Water sports and leisure activities Poitou-Charentes

Saint-Savinien is one of the most pleasant towns, offering a soft light for everyone who wants to stroll along the Charente. But the town also has a miniature port which is linked to the passion of one man: Jean-Louis Foucaud. This ship carpenter had the idea of creating model fishing and merchant ships for children. This was done as early as 1987 with the first four ships that delighted children. Today, 18 replicas are available, to the delight of children, who can take the helm for a moment. The most? The decors are particularly realistic and offer a resolutely pleasant atmosphere: plaice, bridge, bastion, dyke. Smart, parents are welcome and will be able to take advantage of the snack and lunch formulas offered by the snack bar on the shaded terrace, on the edge of the lake. On the site you will find the "île aux manèges" which offers other playful pleasures: carousel, swings and 1920's period merry-go-round, pedal go-kart circuit...

This waterpark offers a relaxing getaway in the heart of the Haute-Saintonge region. Under a huge 10,000 m² canvas, the Antilles is a wellness area accessible all year round. The bold architectural design was created using geothermal energy to heat the water in the pools. The play area is ideal for family time, with an indoor beach and slide, while the relaxation area lets you unwind in the sauna, and the beauty and fitness areas allow you to pamper yourself.

If the Old Port attracts a lot of attention, it is at the Port des Minimes that you will find this boat rental company. From May on, many boats are available for rent. You will benefit from the advice of professional skippers who will be available during your rental.

Everyone can embark on sailing boats to discover Fort Boyard or the island of Ré. Pz Sailing also offers motor boats and an annual subscription.

On the shores of lake Lavaud, fine white sand warms the small and big foot of families. Bathing is supervised in summer and the neuville offers pedalos, volleyball courts and mini-golf and two options to eat (La Côte de Boeuf) or nibble (snack).

This aquatic center is the ideal place for all those who love aquatic activities! In winter, take advantage of the sports pool to swim a few laps or the wellness area (sauna, hammam and multi-sensory shower) for a gentle moment. The whole family is welcome, as the center offers many activities accessible from a very young age! In summer, the water playground, the outdoor pools with slides and the park are available.

With its lake, the leisure centre occupies the whole family. Dad goes fishing and reserves an hour and a half in the afternoon to accompany the son on the branch to branch course, mom from her beach corner looks at the lifeguard, Uncle Robert and Aunt Ginette go boating, cousin Aglaé plays tennis with her English boyfriend of the day, grandpa strengthens his right arm for petanque, grandma goes kayaking (unbearable, the granny) and the funny barbotent. And not only do we have fun like crazy, but we eat, travel (little train) and sleep (holiday village in cottages and camping). There are also inflatable structures for children in the summer.

A lock port of 252 places including 18 visitors, basin with 116 seats and 12 host places. The flow basin, 119 and 6 host places. Channel 17 seats. Water, electricity on pontoon, toilet, toilet, showers, refit grill, shipyard, safe, grutage.

10 minutes from the Futuroscope, it is the largest lake in the department! It's the ideal place to spend the summer in the cool of the water! Swimming is pleasant, supervised, and the Aquazone, an inflatable course on water, will make you spend pleasant moments of freshness, relaxation and fun. The slides and the play structures will make the children happy. And why not go around the lake on foot, by bike or by pedal boat? You can eat at the Bistro de la Plage, have a pizza to go or an ice cream after the effort.

Want to enjoy the pleasures of swimming? Head for this aquatic center located near the leisure center and downtown. Open year-round, this sports and leisure facility has been welcoming visitors for over 20 years. It comprises several areas, including a 25 m swimming pool for those who want to swim one lap after another, a slide for thrill-seekers, a fitness area and an outdoor area.

Not only Châtelaillon-Plage has a beautiful sandy beach, but it also has a marina where it is good to moor your boat. You will have access to some beautiful sites of the department, including the island of Aix and Fort Boyard. This harbor can accommodate 170 boats and its capacity is 120 places on pontoons and 92 moorings. The trip time is about 4 hours. Services: pontoon berths (open from March 15 to November 30), mooring buoys, launching... The management of the port has been transferred to the department since 2021.

It's one of the three basins in the La Rochelle area. At the time of writing, Palmilud is undergoing a complete overhaul before opening in summer 2024. The project is ambitious: reduced energy consumption, redevelopment of the outdoor park, new water features in the paddling pool. There's no doubt that the work will enable everyone to enjoy the facility to the full: swimmers will be able to do lap after lap, and children will be able to take advantage of a playful environment.

In Chatelaillon, there is no shortage of water sports activities! Many of them crowd the sand to enjoy sea bathing, others prefer sailing. Then head for this sailing club, labeled Ecole de Voile, which welcomes children from 5 years old to discover the joys of sailing. Learning is done on a sheltered stretch of water, in complete safety to give your little ones a taste for the sea. Optimists, catamarans, dinghies... you can leave for the day!

The municipal swimming pool has been a symbol of the town since it opened 40 years ago. It welcomes all types of public, from schoolchildren to sports clubs, in its single 25-meter pool. It offers them all year long facilities adapted to leisure swimming, sports and aquatic activities. There are slots dedicated to swimming lessons, advanced courses, aquagym sessions, all supervised by the team of lifeguards. It also accompanies baby swimmers, divers, seniors and disabled people in their practices.

Station Sports Nature is the perfect place for a day out with family and friends in summer. Just imagine! You're at the foot of the medieval city, on the edge of the Grand Parc forest, but also on the banks of the Vonne river. It's an exceptional natural setting for relaxation and leisure activities such as swimming, fishing, mini-golf, pétanque, volleyball, table tennis, children's games, cycling, hiking or canoeing. In addition to picnic tables, a snack bar is available.

The Grande Prairie waterway is a place to get out into the green and escape into contemplation for a walk. The loop around the water is three kilometres long and is a delight for joggers, cyclists and pedestrians. There is a children's playground, tables for family picnics, toilets, a refreshment bar for hot or cold days. Swimming is supervised on weekends and in the summer, and the sailing school is set up there. A large car park is available for users, as well as a parking area for motorhomes.

The Société des Régates Rochelaises is one of the best and oldest light sailing clubs in France. In 2021, the club merged with the Ecole de Voile Rochelaise to become "La Rochelle Nautique". The place is still very popular with those who want to learn sailing, it was elected Club of the Year in 2013 and has trained many champions, some becoming references in their category. The Society organizes international light sailing competitions thanks to an adapted plan, ideal infrastructures and a recognized experience.

Would you like to discover the kitesurf or to perfect yourself? Two sites are available, Châtelaillon-Plage and of course the Island of Ré with two spots that change according to wind orientation: the beach of Boutillon and that of Grouin. You can start with a full hour and a half session, to discover this practice, which is becoming more and more followers around the island. One thing is sure, the courses are delivered in a small group (no more than 4 people) so that Emmanuel adapts to the progress of each and for the sake of security. The school offers all types of internships, from initiation to development and to jump for the most adventurous!

Founded in 1966, this sailing club offers sailing for all at its two bases: La Flotte and Rivedoux. Easily accessible, the Rivedoux base is located on the village's southern beach and enables children aged 5 and over to discover the joys of sailing. Beyond the purely sporting aspect, the young sailors also discover the marine environment in complete safety. The youngest sail on the famous Optimists, beginners on Laser Funboats and older children on New Cat Catamarans. Courses last from 3 to 5 days. The association has been awarded the "Ecole Française de Voile" label, guaranteeing teaching leading to autonomy, practical and adapted facilities, and the possibility of sailing in complete safety. Private lessons are available for confident beginners or advanced sailors: catamarans, dinghies, as well as windsurfers for hire.

Just the bridge crossed and you'll only want to: take your bicycle to the beach. What if this year you decide to test a new activity? Finish swimming, place at the stand-up paddle! This sport consists of standing up on a large board with a paddle. The advantage is that you can make walks or hikes, simple activities that are made on a quiet water. Le Petit Futé recommends you come to this school, open since 2010. You will be aware of Maxime, holder of the Professional Patent of Sports Educator in Surfing, who will make you discover this activity by adapting to your level and providing valuable advice. It is possible to rent padle stands on the Gollandières beach and to exercise freely or enjoy introductory and refresher courses to enjoy the waves.