Charente-Maritime, a vacation destination (episode 1)

When you think of Charente-Maritime, images of sandy beaches, islands, colorful huts, boats, forts and… the ocean as far as the eye can see almost immediately spring to mind. With 460 km of coastline, plenty of sunshine, beaches, towns and islands, Charente-Maritime has plenty to delight visitors. To help you prepare for your next vacation, Saint-Tro’Park campsite in Oleron has some great ideas.

A city: La Rochelle

With its cobbled streets, old port, hidden alleyways and heritage steeped in history, La Rochelle is one of the most beautiful towns on the Atlantic coast. Immerse yourself in the heart of the maritime city. Pass under the Grosse Horloge, which marks the entrance to the old quarter. Stroll along its arcaded streets, its three towers and its 19th-century market. Visit its museums and the unforgettable Aquarium de La Rochelle. Between the lively terraces day and night, and the wind that gently tinkles the masts of the sailboats parked in the old port, the sounds of the city are almost different in La Rochelle. And the sunsets are almost always spectacular and intense.

An island: the Ile d’Oléron

Charente-Maritime boasts an absolutely exceptional coastline. Some even say that the most beautiful beaches on the Atlantic are to be found here! On the islands of Oléron or Ré, you’ll discover beautiful stretches of sand in idyllic colors. Less famous than its little sister Ré, the island of Oléron is a destination that seduces with its wild beauty and the authenticity of its small villages. Between the port of La Cotinière, the Chassiron lighthouse, the oyster-farming ports near Boyardville, the Château d’Oléron and its citadel, the forests as far as the eye can see at Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, there’s never a dull moment on theIle d’Oléron! You’ll discover a remarkable natural, cultural and gastronomic heritage.

An unusual place: the Hermione

Not-to-be-missed activities in Charente-Maritime include a visit to the Hermione and the great Arsenal des Mers in Rochefort. Currently, in January 2023, the Hermione is in dry dock in the port of Bayonne in Anglet, following compulsory work on her hull. The official store welcomes you to Rochefort, even when theHermione isn’t there! Browse the exhibition dedicated to the replica of La Fayette‘s French warship. Hop on the Accro-mât, explore the Corderie Royale and the Musée National de la Marine.

Photo “La Rochelle” (Credit: Viepratique.fr)