Navigation guide Charente-Maritime

What is very pleasant during a sailing holiday in the Charentes, is to immerse yourself in the typical atmosphere of seaside towns. In La Rochelle, before you go on a cruise, stroll through this charming town center composed of cobbled streets, arches, and an authentic and tasty market where you can fill up for your few days at sea. During your navigation to join the islands with the sail, you will be able to grant you a stroll in sea along Fort Boyard, essential activity which will delight young and old.

During your skippered sailboat holidays in the Charente Basin, try fishing, which is the real activity of the region. Trolling or walking, both have their advantages and allow to fish some food for the evening meal. Sailing in the Pertuis, trolling is more than easy and you will leave with no problem with some fish, especially mackerel and bars. With the high tides, heading to the lighthouse at Chauveau or the lighthouse at the end of the world in Re, with your boots and bucket to recover crustaceans that have missed the withdrawal of the ocean. On board the boat, it will be an opportunity to prepare a delicious carpaccio of fresh fish or shellfish, sprinkled with Oleron salt and accompanied by tasty sweet potatoes. A real Charentais meal, with of course a glass of Pineau as an aperitif!

After a few hours by boat, put your foot down. Whether you are on the island of Re, Aix, Oleron or Madame, nice walks await you, on foot, by bike or even by kayak! On the island of Oleron, cycling has become emblematic. Enjoy a stopover to pedal along the trails and discover the island otherwise. It will be an opportunity to walk through some salt marshes or to reach a beach through a pine forest. On the island of Aix, dismount and go around the island on foot. Not only are the paths pleasant and let off steam before joining the boat, but the boardwalk offers superb views of the islands of Re and Oleron. At anchor at the port of Saint-Martin-de-Re, choose to take a kayak or a paddle to visit the surroundings otherwise than by sailing. So you can navigate the salt marshes as you see fit.

The Charentes have many beaches, both on the islands and in the coastal towns like La Rochelle. The best way to discover them is by sailboat! In Oleron, the beach of Saumonards has our preference. Hidden behind the pines, a long expanse of white sand unfolds as well as a breathtaking view of Fort Boyard. While sailing, wet in front of the Salmon Bay and join the shore for a sunbath. But to appreciate a sublime landscape that one could believe straight out of the West Indies, it is to the island of Re that it is necessary to make stopover and in particular to the Fier-d'Ars. The translucent water and the salt marshes are a perfect match for a beautiful show. Finally, on the island of Aix, dock at "Baby Beach", a very pretty and calm cove because in the heart of a beautiful vegetation.

To discover the Ile de Re during your sailboat stay in the Charente, it is also immerse yourself in an atmosphere of eternal holidays with the charming small villages of character, the sweet and sunny weather, the picturesque harbors, located not far from rejuvenating beaches. These ancient fishing villages offer beautiful walks among narrow alleys and flowers, as well as ports. And, to take the full measure of this atmosphere, what better than to sneak among the stalls of the market, a must living place of holidays? In every market of the ten villages of the island, the village's own soul floats in the air. Open every day, soak up the authentic atmosphere for the pleasure of the eyes and the palate. A real favorite for the La Flotte market, a must-see attraction in one of the most beautiful villages in France. Enjoy the uniqueness of this market, with these wooden stalls, that you would think of another time. Ask your skipper if it is possible to stop at the Fleet. The port is not accessible at low tide!