In the surroundings

La Roche-Courbon Castle: a magical, regal getaway just a stone’s throw from the campsite!

Just 10 km from the campsite – a mere 10-minute drive (just enough time to pick the music for your journey) – the Château de la Roche–Courbon is a must-see during your stay… and it’s definitely worth the detour!

Nicknamed the “Sleeping Beauty Castle”, the place is nevertheless very much alive and ready to take your breath away. Built in the 15th century and then remodelled in the 17th, it elegantly blends medieval charm with a refined classical style. Towers, moats, grand façades… it’s almost like being in a fairy tale (the only thing missing is the dragon, but perhaps that’s for the best). But the real highlight of the show is its French gardens. Classified as “Remarkable Gardens”, they are unique in that they were built on stilts above former marshes. And yes, these gardens are set on water… An impressive technical feat! Inside, the castle’s rooms transport you to another era, with period furniture and a cosy atmosphere. It’s easy to imagine living here… But there’s more to the estate than that: prehistoric caves, forest walks, a museum… there’s enough to keep the whole family busy for a whole day, without even noticing the time passing. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of beautiful stonework or simply curious, it’s the perfect day out, just a stone’s throw from the campsite. In short, with its blend of nature, heritage and a touch of magic, the Château de la Roche-Courbon has everything to charm you…

Outdoor getaways: hiking trails around Pont-l'Abbé-d'Arnoult

Around the campsite and Pont-l’Abbé-d’Arnoult, campers who love walks and hikes will soon find what they’re looking for. Here, you don’t need to climb Everest to be treated to stunning views: the landscapes are gentle, varied and accessible to all levels. Whether you’re a casual walker or a seasoned hiker (the sort who says “come on, just another 2 km” when everyone else is hungry), the area around the campsite offers lovely outdoor getaways.

Among our small selection, you can set off to explore the Arnoult Valley. It’s a local classic, and for good reason: this hiking trail (8 to 10 km) takes you deep into unspoilt nature, through meadows, small woods and the peaceful banks of the Arnoult. An accessible loop, perfect for a half-day outing. The terrain is relatively flat, ideal for a family day out or to test your new hiking boots!

A little further afield, venture onto the Seudre Marshes Loop, where the atmosphere is completely different. Here, you’ll find wide open spaces, shifting light and birds accompanying you all along the route. This walk of around 6–9 km is ideal for campers who love nature and tranquillity. Don’t forget your camera!

If you’re looking to combine walking with culture, there’s nothing quite like a route leading to the Château de la Roche-Courbon (for a touch of history on your outdoor stroll). Starting from the area around Pont-l’Abbé-d’Arnoult, there are several paths leading to this iconic site. Expect a walk of around 5 km, depending on your starting point. A lovely walk through wooded paths and historical discoveries… with a reward at the end: a castle straight out of a fairy tale.

And we haven’t forgotten our cycle-campers… Good news: the region is also ideal for cycling. The narrow country roads and signposted paths allow you to cover longer distances without too much effort (that’s the advantage of the region). You can easily link up the surrounding villages or set off for a day trip to Saintes for a more active getaway.

With nature, heritage and plenty of fresh air, the walks around the campsite are a brilliant way to explore the region in a different way. And let’s face it: after a good walk, an aperitif back at the campsite always tastes better.

Heading to the ocean: between beaches, swimming and a breath of fresh sea air

We’ve got some good news for you campers: from the Parc de la Garenne campsite, the ocean is never far away. It’s just a 20–30 km drive to the stunning beaches of the Marennes-Oléron and La Tremblade basins. Suffice to say, the call of the sea is hard to resist… especially when it’s 30°C in the shade!

Over in the Marennes-Hiers-Brouage area, the atmosphere changes completely. Here, there are no big waves or unpredictable currents: Marennes beach is a safe swimming area, perfect for families and those who enjoy a peaceful swim. Protected by a line of dunes, this beach allows you to swim even at low tide, with no surprises (and without having to chase after the water). And the beach is lifeguarded in summer, making it an ideal spot to splash about in complete peace of mind whilst the children show off their sandcastle-building skills. When it comes to activities, you won’t be disappointed: kayak hire and sailing lessons for the more adventurous, cycle paths and trails to extend your outing, night markets and oyster tastings for food lovers. And the little touch that never fails to impress: the view of the Seudre Bridge and the Île d’Oléron (for that photo that will make your colleagues green with envy when you return from holiday).

Over in La Tremblade, it’s all about the spectacular scenery. Here, the Atlantic Ocean displays its full might along nearly 20 to 25 km of fine sandy beaches bordered by the Coubre Forest. There are two distinct atmospheres here: the family-friendly beaches (Ronce-les-Bains, La Cèpe, Mus de Loup), perfect for a gentler swim, particularly at high tide. On a different note, La Côte Sauvage (Pointe Espagnole, La Coubre lighthouse, Galon d’Or), where waves, wind and wide open spaces come into their own, is a delight for campers seeking thrills: surfing, bodyboarding, kitesurfing, shellfish gathering or surfcasting, and of course, walks with spectacular views of the ocean. Do take care, though: some areas can be more dangerous due to currents, so stick to supervised areas. Our four-legged friends are also welcome!

With everything from peaceful swimming to impressive waves and breathtaking scenery, the beaches of Marennes-Oléron and La Tremblade offer the perfect playground for all types of holidaymakers. And honestly, it’s hard to resist a quick dip… even if you’d only set out to ‘dip your toes’ in the water.

A visit to La Cité de l’Huître: for a seaside experience and a unique discovery in Marennes

Just 25 km from the Parc de la Garenne campsite, heading towards the Marennes-Oléron basin, take the family to discover the Cité de l’Huître (the local star, after all) for an outing that’s as surprising as it is delicious. And yes, here, you don’t just come to visit… you come to understand, touch, taste and sometimes even become an expert at shucking oysters. Set in the heart of Europe’s largest oyster-maturing marsh, the Cité de l’Huître immerses you in a world where everything revolves around this little shellfish. With its canals, oyster beds and colourful huts on stilts, the setting is a real feast for the eyes.

The visit is like a little adventure: you wander between several themed huts, each telling a part of the story of the oyster’s life and the oyster farmer’s trade. You’ll discover how it grows, how it’s raised in the tidal flats, and how it ends up on our plates. A lively visit thanks to interactive installations, models and games that make the experience accessible to young and old alike.

One of the site’s major attractions is its setting. The Cité is criss-crossed by the famous Chemin des Claires, a path that runs alongside the marshes and oyster huts. You can explore it on foot or by bike to really take in the scenery. And between you and me, cycling here with the scent of the ocean and the reflections on the water is a far cry from cycling in the city.

Occasional events add a touch of variety to the visit: an introduction to shucking oysters, meetings with producers, or educational workshops for children. And of course, you simply can’t come here without stopping for a tasting. On site, you can sample oysters straight from local producers, often accompanied by a glass of chilled white wine (in moderation). Sitting facing the marshes, it’s exactly the kind of moment when you know you’re making the most of your holiday.

Set sail for the Oléron island!

From the Parc de la Garenne campsite, it’s just a 30-minute drive to the Île d’Oléron bridge. Suffice to say, the adventure begins in no time… especially when you know that at the end of the road lie beaches, charming villages and the fresh scent of the sea in the air… Discover the largest island on the French Atlantic coast! Île d’Oléron is a real holiday gem. Here, you can easily go from a wild beach to a small oyster-farming port in just a few minutes (and without changing your shoes, if you’re organised). An authentic island that will delight young and old alike for the day. On the ocean side, you’re spoilt for choice: there are family-friendly beaches like Boyardville or Vert Bois, ideal for swimming and relaxing, and slightly wilder beaches on the west coast amongst dunes and pine forests, perfect for trying your hand at surfing and venturing out on long walks facing the waves. You can always find a quiet spot here, even in the height of summer!

But Oléron is also a paradise for cyclists. Over 100 km of cycle paths allow you to travel between the villages with ease… or almost. Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, Le Château-d’Oléron and Saint-Trojan-les-Bains are all well worth a visit. You can also stop off at the colourful markets (for souvenirs), admire the brightly coloured artisans’ huts and wander through the narrow streets.

Did you think we’d forget to mention the oysters? The oyster huts in the bay are perfect for a tasting session overlooking the sea. And for that picture-postcard view: head to the Chassiron lighthouse in the north of the island. A flight of stairs later, you’ll have a 360° view of the ocean… and a great excuse to enjoy an ice cream at the end of the day!

A journey through time with the family: discover Fort Louvois and the Citadel of Brouage

Just a half-hour’s drive from the Parc de la Garenne campsite, set off to discover two hidden gems of the Charente’s heritage. Two sites, two atmospheres, but the same promise: an outing where you can learn, explore… and which the children will love too!

For the first stop, head to Fort Louvois: situated in Bourcefranc-le-Chapus, it’s a little gem built… on a rock in the middle of the water. Accessible at low tide via a paved causeway or by a small shuttle boat at high tide, the visit begins as an adventure. Built at the end of the 17th century under the command of Vauban, this horseshoe-shaped fort was used to protect the entrance to the Marennes basin and the Île d’Oléron. Today, it remains just as impressive with its ramparts, its keep… and its breathtaking view of the ocean. Inside, you’ll find exhibition rooms showcasing the soldiers’ daily life, along with a few models and historical re-enactments. Children will love imagining pirate battles whilst the adults take in the panoramic views! A little bonus: depending on the tide, the way you access the fort completely changes the experience. At high tide, you arrive by boat, which certainly adds an element of adventure.

For the second stop, head straight to the Citadel of Brouage, a fortified town frozen in time. Here, the atmosphere changes completely: welcome to an ancient stronghold surrounded by perfectly preserved ramparts. Founded in the 16th century, Brouage was once a strategic port for the salt trade. Today, the sea has receded, but the citadel has retained all its charm… and its impressive fortifications. Strolling through Brouage is a bit like stepping into a film set: with ramparts you can walk along for a panoramic stroll, cobbled streets leading to little shops and craft workshops, old barracks and historic buildings. And above all: an incredibly peaceful atmosphere. Brouage is also surrounded by marshes, perfect for a nature break between visits. There are plenty of birds, the landscapes blend with the light, and you can easily find yourself lingering on the walk without really realising it.

A historical and picture-postcard stop in Charente-Maritime: discover the towns of Rochefort and La Rochelle

Within a 30–50 km radius of the Parc de la Garenne campsite, it would be a shame to miss out on these two local gems. In other words, you can quickly go from peaceful countryside to two iconic towns on the Charente coast… without losing your sense of adventure (or your appetite for ice cream by the sea).

In Rochefort, you’ll find a blend of maritime heritage and a spirit of adventure: a town built around the sea and France’s maritime history. Here, you can immediately sense the atmosphere of the great explorers… without having to set sail yourself. You simply can’t visit Rochefort without stopping off at the famous Corderie Royale, a huge 17th-century building where ropes for the Royal Navy were once made. Today, it’s a fascinating cultural site where you can discover the history of ships and great expeditions. Right next door, the Naval Arsenal rounds off the visit with its museums and areas dedicated to naval history. Here you’ll learn how Rochefort became a strategic town under Louis XIV (and why the ropes were almost as important as the ships themselves). Rochefort is also a lovely town to explore on foot, with its squares, bridges and gardens. And for a bit of relaxation, the town’s thermal baths remind us that even sailors need a rest.

For a more picture-postcard atmosphere, La Rochelle welcomes you less than an hour from the campsite with its iconic old port and famous towers guarding the entrance to the city. The Old Port is the beating heart of La Rochelle (yes, the one you’ve seen in photos). With fishing boats, sailing yachts and bustling terraces, there’s always a lively atmosphere here. The medieval towers of La Chaîne, Saint-Nicolas and La Lanterne offer breathtaking views of the city and the ocean. It’s the perfect spot for a stroll at the end of the day… or to decide to “stay a little longer”! For a fun family outing, La Rochelle is also home to one of Europe’s largest aquariums. A fascinating visit where you can go from jellyfish to sharks without getting wet. Perfect when the weather’s iffy… or simply to discover marine life! The city can also be explored by bike or on foot, with its arcaded streets, markets and parks. And for a beach break, head to nearby spots like Les Minimes or Chef de Baie beaches.

Inter-island cruises: Oléron, Aix and Ré – a day with the scent of the sea

The Parc de la Garenne campsite is ideally situated for exploring the sea and the Charente islands. Around 30 to 50 minutes’ drive away, depending on the port of departure (Boyardville, La Rochelle or Fouras), the inter-island cruises open the door to a picture-postcard setting… complete with the open sea and a breath of fresh sea air. Here, there’s no need to choose between beaches, heritage and adventure: the cruises combine all three in a single day. And honestly, it’s probably the perfect excuse to spend the day on the water without feeling guilty…

An iconic trip, setting off from Île d’Oléron (often Boyardville), this cruise takes you around the legendary Fort Boyard before continuing on to the islands. From the very first moments, the scene is set: a vast horizon, a sea breeze and that famous fort standing in the open sea, which will no doubt bring back memories of your childhood TV shows. Most excursions offer a guided tour around the fort, where you’ll hear its history (because, yes, originally, it wasn’t a TV show…).

The first must-see stop: Île d’Aix. Small, car-free and full of charm, it’s best explored on foot or by bike. As soon as you set foot on the island, the pace changes instantly: here, everything is peaceful, blooming with flowers and picture-perfect. On the agenda: a stroll through the quiet alleyways, secluded beaches perfect for a swim, a visit to the fortifications and the Napoleonic museum, and of course… an ice cream by the sea (it’s the island’s unwritten rule). We’d love to stay much longer!

Some cruises also take you to Île de Ré, known for its white villages with green shutters, its cycle paths and its long beaches. A stopover here means: strolling through villages like Saint-Martin-de-Ré, cycling between salt marshes and the ocean, and enjoying the local markets (not forgetting to pick up a few souvenirs). The atmosphere is more chic and lively, but still retains that simple, seaside holiday feel.

A perfect day trip just a few kilometres from the campsite to discover Charente-Maritime in a different way, with the whole family.