Charente / Vendee Beaches

For a beach holiday this area of France gives you  many options. The weather is almost as good as that of the Cote D’Azur, so a good beach holiday in the main summer season is usually assured.  The whole of the west coast from St Nazaire south to the Gironde estuary is beach almost all the way, mostly backed by pine forests.  You do need to be careful here in the water as the Atlantic breakers roll in mercilessly.  For quieter waters head round towards Royan in the Gironde estuary.

We give you our preferences to help you decide which is most suited to you:

  - La Tranche-sur-Mer       - Les Sables-d'Olonne        - St Georges-de-Didonne

  - St Gilles-Croix-de-Vie    - St Jean-de-Monts            - St Palais-sur-Mer

St Gilles-Croix-de-Vie  Another great resort for a beach holiday

Location: Between St Jean-de-Monts and Les Sables-d’Olonne.

General Info: Website

Description: Three and a half kilometres of sandy beach - the main beach is on the north side of the Vie estuary, on the south side you can find a delightful maze of old fisherman’s cottages set in between the port and the shopping area.

Our recommendations: Take a detour up the Corniche Vendéean (D38) to see Le Trou de Diable (Devil’s Hole).  When the tide is high and the wind is blowing off the sea it creates some spectacular effects as the water rushes up through the rocks.

For the children: The esplanade here is traffic free so you can relax as you wander with the children.

External websites offering information on the Vendee and Charente Maritime:

- Poitou Charente Vacances
- Le Charente

- Angela Bird's website on the Vendée

     - Top Attractions in Charente / Vendee
     - Top ten Holiday destinations in France