📍 France

CHARENTE-MARITIME: ISLANDS, FORTIFICATIONS AND ATLANTIC COAST

Atlantic waves crash in salty spray, island pines whisper soft, ramparts stand guard. Charente-Maritime lives by the coast.

≈ 10
Days
280
Km
9
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Wander La Rochelle's old harbor, cycle Île de Ré, visit Rochefort's Royal Rope Factory and Brouage citadel, discover Île d'Oléron, Royan and its architecture, Talmont church and Saintes arena. Charente-Maritime, islands and Atlantic heritage.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

La Rochelle

port city tower majesty

La Rochelle - Photo 1La Rochelle - Photo 2La Rochelle - Photo 3La Rochelle - Photo 4La Rochelle - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Medieval towers.
2
Aquarium.
3
Phare des Baleines.
4
Royal Rope Factory.
🎯

Activities

→
Arcades.
→
Restaurants.
→
Cycling on the island.
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 18 km
Travel time: 36min
2
Day

L Ile De Re

bicycle island glow charm

L Ile De Re - Photo 1L Ile De Re - Photo 2L Ile De Re - Photo 3L Ile De Re - Photo 4L Ile De Re - Photo 5L Ile De Re - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Arsenal.
2
Hermione (replica).
3
Maritime Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Salt marshes.
→
Oyster farming.
→
Transporter bridge.
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 51.4 km
Travel time: 51min
3
Day

Rochefort

maritime tradition city tower

Rochefort - Photo 1Rochefort - Photo 2Rochefort - Photo 3Rochefort - Photo 4Rochefort - Photo 5Rochefort - Photo 6Rochefort - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Fortified citadel (Vauban).
2
Chassiron Lighthouse.
3
1950s architecture.
4
Seafront.
🎯

Activities

→
Fort Boyard (exterior view).
→
Beaches (Grande Conche).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 16.8 km
Travel time: 34min
4
Day

Brouage

salt-marsh fortress crown stone

Brouage - Photo 1Brouage - Photo 2Brouage - Photo 3Brouage - Photo 4Brouage - Photo 5Brouage - Photo 6Brouage - Photo 7Brouage - Photo 8Brouage - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Sainte-Radegonde Church (on cliff).
2
Arch of Germanicus.
3
Roman amphitheater.
🎯

Activities

→
Craft market (summer).
→
Fisheries.
→
Gironde estuary.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 27.1 km
Travel time: 54min
5
Day

L Ile D Oleron

island leisure coast spread

L Ile D Oleron - Photo 1L Ile D Oleron - Photo 2L Ile D Oleron - Photo 3L Ile D Oleron - Photo 4L Ile D Oleron - Photo 5L Ile D Oleron - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Cooperative dairy.
2
Citadel.
3
Chassiron Lighthouse.
🎯

Activities

→
Saint-Saloine Thermal Baths.
→
Religious heritage.
→
Oyster tasting.
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 54 km
Travel time: 54min
6
Day

Royan

belle époque beach sparkle

Royan - Photo 1Royan - Photo 2Royan - Photo 3Royan - Photo 4Royan - Photo 5Royan - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
1950s architecture.
2
Notre-Dame Church.
3
Seafront.
🎯

Activities

→
Beaches (Grande Conche).
→
Market.
→
Casino.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 17.9 km
Travel time: 36min
7
Day

Talmont Sur Gironde

clifftop chapel glow stone

Talmont Sur Gironde - Photo 1Talmont Sur Gironde - Photo 2Talmont Sur Gironde - Photo 3Talmont Sur Gironde - Photo 4Talmont Sur Gironde - Photo 5Talmont Sur Gironde - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Classified village.
2
Sainte-Radegonde Church (on cliff).
🎯

Activities

→
Craft market (summer).
→
Fisheries.
→
Gironde estuary.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 41 km
Travel time: 1h22
8
Day

Saintes

roman heritage city glow

Saintes - Photo 1Saintes - Photo 2Saintes - Photo 3Saintes - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Arch of Germanicus.
2
Roman amphitheater.
3
Abbey of the Ladies.
🎯

Activities

→
Saint-Saloine Thermal Baths.
→
Old town.
→
Cruise on the Charente.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 53.4 km
Travel time: 53min
9
Day

Surgeres

medieval charm village tower

Surgeres - Photo 1Surgeres - Photo 2Surgeres - Photo 3Surgeres - Photo 4Surgeres - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Castle.
2
Notre-Dame Church.
3
Cooperative dairy.
🎯

Activities

→
Market.
→
Religious heritage.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.