On the ground
Charente-Maritime is an ideal playground for hikers. The department boasts numerous hiking trails of all levels (Grande Randonnée and promenade) and lengths. Although the highest point is only 173 m, the walks will still require a bit of energy, but you'll still be able to enjoy a delightful view. All in all, there are almost 800 km of long-distance hiking trails in the département, each one offering a unique opportunity to discover the region's natural and architectural heritage. The GR 360, a 460 km loop, takes you on a tour of Saintonge, starting from Saintes, the historic capital, to Saint-Agnant, in the heart of the Rochefort marshes, and on to Pons, famous for its keep. The GR 4, from Royan, leads to Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. Charente-Maritime boasts 165 km of signposted footpaths, enabling you to discover typical landscapes and towns such as Royan, the oyster-farming landscapes of Marennes, the Coubre forest and the Saintonge region. The GR 655 crosses the whole department. This route is well known to walkers, as it is part of the road leading to Santiago de Compostela. It leads from south of Saint-Jean-d'Angély to Blaye, a distance of almost 130 km. The Charente-Maritime region boasts four major halts for pilgrims: Saint-Pierre church in Aulnay-de-Saintonge, the Royal Abbey in Saint-Jean-d'Angély, Saint-Eutrope church in Saintes and L'Hôpital des Pèlerins in Pons. The last Grande Randonnée (GR 8) starts in Vendée and follows the entire Atlantic coast.
Along the coast is the sentier des Douaniers, a path linking two seaside resorts: Vaux-sur-Mer and Saint-Palais. Stretching for almost 4 km, it offers an iodized stroll and enchanting views over the Gironde estuary. The route starts from Nauzan beach, famous for its carrelets and Belle Epoque villas, and continues along the famous Plage du Bureau and the former Maison des Douanes. After crossing the Emile Gaboriau footbridge, it's on to the Pont du Diable and the Grande Côte beach.
These walks through the Charente-Maritime region will allow you to observe nature, enjoy unique landscapes, visit major monuments and stroll through towns and villages. These include Saint-Jean-d'Angély, on the route to Santiago de Compostela, La Rochelle along the sentier du littoral and the villages of the Retais, ideal for strolling.
Want to go faster? Then try running! Every year, La Rochelle organizes one of the biggest marathons in France, welcoming some 8,000 runners. It's a great way to discover the maritime city in the off-season. The Charente-Maritime region also boasts a wide range of races, including trails, foulées, nature runs and 10 km events, to suit all enthusiasts. Outside of these events, runners have plenty of time to train, benefiting from the region's favourable surroundings: along the seafront, on the sand, in the shade of oak trees...
If walking bores you and you don't like running, there's always cycling! And Charente-Maritime is ideal for cycling. The department is criss-crossed by five major European and national itineraries. The Vélodyssée stretches from Pont du Brault in the Marais Poitevin to Royan. The 164 km-long route is divided into several stages, offering a chance to discover the port of Marans before reaching La Rochelle and Rochefort. Cyclists then head for Marennes and Royan. The Canal des Deux-Mers, between Royan and Vitrezay, also offers several stages. This is an opportunity to discover emblematic natural sites such as the Gironde estuary, the Suzac forest and the coastline. The Vélo Francette offers a 44 km itinerary from La Ronde to La Rochelle, while the Scandibérique takes you from Chevanceaux to Cercoux through nature and vineyards. Last but not least, there's the Flow Vélo, which starts at Salignac-sur-Charente and ends on the Ile d'Aix.
Charente-Maritime also boasts a number of cycle routes, including the greenways in La Rochelle and on the islands, as well as cycle paths and small roads for gentle pedaling. For those who prefer a more sporty approach, there's no shortage of mountain bike trails! In the Saint-Sauveur region, on Oléron, in the Coubre forest or on the Ile de Ré, there's plenty to do!
On the water
With its large maritime facade, the department offers many nautical activities. Since the 1970s, surfers have been coming here to ride the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Several spots are available to them, with exposed and sheltered beaches allowing novices and professionals alike to take the plunge. The coastline of Royannais is undoubtedly one of the most attractive with the mythical beach of Pontaillac and the Côte Sauvage. The two islands are no less famous. Ré offers a delightful setting, from the Petit Bec beach to the Grenettes beach. Oléron is a popular destination offering waves for all levels, especially the spot of the Pointe de Chassiron known for its powerful waves. Whatever your level of surfing, you can surf all year round in Charente-Maritime, as surf schools remain open even in winter.
If you like speed, jet-skiing is for you! In vogue for a few years, this activity has become accessible allowing everyone to discover the joys of this mechanical sport. Alone or in pairs, no license is needed to ride these machines and discover the Charente coastline. Many companies offer jet rentals. All you have to do is choose between an organized tour, a speed course or a simple ride. Those who like something new will probably prefer to try the flyboard, a somewhat strange device thanks to which you will rise above the ocean! Strong sensations guaranteed! Unless you are tempted by kitesurfing or windsurfing. The choice is yours!
Of course, many other nautical activities are represented in the department: a cruise around Fort Boyard or to reach the island of Aix, a sportive weekend on a sailboat in La Rochelle, boarding a catamaran to enjoy a sunset or going on a fishing boat. You may be tempted to take a seat on a gabarre, a replica of a ship that was once used to transport goods, or to sail on the Charente River aboard an electro-solar ship to enjoy the landscape in silence.
If you are in the mood for peace and quiet, hop on a paddle or a kayak and enjoy the calm waters of the Rompsay canal and the marshes of Oleron.
Of course, with its 463 kilometers of coastline and its exceptional microclimate, Charente-Maritime is the perfect place to enjoy swimming. In Royan, you can bathe in a Belle Epoque spirit at the Pontaillac beach, while in Châtelaillon-Plage you can find 3 kilometers of beach.
Let's go back to the sand for a moment to test the sand yacht. Fun and accessible to all, this activity allows you to admire exceptional landscapes while getting a dose of adrenaline! It is possible to practice it on Oléron, on one of the biggest beaches of the department but also on the beach of Vallières between Royan and Saint-Georges-de-Didonne.
On horseback or on a donkey
The Charente-Maritime region offers riders a very charming setting. Several places lend themselves to horseback riding: the Haute-Saintonge and the Pays Royannais. It is the ideal opportunity to get some height and to discover, at the rhythm of your horse, the forest of La Coubre and the large sandy beaches. The department has many horse riding centers that allow you to discover this activity, each offering different types of rides, such as the discovery of the islands.
Donkey rides are just as enjoyable! These emblematic animals of the island of Ré - they were formerly used for the work in the fields -, make the happiness of the children, and not only! When you arrive in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, you will see them, especially in the Barbette park. Dressed in their breeches, the donkeys - under the guidance of patient parents - take the children for a little ride. You will meet these endearing animals in other places: Dompierre-sur-Mer, Saint-Césaire...
In the air
If you want to see the Charente-Maritime in a different way, take the height. In Rochefort or Royan, enjoy the thrill of a parachute jump! Instructors approved by the French Federation of Parachuting allow you to be initiated to parachuting. You can also fly over the department in a helicopter. The opportunity to discover La Rochelle, Rochefort, the Ford Boyard and even the island of Oléron in another way!
What if you decided to go up in the trees? Many amusement parks invite adventurers to climb up. The most surprising is undoubtedly the Accro-Mâts de Rochefort, a unique course which proposes to go from mast to mast and to climb the ropes.
In another style, climbing on top of the lighthouses will also allow you to enjoy a splendid view. Lighthouse of the Whales, of the Coubre, of Chassiron... count at least 200 steps!
Stress free
Le Petit Futé has a few more relaxing activities in store for you. A thalasso session in one of the Charente-Maritime centers, in Ars-en-Ré, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, Châtelaillon-Plage... The department is also a wellness destination, ideal for marine treatments, seaweed wraps and seawater affusion massages. The choice is yours, whether you opt for a half-day cure, à la carte treatments or an all-inclusive package!
