevin: This regional nature park, nicknamed the “Green Venice”, is perfect for a boat or canoe trip through canals lined with willows and poplars, for total immersion in a peaceful, verdant environment.
- Le phare des Baleines: Located at the tip of the Ile de Ré, this iconic lighthouse offers a 360° panorama of the Atlantic Ocean and the Charente coastline from its summit. It’s a must-see for lovers of beautiful seascapes.
- Côte Sauvage beaches: Bordered by dunes and pine forests, the Côte Sauvage beaches are perfect for ocean lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Less crowded, they offer an unspoilt natural setting.
Places to visit in Charente-Maritime
Picturesque towns and villages
Charente-Maritime abounds in towns and villages with a rich historical heritage, where each place tells a unique story of ancient architecture and maritime landscapes.
Discover a few must-sees to explore the authenticity of this region:
La Rochelle
A dynamic, historic city, La Rochelle is famous for its Vieux Port, medieval towers and stone arcades.
Visit the emblematic Saint-Nicolas Tower, Saint-Louis Cathedral and wander through its lively streets.
Saintes
Steeped in Roman history, Saintes is home to impressive monuments such as the Arch of Germanicus, the amphitheatre and the Abbaye aux Dames. This peaceful setting along the Charente makes it a fascinating stopover for history buffs.
Rochefort
A city of art and history, Rochefort is famous for its Corderie Royale and the reconstruction of the Hermione, La Fayette’s ship. An ideal place to immerse yourself in France’s maritime past.
Saint-Martin-de-Ré
This fortified village on the Ile de Ré is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ramparts, designed by Vauban, surround a charming marina and a network of cobbled streets lined with white houses with green shutters.
Brouage
A former military citadel transformed into a village, Brouage is surrounded by ramparts and salt marshes. This historic site is perfect for a leisurely stroll and offers panoramic views of the surrounding marshes.
Mornac-sur-Seudre
Another of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages”, Mornac-sur-Seudre is a former oyster-farming port with whitewashed houses, craftsmen’s huts and salt marshes. Its charming atmosphere makes it a picturesque place to discover.
Marennes
A must-see for oyster lovers, Marennes is famous for its oyster beds and observatory bell tower. Discover the port, the colorful oyster huts and the local specialties on the banks of the Seudre.
Château d’Oléron
This historic, picturesque village in the south-east of the island is famous for its fortified citadel. Overlooking the sea, it offers a magnificent view of the coastline and is the perfect place for a stroll between history and nature.
Things to do in Charente-Maritime
During your eco-chic camping holiday
In Charente-Maritime, there’s no shortage of activities to discover the area in a unique and fun way, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation in the heart of nature.
Cycling
Cycling is an excellent way to explore Charente-Maritime, with cycle paths that skirt beaches, cross marshes and wind through picturesque villages. The Vélodyssée route is ideal for admiring coastal landscapes and islands, with magnificent views over the Atlantic.
Water sports
Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them entertained with surfing on the Ile d’Oléron and the Côte Sauvage, renowned for their waves. Sailing, sea kayaking and paddling are also popular on the beaches of Royan and around the Ile de Ré.
Discover the marshes
For a peaceful outing, discover the marshes of Brouage or the Marais Poitevin by boat. Known as the “Green Venice”, these marshes boast a unique flora and fauna, ideal for an immersion in nature.
Here are some other ideas to enrich your stay:
- Canoeing on the Charente river
- Birdwatching in the Bay of Aiguillon
- Tours and tastings on the oyster farms of Marennes-Oléron
- Tree climbing in the forests of La Coubre
- Fishing on the beaches of Fouras
- Horseback riding on the beaches of the Ile d’Oléron
- A visit to La Palmyre Zoo
Charente’s culinary specialities
Charente-Maritime’s gastronomy is a tribute to its rich terroir and maritime influences.
Famous for its Marennes-Oléron oysters, among the most renowned in France, the Charente-Maritime region is a magnet for seafood lovers. These oysters, raised in maturing basins called “claires”, offer a uniquely sweet, iodized flavor. Bouchot mussels, delicious in éclade (grilled under a carpet of pine needles), are also a local must.
Charente’s specialities would not be complete without Pineau des Charentes and Cognac, emblematic beverages that add a touch of sweetness or warmth to aperitifs or end meals, or are a perfect addition to recipes for dishes or desserts.
As for sweet treats, galettes charentaises, angelica-flavored cookies, and tourteaux fromagers, small soft cakes, are perfect for fans of local sweets.
Charente-Maritime: events
all year round
Annual, varied and emblematic events make Charente-Maritime a dynamic and lively region, offering cultural, sporting and gastronomic experiences for all tastes:
- Cavalcade de Châtelaillon-Plage (carnival) – March
- Royan Côte de Beauté Marathon – May
- Nautical week in Rochefort – June
- Sites en Scène Festival (open-air shows in iconic Charente-Maritime locations) – June-September
- Francofolies de La Rochelle (concerts) – July
- La Rochelle International Film Festival – July
- The Marennes-Oléron Oyster Festival – August
- Le Grand Pavois de La Rochelle (boat show) – September
Book your eco-friendly campsite in Charente-Maritime with Cottage Parks
Rent accommodation in an eco-friendly campsite in Charente-Maritime with Cottage Parks for an authentic experience in the heart of nature.
In picturesque settings, our eco-chic campsites offer an idyllic setting to recharge your batteries, while making a positive impact on the planet. Whether close to the beaches of the Ile d’Oléron, on the edge of salt marshes or in the heart of the forests, each site lets you take advantage of the department’s natural riches.
When you choose Cottage Parks, you combine relaxation, adventure and ecological commitment for a memorable holiday.
Book now to explore the beauty of the Charente countryside and take part in responsible tourism that values nature and local produce.