The French Atlantic coast is beach heaven with long stretches of clean, soft sand and unspoilt scenery (a lot of it is protected under the Conservertoire du Littoral, the society to protect the coastline). The beach and beach holidays are essential parts of French culture. For many, this beach culture is exclusively associated with the Med, but several of the most popular beaches are along France’s Atlantic coast. In particular the Charente-Maritime department in the region of Poitou-Charentes. This region of France is blessed with a great number and variety of beaches, which means there is a stretch of golden sand to suit pretty much all tastes—and budgets.

The Islands

The Ile-de-Ré and its beaches have become something of a favourite with well-heeled French holidaymakers and in summer it can sometimes feel as if Paris has arrived en masse on this island next to La Rochelle! It certainly creates a relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere. The region’s other island known for its beach holidays is the Ile d’Oléron, which is very popular with local French tourists. If you want an authentic unhurried local beach holiday, this is a good place to try.

Wild side

For a slightly more ‘wild’ experience—in the natural sense—there is the Côte Sauvage, south of Oléron, where the French come for the wild and natural beauty. Here you really know you are on France’s Atlantic coast. Be wary though—the tides and currents can be especially dangerous dangerous.

Family-friendly beaches

For a somewhat quieter and more family experience there are the fine and varied beaches of less well-known but lovely Saint-Palais-sur Mer. It’s fate is to be overshadowed by its big neighbour to the south, Royan. For it is to Royan’s beaches that the French come for a truly authentic beach resort experience in France. The front is full of seafood restaurants, and if you want a real taste of beach culture, version française, this is the place to come. Just south of here there are also some fine beaches at St Georges-de-Didonne.

Great Seafood restaurants and beaches on the ‘almost’ island

Travelling further back up France’s Atlantic place there are a couple of other beach resorts well worth trying. One is the ‘almost’ island of Fouras, which has a number of beaches and is noted for great seafood restaurants.

The other is Châtelaillon-Plage, just down from La Rochelle. It has a 2.5 km to 3 km-long beach and is one of the most popular resorts in the Charente-Maritime.

With all these beaches to choose from, it’s little wonder that this seaside department is the second most popular holiday destination in France…

Les Lacs de Haute Charente and other inland beaches

You don’t need to be by the coast to spend a day at the beach—it is a French tradition to create artificial beaches by rivers and lakes, both natural and man-made. Usually called outdoor recreation areas or étangs, they are life-guard patrolled during the summer months and are usually accompanied by a café plus a playground for young children. Some will also have a water sports centre.

One of the largest is found in an area known as the Lake District of the Charente, Les Lacs de Haute Charente. Here two neighbouring lakes creates a watersports paradise but also plenty of space for relaxing by the water.

Other étangs are found at: Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, Bonneuil-Matours, Brossac, La Bussière, Château-Garnier, Condac, near Ruffec, Etagnac, Martin L’Ars, La Puye, Roumazieres, Saint-Cyr, Saint-Macoux Saint-Yriex, Saint-Sauveur, Valdivienne, Vars and Villefagnan.

See also our guide to the best beaches in Biarritz, and our guide to the best surf beaches in Biarritz.

Photo by juseliushausammann.com