Charente-Maritime is a dream destination for beach lovers, combining diversity and natural beauty. Whether you're a surfing enthusiast, in search of tranquillity or on a family vacation, this département offers options to suit all tastes. From the wild beaches of La Tremblade to the family-friendly expanses of Royan, via the popular spots of Ile d'Oléron and Ile de Ré, each place has its own unique charm. Enjoy the varied landscapes, water sports activities and breathtaking views of iconic sites such as Fort Boyard. Discover our selection of the 15 most beautiful beaches for unforgettable moments bythe water.
1- Grande Conche beach, Royan
The Grande Conche beach in Royan is a must-see destination for families. Located in the heart of the seaside resort of Royan, this large sandy beach stretches for almost 2 kilometers. The calm, safe waters are ideal for children's swimming. Take advantage of the many water sports on offer, including sailing and paddle boarding. Thanks to its modern infrastructure, the beach is easily accessible and fully equipped with showers, first-aid posts and catering facilities. In summer, entertainment and events make it a lively and friendly place to be. Discover our 15 must-sees in Royan! Renting an Airbnb in Royan? Take the stress out of transportation by booking your trip from the station !
2- Plage de la Cèpe, Ronce-les-Bains
Plage de la Cèpe in Ronce-les-Bains is ideal for lovers of nature and tranquillity. Situated on the edge of the Coubre forest, this picturesque beach offers the perfect setting for family walks and picnics. What's more, the beach is easy to access thanks to its nearby parking lots and landscaped paths. In summer, the calm waters are ideal for safe swimming. Finally, take advantage of amenities such as sanitary facilities and picnic areas to spend a pleasant, rejuvenating day.
3- Plage de la Pointe Espagnole, La Tremblade
The Pointe Espagnole beach in La Tre mblade is a paradise for kitesurfers and wilderness enthusiasts. Located on the Côte Sauvage, this long, sandy beach is bordered by dunes and pine forests, providing an exceptional natural setting. Facing due west, it is a renowned spot for surfing and kitesurfing thanks to its powerful, regular waves. The beach also has a naturist section for those seeking greater privacy. Easily accessible via cycle paths, Pointe Espagnole also has a seductive, unspoilt feel and breathtaking scenery, perfect for a day of total escapism.
4- Trousse-Chemise beach, Île de Ré
Trousse-Chemise beach on the Île de Ré is a veritable paradise for lovers of nature and tranquillity. Accessible after a pleasant walk along a wooded path, this beach offers a wild, unspoilt setting with calm waters and clear sand. With few visitors, you can enjoy a peaceful environment far from the crowds. Ideal for swimming, this beach is also perfect for seaside picnics. What's more, its natural charm even inspired a song by Charles Aznavour, underlining its unique and enchanting character. Île de Ré is also one of the best destinations to visit in spring! Take advantage of your visit to the Île de Ré to book a jet-ski session !
5- Plage des Saumonards, Île d'Oléron
Plage des Saumonards on theIle d'Oléron is a hidden gem, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity. Nestled in the heart of the Saumonards forest, this wild beach offers a breathtaking view of Fort Boyard. Its vast expanses of fine sand and clean waters make it an ideal place for swimming and relaxing. The left-hand side of the beach is reserved for naturists, guaranteeing a peaceful, discreet experience. Easily accessible by bike or car, Plage des Saumonards boasts an unspoilt natural setting and a serene atmosphere, ideal for recharging your batteries. Take a boat trip from Ile d'Oléron to Fort Boyard excursion to Fort Boyard !
6- Plage des Nonnes, Meschers-sur-Gironde
The Plage des Nonnes in Meschers-sur-Gironde is a unique spot that will appeal to lovers of spectacular scenery. Bordered by limestone cliffs, this beach offers a picturesque setting and a breathtaking view of the Gironde estuary. Ideal for families, its calm waters are supervised in summer, guaranteeing safe swimming. The beach also boasts several restaurants and a yacht club, perfect for learning stand-up paddle or windsurfing. In the evening, the sunset over the cliffs creates a magical, unforgettable atmosphere.
7- Pontaillac beach, Royan
Royan's Pontaillac beach is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts and seaside relaxation. With waves ideal for surfing and bodyboarding, this dynamic beach attracts many board sports enthusiasts. What's more, its modern facilities include restaurants, ice-cream parlors and cafés with breathtaking ocean views, perfect for relaxing after a sports session. The beach is also supervised in summer, ensuring safe swimming. Pontaillac's proximity to the center of Royan makes it easy to get to, and a must-see destination for holidaymakers.
Book your surf lesson in Royan here !
8- Plage de Vert Bois, Ile d'Oléron
Vert Bois beach on the Ile d'Oléron is a paradise for surf and nature lovers. Located on the west coast of the island, this beach stretches for several kilometers, offering a vast area of fine sand surrounded by dunes and pine forests. The waves are perfect for surfing, attracting a large number of enthusiasts. What's more, the beach is easily accessible thanks to a small parking lot nearby, although many prefer to cycle here to enjoy the surrounding scenery. Its rugged beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal place to recharge your batteries and reconnect with nature.
9- Plage des Minimes, La Rochelle
Plage des Minimes in La Roche lle is a popular destination for holidaymakers seeking relaxation and seaside activities. Located close to the town center and marina, this sandy beach offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding islands. Perfectly equipped with catering facilities, showers and first-aid posts, it guarantees a pleasant, carefree day. What's more, the calm, supervised waters in summer are ideal for family bathing. Thanks to its proximity to the tourist attractions of La Rochelle, the Plage des Minimes is a must for those who want to enjoy the pleasures of the sea to the full. The beaches of La Rochelle are also among the most beautiful in France!
10- Plage de la Boirie, Saint-Denis d'Oléron
The Plage de la Boirie in Saint-Denis d'Oléron is perfect for a family day out, thanks to its friendly atmosphere and adapted facilities. Located in the north of the island of Oléron, this sandy beach is lined with colorful huts that add a picturesque touch to the landscape. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for children's swimming, ensuring optimum safety. What's more, the beach is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with special equipment such as bathing chairs. The many services available, such as first-aid posts and catering facilities, make La Boirie particularly welcoming to all visitors.
11- Plage des Gollandières, Île de Ré
Plage des Gollandières on the Île de Ré is a haven of peace for holidaymakers looking for relaxation and water sports. Located in La Couarde-sur-Mer, this long, sandy beach is ideal for swimming, walking and sporting activities. Water sports enthusiasts can take advantage of optimal conditions for sailing and paddling. What's more, its calm waters are perfect for families with children. With its numerous facilities, such as lifeguard posts and catering areas, the Gollandières beach offers all the comforts needed for a pleasant day by the sea. Its natural beauty and serene atmosphere make it a must-see destination on the Île de Ré. Find out more about Île de Ré, one of the 10 ideal destinations for a romantic weekend in France!
12- Châtelaillon-Plage beach
The beach at Châtelaillon-Plage is a prime destination for holidaymakers looking for sunshine and seaside activities. Located close to La Rochelle, this long sandy beach stretches for several kilometers and is lined with beautifully renovated villas, offering a charming and elegant setting. Perfectly equipped, it offers children's play areas, beach clubs and a variety of water sports such as sailing and paddle boarding. The many restaurants and cafés along the seafront make it easy to relax and enjoy local specialties. With its friendly atmosphere and supervised waters in summer, Châtelaillon-Plage is ideal for a day out with family or friends.
13- Boyardville beach, Ile d'Oléron
Boyardville beach on the Ile d'Oléron is a must-see destination for sea and nature lovers. Located close to the famous Fort Boyard, this beach offers spectacular views of this historic icon. Boyardville is also known for its lively little marina, surrounded by numerous shops, restaurants and cafés, perfect for a gourmet break. The beach, with its fine sand and calm waters, is ideal for family swimming. What's more, it offers a variety of water sports such as kayaking and sailing. Easily accessible, Boyardville's authentic charm and friendly atmosphere make every visit memorable.
14- Plage des Huttes, Ile d'Oléron
Plage des Huttes on the Ile d'Oléron is a paradise for surfers and nature lovers alike. Located on the west coast of the island, this beach stretches for several kilometers, offering vast stretches of fine sand and powerful waves, perfect for surfing. Water sports enthusiasts will be delighted by the ideal conditions for surfing and bodyboarding. What's more, Les Huttes beach is surrounded by dunes and pine forests, creating an exceptional, unspoilt natural setting. Easily accessible, it also boasts amenities such as parking lots and signposted paths, making your visit to Plage des Huttes both pleasant and convenient.
15- Côte Sauvage beach, La Tremblade
The Côte Sauvage beach in La Tremblade is a real treasure trove for nature and water sports enthusiasts. Stretching over some twenty kilometers, this beach offers an exceptional natural setting with its vast stretches of fine sand, majestic dunes and pine forests. It's the ideal place for surfing and bodyboarding enthusiasts , thanks to its powerful, consistent waves. In addition to its optimal surfing conditions, the beach is accessible via a cycle path, allowing for a peaceful arrival in the middle of an unspoilt landscape. The Côte Sauvage has an authentic, wild character, offering the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
See also our article What to do and see in Charente-Maritimes? The 17 most beautiful places!
Which Charente-Maritime beaches are dog-friendly?
- Plage de la Côte Sauvage à La Tremblade: Dogs are allowed on a leash all year round, except in supervised areas. This beach is ideal for walks and water sports, although swimming can be dangerous due to strong currents.
- Plage de la Coubre: Located near La Palmyre, this beach is dog-friendly all year round. It's a vast stretch of sand bordered by dunes, perfect for an outing with your four-legged friend.
- Plage de la Pointe Espagnole: Also in La Tremblade, this beach is dog-friendly all year round, except from June 15 to September 15. Dogs must be kept on a leash.
Which Charente-Maritime beach to choose for turquoise water?
- Plage de la Conche des Baleines, Île de Ré: Located in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, this beach is renowned for its clear, turquoise waters, especially on sunny days. The panorama from the Baleines lighthouse offers a breathtaking view of this magnificent beach.
- Plage de Trousse-Chemise, Île de Ré: A true corner of paradise, with its calm waters and clear sandbanks. Accessible after a short walk along a wooded path, this beach is perfect for those seeking crystal-clear waters and a tranquil ambience.
- Plage du Chay, Royan: This beach is well known for its clear waters and tranquility. Equipped with the Pavillon Bleu label, it guarantees excellent water quality, making bathing pleasant and safe.
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