On the ground
Hikers will find in Charente-Maritime an ideal playground. The department has many hiking trails of all levels (Grande Randonnée and promenade) and lengths. If the highest point is only 173 m, the walks will still require a little energy while offering you a delightful view. In total, nearly 800 km of long walks are accessible in the department, each allowing you to discover the natural and architectural heritage. The GR 360, a 460 km loop, will guide you on a tour of Saintonge from Saintes, the historical capital, to Saint-Agnant, in the heart of the Rochefort marshes and to Pons, a city known for its keep. The GR 4, starting from Royan, leads to Grasse, the world capital of perfume. The Charente-Maritime has 165 km of marked trails allowing you to discover typical landscapes and towns such as Royan, the landscapes shaped by oyster farming in Marennes, the Coubre forest before crossing the Saintonge. The GR 655 crosses the whole department. This route is well known to walkers as it is part of the path leading to Santiago de Compostela. It leads from the south of Saint-Jean-d'Angély to Blaye, nearly 130 km. The Charente-Maritime has on its territory four halts for pilgrims: The Saint-Pierre church in Aulnay-de-Saintonge, the Royal Abbey of Saint-Jean-d'Angély, the Saint-Eutrope church in Saintes and the Pilgrims' Hospital in Pons. The last Grande Randonnée (GR 8) starts in the Vendée and follows the entire Atlantic coast.
Along the coastline is the "sentier des Douaniers", a path that connects two seaside resorts: Vaux-sur-Mer and Saint-Palais. Stretching over nearly 4 km, it offers an iodine-filled walk and delightful views of the Gironde estuary. The departure is from the beach of Nauzan, known for its "carrelets" and its Belle Epoque villas before continuing by the famous beach of Bureau and the old House of Customs. After taking the Emile Gaboriau footbridge, you will go to the Devil's Bridge before reaching the beach of the Grande Côte.
These hikes through the Charente-Maritime will allow you to observe nature, to taste unique landscapes but also to visit major monuments and to stroll through towns and villages. This is the case of Saint-Jean-d'Angély, located on the road to Santiago de Compostela, of La Rochelle by walking along the coastal path and of the villages of the Retais, which are ideal for a stroll.
You want to go faster? Then try running! Every year, La Rochelle organizes one of the biggest marathons in France, welcoming more than 10,000 runners. It's an opportunity to discover the maritime city in a hurry and out of season. The Charente-Maritime has many races: trails, strides, nature races, 10 km which will delight all enthusiasts. Outside of these events, runners will have plenty of time to train, benefiting from a favourable setting; along the sea, on the sand, in the shade of oak trees...
If walking bores you and you don't like running, there's still cycling! And Charente-Maritime is an ideal territory for cycling. The department is crossed by five major European and national routes. The Vélodyssée runs from the Pont du Brault in the Marais Poitevin to Royan. The route, 164 km long, is done in several stages, offering the possibility to discover the port of Marans before reaching La Rochelle and Rochefort. Then, the cyclists leave towards Marennes until Royan. The Canal des Deux-Mers, between Royan and Vitrezay, also offers several stages. The opportunity to discover emblematic natural sites such as the Gironde estuary, the Suzac forest and the coastline. The Vélo Francette offers a 44 km long itinerary from La Ronde to La Rochelle while the Scandibérique allows you to reach Chevanceaux to Cercoux through nature and vineyards. Last but not least, the Flow Vélo, which starts in Salignac-sur-Charente and ends in the island of Aix.
The Charente-Maritime also has many cycling routes, notably the greenways that can be found in La Rochelle or on the islands, but also cycle tracks and small roads conducive to gentle pedaling. For those who prefer a more sporty way of cycling, there are plenty of mountain bike trails! In the Saint-Etienne area, on Oléron, in the Coubre forest or on the Ré island, there is 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
The Petit Futé has reserved some more relaxing activities for you. A thalasso session in one of the centers of Charente-Maritime, in Ars-en-Ré, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, Châtelaillon-Plage... The department is also a wellness destination, ideal to benefit from marine treatments, seaweed wraps, seawater affusion modeling. For a half-day cure, à la carte treatments or a free formula, the choice is yours!
