Family Resorts

The jewel of the French Atlantic Coast is La Rochelle with its picturesque harbour, historic streets and a wealth of quality attractions that include an eclectic mix of museums and France’s largest private aquarium.   It’s easy to reach from all the popular beach resorts, largest of which is Royan, situated at the mouth of the Gironde estuary and boasting five sandy, south-facing bays.

Along with neighbouring St-Georges-de-Didonne, Royan has been awarded Family-Plus accreditation for its high level of facilities.

Or try Châtellaillon-Plage next to La Rochelle; Fouras with its imposing fortress; or Saint-Palais-sur-Mer on a quiet, sheltered bay – all of them dotted with 19th century seaside villas.

Stay on an island

Many families stay on one of Charente Maritime’s two main islands.   Ile de Ré, reached by toll bridge from La Rochelle, is known as the White Island for its whitewashed houses, clear light, and salt marshes.   Just 30km long and 5km wide at the widest point, it offers clean sandy beaches, ten charming villages and more than 100km of level cycle trails.

South of Ile de Ré lies the larger Ile d’Oléron, accessed by a toll-free bridge and blessed with 25 sandy beaches where you can get expert tuition for a huge range of watersports.  Take a boat trip to see the iconic Fort Boyard sea fort made famous by the TV show of the same name.  You can’t go instead but the view is amazing.Both islands also offer nature reserves and heritage centres where you can really get under the skin of island life.

Family Friendly Attractions & Activities

The area has plenty of activities and attractions to suit everyone in the family.

Climb a lighthouse for a seagull’s eye view of the coastline; take a self-drive cruise along the Charente; and step back in time on board the replica frigate Hermione in Rochefort, once home to Louis XIV’s royal dockyard.   Follow the trail of painted walls in Angoulême, comic strip capital of France; visit the Aquarium in La Rochelle, one of Europe’s largest and a firm favourite with our family or step back in time and take a trip on the Train des Mouettes, a scenic steam narrow-gauge railway.

Donkeys in Trousers!

Visit St-Martin-de-Ré and you may be lucky to spot ‘Donkeys in Trousers’, the traditional Poitou breed with shaggy brown hair that once worked the island’s salt marshes, clad in two pairs of protective striped trousers.   Today they are a much-loved tourist attraction who often go walkabout on the village ramparts and you’ll also spot them – without trousers – at farms and animal centres across the region.

Go Green

Explore the magical ‘Wet Marsh’ of the Marais Poitevin, north of La Rochelle.  Cruise the tranquil waterways by flat bottomed boat – especially magical at dawn and dusk – or follow the towpaths and marked trails by foot or bike.   A haven for wildlife, France’s ‘Green Venice’ is also a popular destination for fishermen, but there are many quiet rivers to fish too, as well as the waters of Pescalis, a nature and angling centre at Moncoutant near Parthenay.   Birds more your thing?  Then pack the family binoculars. As well as a diverse resident population, the coastal marshes and bird reserves are a seasonal stopping place for visiting species.  Find out more from local nature centres.

Food & Drink You’ll Love

Charente-Maritime is a foodies’s paradise and families are welcomed everywhere.

The area is well known for its fresh seafood, enjoy the simple, salty taste of fresh Oysters from Marennes-Oléron or Mouclade, a traditional dish of mussels cooked with cream, saffron, white wine and herbs which originated from La Rochelle. You can also enjoy scallops and fresh fish from anywhere along the coast.

Local specialities to try are Grillons Charentais (savoury pork bites) and the Charentais pancake which is flavoured with angelica.

Weather & Practical Tips

The Charente-Maritime enjoys a sunny, mild, Atlantic climate:

• Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm, beach-perfect days — busiest time.

• Late Spring & Early Autumn: Still great weather with fewer crowds.

• Off-Season: Quiet and peaceful — ideal if you prefer slower travel.

Rain showers can appear in any season, but they’re usually short and followed by sunshine — just the French coastal weather doing its thing!

Family Travel Tips

With Babies & Toddlers

• Choose beaches with gentle slopes and facilities.

• Bring a shade canopy — sand gets bright!

• Lots of seaside towns have hire-friendly baby gear in peak season.

With Tweens & Teens

• Rent bikes — miles of traffic-free pistes (especially on Île de Ré).

• Try coasteering, paddleboarding or kayaking for thrill days.

With Seniors

• Relaxed towns like Saujon and accessible promenades in La Rochelle make gentle sightseeing easy.

• Many beaches have ramps and easy access during summer.

Travelling with Pets

Charente-Maritime is very dog-friendly:

• Many beaches allow dogs outside peak hours/season (check local signs).

• Cafés and outdoor dining spots usually welcome well-behaved pups.

Charente-Maritime brilliantly combines classic seaside family fun with cultural adventure, great food, and safe spaces for all generations.

It’s the sort of place where you can spend a week and still find new corners to explore. Pack your bucket and spade — and come happy, and eager for another day by the sea.