THINGS TO SEE AND IN CHARENTE-MARITIME
FROM THE CAMPSITE

The municipality where our campsite is situated is called La Tremblade. It looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and the island of Oléron, and is easily accessible by car via the D14.

Here, nature is lush and unspoilt in all its varied ecosystems. A land of diversity, La Tremblade is home to four very different types of landscape, each with its own advantages and offering plenty of opportunities for getting out and exploring.

The village at the heart of the municipality is totally charming, a delightful spot for a gentle stroll as you admire the flower-filled streets and pretty seaside houses. La Tremblade’s salt marshes form a veritable nature reserve for the birds that seek refuge here in surprising numbers, the shallow water offering them an abundance of food.

The immense state-owned La Coubre forest covers most of the municipality of La Tremblade with plenty of trails for hikers and walkers. Finally, the vast La Tremblade beach is ideal for endless bathing or for trying your hand at watersports.

Your holiday definitely comes with a salty tang when you stay at the campsite La Clairière. Lying only 3 kilometres from the Mus du Loup and La Cèpe beaches at La Tremblade, you’ll be able to enjoy all the delights of bathing in the Atlantic Ocean. So pack up the beach towels ready to stretch out on the sand, the rubber rings for playing in the waves and the sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Now you’re ready for a fabulous day with all the family!

For a change of scene and to vary the pleasures, why not try one of the many other seaside resorts nearby: La Palmyre, Ronce-les-Bains… Which will be your favourite beach?

While you’re on holiday, don’t miss the port city of La Rochelle with its long and fascinating history. The Vieux Port and the colourful half-timbered houses are well worth a visit. During the day, you can visit the Maritime Museum with your family, or amaze your children with a trip to La Rochelle Aquarium.

Next, head for Royan, further south on the Côte de Beauté. The fine sandy beach at Foncillon is ideal for relaxation and swimming. Treat your children to a visit to Planète Exotica the Exotic ZooPark and travel back to the time to the dinosaurs. In the evening, the seafront is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll where you can check out the 1950s architecture. Don’t forget to try some of the region’s delicious seafood specialities.

Discover the small seaside resort of La Palmyre, in the middle of a pine forest. If you’re a keen hiker, cyclist or horse rider, there are plenty of forest trails to choose from. And let’s not forget the famous La Palmyre Zoo, one of the largest in Europe, just a stone’s throw from the centre of La Palmyre.

The Ile d’Oléron is a wild, unspoilt and authentic island.
Just 32 km from the campsite, the island of Oléron is waiting to welcome you. Once you’ve crossed over the bridge, the whole of Oléron is yours to explore. The island of Oléron, measuring some 30km by 11km, is the largest along the Atlantic coast and enjoys a wonderful climate.

The island is divided into 8 different municipalities: La Brée-les-bains, Le Chateau-d’Oléron, with its famous citadel and its oyster harbour; Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, a delightful seaside resort with its state-owned forest; Dolus-d’Oléron, with its salt marshes; Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, with its attractive architecture and its fishing harbour, La Cotinière; Le Grand-Village-Plage and Le Port des Salines; Saint-Denis-d’Oléron to the north with its marina, dunes and the Chassiron lighthouse; Saint-Georges-d’Oléron and its charming little villages of Chaucre, Domino and Boyardville, its fishing and leisure harbours and without forgetting its beaches and its forest. Part of the dunes have been planted with maritime pines.

For all who love bathing and lazing, long stretches of soft fine sand await but you. And if you’re one of those who adores shellfish gathering there are plenty of clams, shrimps and winkles to be foraged, always respecting the standards in force of course. Oyster-farming is a particularly important activity on the island, with innumerable oyster harbours for you to visit. After all, where better to sample the famous Oléron oysters? No moderation required!

The Cordouan lighthouse is a historical monument that has become a veritable emblem of the Atlantic coast. Rising to a height of nearly 68 metres, the lighthouse offers a spectacular panoramic view over the Gironde estuary. But to reach the very top, you’ll need to climb its 301 steps! Built over 4 centuries ago, on a small rocky outcrop amidst the ocean waves, it kept watch over the coastline and acted as a guide for the ships sailing the estuary. Today it remains a powerful symbol of the coast, and has lost nothing of its original purpose as it continues to serve as a reference point for Atlantic sailors. Renowned for its impressive architecture and history, the lighthouse is also more than worth visiting for the natural heritage that surrounds it. The small island on which it stands is revealed at each low tide, offering an opportunity to observe a multitude of animal and plant species! Totally fascinating!

Lying between the island of Oléron and the Bassin de Marennes, Fort Louvois is a listed historical monument, a veritable must-visit on the Atlantic coast. A maritime fortification dating back to the 17th century, designed by Vauban, the fort is built on a rock submerged at high tide and could almost be a little brother to Fort Boyard! Getting there at low tide couldn’t be easier, you can simply walk out to the fort. But if it’s high tide, then there are boat trips out to this fascinating spot brimming with history.