Charente-Maritime walks

A pleasant walk passing by the Passe aux boeufs causeway, then around an island steeped in history. Numerous and varied views of the surrounding islands and coastline.

A short, easy walk with superb views of the rocky coast and the neighbouring mainland coast. Best done in the morning when the paths are deserted, the sun is not too hot and the light is magical.

The old Crazannes quarries offer a surprising landscape of steep stone cliffs and narrow gorges. The resistant white stone has been used to build or restore monuments such as Fort Boyard. Les Lapidiales offers visitors a free, open-air museum, where the excavations left by the quarrymen give the impression of being in the middle of a giant labyrinth, and where the sculptures are a delight to discover.

A very refreshing hike along the Gironde estuary.

A magnificent walk around Ars en Ré. From the banks of the Fier, pass through the salt marshes to reach the Martray sea wall, the Combe à l'Eau forest and return to the Fier and the port of Ars. The black and white bell tower, which serves as a landmark for local sailors, is always in view.

This hike allows you to discover two links in the chain of defences that protected Rochefort in the 17th and 18th centuries. The route, which largely follows the coast, is easy and does not present any navigation difficulties.

A very pleasant walk with magnificent scenery. You will pass along fine sandy beaches, close to magnificent fishing huts and sumptuous limestone cliffs in which real troglodyte cities have been carved out (Regulus and Matata caves). A visit to the seaside resort of Meschers will precede your return through the Suzac forest.⚠️ 16/04/2025: Route modified on the hike sheet due to passage through private property.

One of the most beautiful walks on the Fouras peninsula: from the banks of the Charente to the Espérance beach in Fouras, it takes in the islands and forts that protected the Rochefort harbour.

A pleasant walk that begins with a passage through a nature reserve (salt marshes and nature reserve - the main refuge for many migratory birds from November to May) and then continues through the "petit bois de trousse chemise" (small wood) beloved by Aznavour. The return trip along the beach to the whale lighthouse offers a complete change of scenery. Sumptuous panorama from the top of the lighthouse.

After passing through the small village of Ars-en-Ré with its typical narrow streets, you will follow the Fier d'Ars to the ocean. You will then finish your walk by following the beach back to the starting point.

It's a walk to stroll at your own pace through the village's different natural environments. This route will take you from the narrow streets to the forest and from the coast to the former salt marshes of the Grands Prés, now a major site for biodiversity on the Île de Ré.

Hike under the holm oaks of the coastal path, at the top of the cliffs overlooking the mouth of the Gironde estuary, through the Suzac Forest and the beaches of Meschers-sur-Gironde or Saint-Georges-de-Didonne. Along the way, you'll see the remains of the Atlantic Wall, and offshore, the famous Cordouan lighthouse, known as the Versailles of the sea. To the right, looking towards the mouth of the river, you'll see Royan and Saint-Georges-de-Didonne.

A beautiful walk along Frace Lake, which is popular for fishing and walking, and on through the little town of Aigrefeuille-d'Aunis, where you can visit the Ouchettes cheese dairy and goat farm.

A very pleasant stroll through the streets of La Rochelle will allow you to discover the old town and all its charms.

The commune of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is located at the south-western tip of the Île d'Oléron, bathed by the Pertuis de Maumusson and the Coureau d'Oléron. Its large sandy beaches, pine forest, mimosa trees and mild climate make Saint-Trojan-les-Bains a very popular seaside resort.

A seaside walk to discover Port des Minimes: the Atlantic's leading marina. Please note that it is forbidden to approach the edge of the cliffs.

A walk along four beaches and cliffs between Meschers and Saint-Georges de Didonne. It can be shortened by almost 6 km by not making the round trip to the Vallières lighthouse on Saint-Georges beach. The walk will be easier if the tide is not too high, as the route follows the beaches.

A beautiful walk along the Charente coastline, between Pointe de la Répentie and Port du Plomb. Beautiful views of the Île de Ré bridge, the northern shore of the island and the Vendée coast, separated by the Pertuis Breton.

The smallest village and port on the Île de Ré, in the heart of the salt marshes. A very peaceful peninsula, bordered to the east by the Fosse de Loix and to the west by the Fier d'Ars. The small village of Loix is very lively in summer.

This walk will take you along the coastline of Anse de Fouras, with its variously designed and decorated carrelets (fishing huts). Enjoy the beautiful maritime atmosphere and heritage.

This loop, starting from Tonnay-Charente, will take you across the Charente river twice via two bridges that are completely closed to motor traffic. You can admire the view from the top of the Tonnay-Charente suspension bridge and explore the quays of its sleepy port.

"Muddy waters"! With its muddy waters, the Gironde estuary is every bit as impressive as the Mississippi. On the edge of this austere expanse sits one of the most beautiful villages in France, Talmont-sur-Gironde.

Do you enjoy nature and history? You'll love this walk!

This short 5 km circular takes you around Pointe de Gatseau, the southernmost point of the Île d'Oléron, and allows you to discover the wild Pertuis de Maumusson (passage between the island and the mainland), which is only accessible on foot or by mini train during the season

Most of the route follows the coastal path between the Baie d'Yves nature reserve and the town of Fouras. You will pass numerous fishing pontoons along the way and can visit Fort Vauban at the mouth of the Charente. The landscape will look completely different depending on the tide.

Please note: August 2022 Hike suspended by: Prefectural order prohibiting access to trails and forests Arboretum, quarries and horses at Fouilloux Discover the kaolin (white clay) quarries, horses and arboretum belonging to the village children in a preserved natural environment.

A classic walk for Charente locals along the Châtelaillon coast. Views of the islands, Fort Boyard, Pertuis d'Antioche...

A cycle route that crosses the Saumonards forest, the town of Boyardville and the marshes of the Île d'Oléron, this very varied route mostly follows cycle paths or small roads.

A short walk in the heart of a protected natural environment, where you can encounter many species of birds and enjoy a guaranteed change of scenery.

Best enjoyed in winter in the sunshine, without the crowds of tourists. This hike can also be extended by about 1.5 km via the eastern part of Loix, Le Clénandré. There are no difficulties or pitfalls, and everything is well signposted. Much of the route can also be covered by bicycle. Much of the route is on a dyke where you will have a beautiful view of the sea and the barnacle geese in season.

The Charras Canal, the Marais du Roy, the Cabane de Moins, walks with little elevation gain (average altitude = 3 m). Between Châtelaillon and Rochefort, a large marsh area provides an opportunity to observe numerous seabirds and migratory birds. A few hills dot the horizon, former islands from Roman times: Voutron, Liron, Flay, Île d'Albe...

The first part of the circular path is in the Forêt des Combots d'Ansoine, followed by a walk along the beach and then along a coastal path dotted with numerous fishing huts and passing by the Puits de l'Auture, a natural curiosity worth discovering.

This circular walk starts from the village of Saint-Trojan and takes you through the national forest, along the wild Atlantic coast with the impressive Maumusson sea channel, and around Gatseau Bay. It offers a complete panorama of the southern tip of the Île d'Oléron, far from the cars and crowds of the beaches. Please note: To be able to walk easily on the hard sand between (4) and (5), it is necessary to check the tide times (see Practical Information section).

This route allows you to discover Sablonceaux Abbey in the middle of the fields from several angles. The route passes through woods, fields, vineyards and horse farms, giving you an insight into the diversity of agricultural activities around Sablonceaux.

Bois-Plage-en-Ré is the seaside resort of the Ile de Ré with long beaches lined with dunes. It is also a wine producing region with plenty of wooded areas.

A hike through the rolling, wooded landscape of Saintonge. Upon arrival, you can admire the lantern of the dead and the Romanesque portal of the church of Fenioux. Information panels provide details about these two monuments. You will follow part of theGR®655(a route to Santiago de Compostela, via Tours) and theGR®360, but there are no reliable markings along the route.

Circular coastal loop on the west coast of Île d'Oléron. The first part is in the Saint-Trojan National Forest, followed by a long walk on the beach, before a final stretch in the forest. Visorando app recommended.

Circular through the former salt marshes of Saint-Just-Luzac

This is a hike to do in autumn, for the colours, or in hot weather, in the shade under the oak trees. Moderator's addition on 23/08/2021: Private property at the start of this route. See the comments at the bottom of this page for an alternative starting point.

A delightful, easy walk to discover the marshes surrounding the picturesque village of Mornac-sur-Seudre.

The route follows the Charente River near its estuary to the mouth of the Charras Canal, opening up a view of a vast circular bend in the river.

The vine-covered hillsides of the Gironde are dotted with small hills planted with various crops and vines. The landscapes open up along the paths leading to the estuary. The marshes can be seen from the Beaumont hill. There you will discover a cone-shaped tower dating from the 19th century, but whose first constructions probably date back to the Middle Ages. Even today, the Beaumont Tower still serves as a navigation landmark.

A very pleasant bike ride that mostly follows cycle paths. This tour will take you across a large part of the island of Oléron, but you will also ride along the shore for much of the way, going to the end of the island, the Chassiron lighthouse.

A circular starting from Trizay Abbey towards the cave and the Creux Nègre rock passage. This geological curiosity in the region is carved into the ancient cliffs that line the Arnoult valley. Half of the route is on tarmac, on very quiet roads, allowing you to discover the market gardens on the rich lands of the Arnoult valley (home of the Pont l'Abbé bean).

Discover Saintes, a town steeped in history, cradled by the waves of the Charente.

Start at the foot of the Ile de Ré bridge and walk along the coast to the small village of La Flotte-en-Ré, returning through the woods. During this walk, you will discover Fort de la Pré, Abbaye des Châteliers, the small port of La Flotte-en-Ré and the small village of Rivedoux-Plage.

Discover Saint-Martin-de-Ré and its fortifications designed by Vauban (citadel, ramparts, guardhouse).

The northern tip of the island of Oléron evokes mixed feelings. Its wide open spaces give a sense of boundless freedom, its cliffs make it feel like the end of the world, while its traditional villages transport you to another era. Add to this a magnificent lighthouse watching over the surrounding area, and you have the perfect combination of history and culture mixed with exceptional panoramic views.

Starting from Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée, between woods and marshes, in the heart of the peninsula, with a beautiful view of the Anse de Fouras on the edge of the Bois Madame.

The commune of Saint-Aigulin offers a superb hiking trail through the Double forest, its moors, ponds and village. Biodiversity abounds here, particularly in the summer months, with a heritage species: the European pond turtle. Numerous educational panels are available along the route to learn more about the local flora and fauna. Don't forget your camera!