Pick a spot anywhere along the 12 km stretch of this beach that’s on the southern tip of the island. Backed by sand dunes and the typical pine forests of the area, it has a very attractive natural setting that is in keeping with the unspoilt nature of the island.
The waves are good so expect to see surfers. The southern part of the beach is designated as nudist so if going au naturel is not your thing, stick to the northern section!
Other beaches worth noting are Vert Bois and L’Acheneau for surfers, the former is particularly highly rated.
For calmer beaches that are more suitable for families with young children, head east to resorts such as St Trojan les Bains, where the beaches are patrolled. Water sports are also popular here. Other family-friendly beaches are Boyardville in the north and Saumonards in the south. On the mainland opposite, at Marennes is Plage de Marennes – cut off from the estuary by sand dunes it is unaffected by tides.