Description:
Charente Maritime France Geography and Transport
Charente Maritime is the western-most Department of the Poitou Charentes region, taking in much of the north side of the Gironde Estuary, the Cote Sauvage, the Atlantic islands of Re, Oleron, Aix and Madame, and extending north as far as the bay of Anse de l’Aiguillon and the border with Vendee (Pays de la Loire). To the north and east is the border with Deux Sevres, and towards the south and east is the Charente. The southern-most border is with Gironde (Aquitaine). The key road through the department is the A10 toll road that runs north to Poitiers and beyond, and south to Bordeaux, and the A837 that connects with it and takes traffic north and west to La Rochelle.
Whilst there is a regional rail network operating (TER) that links a significant number of towns, the department has access to the TGV (high-speed train) which carries passengers between Paris (Montparnasse) and La Rochelle, stopping off at Surgeres also within the department. The department has a commercial airport at La Rochelle, offering a variety of routes to the UK with a number of budget airlines. For places in the south of the region, Bordeaux Airport offers a viable alternative, and for those towards the west, Angouleme-Cognac Airport will provide a closer option.
Charente Maritime France Climate
This is the sunniest part of the Atlantic coast, with the coastal areas of the Charente Maritime receiving over 2000 hours of sunshine per year. Coastal towns have more moderate year-round temperatures than those further inland, with warm (but not excessively hot) summers, and temperate winters. The coastal areas typically receive less rainfall than their more inland neighbors.
Tourism In Charente Maritime France
The Charente Maritime is the joint second most visited part of France, behind the Var and level with neighboring Vendee. Whilst 85% of visitors were from within France, of the 15% from outside the country, the overwhelming majority were British 37%. It is not hard to see why so many people come here, with a sunny and warm climate, fantastic beaches and a huge diversity of attractions, the Charente Maritime is now more accessible than ever, with the ever-increasing number of budget airlines servicing the area, and the superb road and rail links.
Unsurprisingly, the area is well known for its seafood, in particular, the world-renowned Marennes-Oleron oysters, and the Bouchot Mussels of Anse de l’Aiguillon, but the whole coastline offers something different for visitors. From Talmont sur Gironde one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its Troglodyte caves, to the 1950s designed town of Royan, with sweeping beaches and beyond to the Cote Sauvage and its unspoiled pine and dune-backed surfing beaches. Further north is the islands, with a choice of calm waters facing the mainland, or the Atlantic side surfing beaches, and Chatelaillon Plage, with its huge beach and 700 Belle Epoque villas, giving a traditional seaside resort feel. La Rochelle (the capital), is a vibrant seaport with excellent transport links, and a huge marina at Les Minimes and the town sees sailing as its trademark. Further inland is the historic towns of Rochefort and Saintes, and the south-easterly town of Jonzac is within the heart of Pineau and Cognac making a country.
The department is traversed by routes used by pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostella during the middle ages, and there are more than 200 roman churches to see, not to mention the numerous and diverse range of chateaux and medieval fortifications. The Aquarium at La Rochelle is the most visited in France, and the Zoo de La Palmyre is also the most visited animal park.
Charente Maritime France Economy
Biggest companies in the Charente Maritime are COOP Atlantique (Carrefour, Coop supermarkets), Synteane (agricultural cooperative), and JCMI (auto concessionaires). Amongst the biggest employers however are Alstom (TGV and Metro manufacturers), the Centre Hospitalier in La Rochelle, and the Dept of Charente Maritime.
Charente Maritime France Keys Stats
As with the whole of the Poitou Charentes region, Charente Maritime has a bigger proportion of older people (22% of the population is under 20 years, and 28% is over 60 years). There are more males than females here (51% vs 49%), and this does not mirror the national picture. 14.2% of homes here are classed as second homes (higher than the national average 10.1%).
Description:
Motorhome Facilities in Charente Maritime
Aire de service/stationment pour camping-car
The following is a list of places where it is possible to park up overnight, and where there are service points for taking on water and emptying waste. These facilities are for motorhomes only, and not intended for use by caravans. These are often owned and run by the local Mairie (Mayor), and many are open year-round.
|
Place |
Post Code |
No |
OP |
W |
GW |
TD |
WC |
HS |
EL |
| Angoulins |
17690 |
? |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
Y |
N |
| Angoulins/Aytre |
17690 |
10 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| Archiac |
17520 |
5 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
| Aulnay |
17470 |
15 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| Boyardville |
17190 |
30 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| Burie |
17770 |
5 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
N |
| Chateau Renauld |
17800 |
3 |
Y |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
N |
| Echillais |
17620 |
10 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| Fouras |
17450 |
10 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| Fouras |
17450 |
20 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| Hiers-Brouage |
17320 |
0 |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
? |
| Jonzac |
17500 |
2 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| La Bree les Bains |
17840 |
20 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
| La Palmyre |
17570 |
100 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| La Palmyre |
17570 |
30 |
Y |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
N |
| La Rochelle |
17000 |
60 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| La Rochelle |
17000 |
50 |
Y |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
N |
| La Tremblade |
17390 |
10 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| Le Chateau d’Oleron |
17480 |
12 |
Y |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
N |
| Leoville |
17500 |
6 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
| Les Mathes |
17570 |
5 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
Y |
N |
| Marans |
17230 |
5 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| Meschers sur Gironde |
17132 |
6 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| Mortagne-sur-Gironde |
17120 |
30 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
N |
| Pons |
17800 |
5 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
| Port les Minimes – La Rochelle |
17000 |
40 |
Y |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
N |
| Rochefort |
17300 |
10 |
? |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
N |
| Ronce-les-Bains |
17390 |
8 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| Saintes |
17100 |
20 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| Soubise |
17780 |
10 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| St Agnant |
17620 |
10 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
| St Cesaire |
17770 |
5 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| St Denis d’Oleron |
17650 |
150 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
| St Dizant du Gua |
17240 |
5 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
| St Genis de Saintonge |
17240 |
6 |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
| St Georges de Didonne |
17110 |
8 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
| St Jean d’Angely |
17400 |
10 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| St Martin de Re |
17410 |
6 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| St Seurin d’Uzet |
17120 |
4 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| St Thomas de Conac |
17150 |
5 |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
N |
Y |
N |
| St Trojan les Bains |
17370 |
20 |
? |
N |
N |
N |
N |
Y |
N |
Chatelaillon Plage, Charente Maritime
Chatelaillon Plage Geography and Transport
Chatelaillon Plage is a seaside town (area 6.5km2) situated on the Atlantic coast south of La Rochelle (23km). The town is close to the N137 motorway that carries traffic north to La Rochelle, and south to Rochefort (20km). Chatelaillon has a rail link through the regional network TER, and at La Rochelle, it is possible to connect to Paris (Montparnasse) via the TGV in around 3 hours. The airport at La Rochelle offers flights to a number of UK destinations with a variety of budget airlines.
Chatelaillon Plage Climate
The effect of the Atlantic Ocean on the weather here brings warm (not excessively hot) summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures average between 22C to 25C (14C to 17C night), and in winter this drops to 9C to 10C (4C to 5C night). Wettest months are Oct and Nov (62mm to 65mm) and driest are Jun and Aug (24mm to 29mm). This part of Charente Maritime receives in excess of 2000 hours of sunshine annually.
Tourism In Chatelaillon Plage
The town is characterized by the 700 or so buildings (villas, houses) preserved from the Belle Epoque period (1870s-1914), that are present here. This seaside town boasts a 3km stretch of beach with panoramic views out to the islands (Re, Aix, Oleron) and the Pertuis d’Antioche (Antioche Strait).
Amongst other activities here are the Casino, a thalassotherapy center and an oyster park, where tours and tasting are available. To the south is Port des Boucholeurs where the tides and expanse of the beach are conducive to oyster farming, and south of here is a nature reserve (Marais d’Yves), with many species of migrating birds. At Easter, Chatelaillon Plage plays host to an international kite festival, which includes a night-time show with searchlights and music.
Chatelaillon Plage Facilities
There are the usual seaside activities available here, such as sailing, swimming, and windsurfing, as well as beach volleyball. There is an aquatic center (Centre Aquatique 29 degrees) that has 2 indoor pools, where the temperature is maintained at 29C all year round. The facility also has 3 outdoor pools, complete with water slides.
Chatelaillon Plage Economy
Chatelaillon Plage is part of the La Rochelle economic zone which has an unemployment rate of 9.8%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).
Education In Chatelaillon Plage
The town has 2 state nurseries, 3 primary schools, and 1 secondary school. For college (Lycee), La Rochelle is approximately 18km.
Chatelaillon Plage Key Stats
Most of the properties in Chatelaillon Plage are main residences 63.5%, and 30.2% of properties are classed as second homes. There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (31.3% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (27.3% vs 18.2%). 18.8% of the local population is under 19 years of age. There are fewer males than females resident here (47.5% vs 52.5%).
Chatelaillon Plage Key Facilities and Services:
| Supermarket | Post Office | Doctors |
| Bakers | Hairdressers | Pharmacies |
| Butchers | Banks | Dentist |
| Cafes/Bars | Tabac | Restaurants |
| Disco | Casino | Swimming Pool |
Opened in summer 2009, this facility is predominantly used for track days, club days and ‘stages’ (teaching events) where you can even learn to drive economically.
The 2.2 km long and 12-meter wide track includes amenities ranging from pit and paddock areas, and conferencing facilities.
A separate 1.1km karting track offers electric karts for hire.
You can check out the website by clicking here.
La Grand-Font
17360 LA GENETOUZE
TEL : 05 46 04 08 10
Coastal Paths of the Island of Ré Description:
PR 2, 10 km, 2 1/2 hours starting from Rivedoux, yellow signage, except on the coast. Reference: Topo-guide® “Promenades et randonnées dans l’île de Ré”, Comité départemental de randonnée pédestre de Charente-Maritime.
Start from the entrance to the island to the right of the road from the bridge. The walk takes you under the bridge and along Rivedoux’ southern beach then on to the coastal path. The Défend marshes are protected by France’s coastal conservancy agency (Conservatoire du Littoral) and are visited by numerous birds during migration.
Out to sea is the Chauveau Lighthouse. It stands on a vast plateau of rock famous for its shellfish. The path then turns inland, towards the old Le Taffetas and La Croix d’Yon distilleries. Scrub and thickets now cover land that grew vines and asparagus until the early 20th century. The path then enters the wood known as the Bois des Bragauds.
In spring, the clearing carpeted with sweet clover contains countless orchids. The path turns twice to the right and heads for Rivedoux. Beyond a campsite, it skirts a water tower. Then an unexpected alley provides a view of the tiny harbor in Rivedoux. At low tide, you can see the oyster beds and, behind them, the slender curve of the bridge. Walk along the beach to the car park at the north end
Jonzac, Charente Maritime Geography, and Transport
Jonzac is a small town in the south of the Charente Maritime Department, in the heart of Cognac making country (altitude 26m to 87m). The commune covers an area of 13.09m2. Both the N137 and the A10 pass to the west of the town, carrying traffic north and south. The nearest airport is at Angouleme (Charente), where budget flights to the UK are available. The town has a regional rail link (TER). Jonzac is the capital of the Haute Saintonge territory, the Saintonge ‘region’ being the historic center of Protestantism in France. Jonzac is within the designated Petite Champagne region of the Cognac appellation. The River Seugne passes through the town.
Jonzac, Charente Maritime Climate
The maritime climate here keeps summers warm and winters temperate. Average summer temperatures are between 24C to 27C (13C to 15C night), and in winter this drops to 9C to 11C (3C to 4C night). September can be warm, with an average of 22C (12C night). Wettest months are Oct and Nov (54mm to 57mm), and the driest months are July and Aug (32mm). Jonzac is within an area that receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.
Tourism In Jonzac, Charente Maritime
Jonzac is a medieval town with a Romanesque Church and a 15th-century town gate and bridge. Nearby at Meux (8km) is the Chateau de Meux, the early chateau being completed in 1250, but reconstructed after the 100 years war, it is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture. Jonzac has its own chateau, originally constructed in the 11th century, but also a victim of the 100 years war, and extensively re-built in the 15th century. The 15th Century Cloitre des Carmes is now a cultural center and museum.
Jonzac, Charente Maritime Facilities
The municipal base de loisirs at the Huertebise leisure lake offers swimming, a playground, and picnic area, and there are sailing boats for hire. Amongst other activities are archery, climbing, and horse-riding. The Thermal Spa (discovered in 1979) is also sited at this facility, with the hot spring said to have healing properties for treatment of rheumatism and respiratory problems. A big tourist draw is the Antilles de Jonzac, a large covered aquatic center (10,000m2) open all year round. It includes a tropical wave pool, 60m water slide and a host of other health and beauty facilities.
Jonzac, Charente Maritime Economy
Chief companies here are SEUDIS (Leclerc supermarkets), and Radoux (wine barrels/cooperage).
Jonzac is part of the Sud Charente economic zone which has an unemployment rate of 8.8%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006).
Education In Jonzac, Charente Maritime
The town has state education at Nursery (2), Primary (1), Secondary School (1) and College (Lycee) levels.
Jonzac, Charente Maritime Key Stats
Most of the properties in Jonzac are main residences 76.5%, and 10% of properties are classed as second homes. There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (29.9% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (25.5% vs 18.2%). 20.7% of the local population is under 19 years of age. There are fewer males than females resident here (45.1% vs 54.9%).
Jonzac, Charente Maritime Key Facilities, and Services:
| Supermarket s | Post Office | Swimming Pool |
| Bakers | Hairdresser | DIY Store |
| Butchers | Bank | Dentist |
| Bar/Tabac | Pharmacy | Doctor |
| Restaurant | Library | Cafes |
