Charentes Maritime
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Positives
- Mix of reefs and beaches
- Secluded island spots
- Flexible wind and swell options
- Year-round waves
- Plenty of sunshine
Negatives
- Lower NW swell exposure
- Winter onshores
- Tidally sensitive
- Crowds near cities
Charentes Maritime surf travel guide
Often overlooked by travelling surfers heading to the more famous southern Aquitaine beaches. The départment of Charentes Maritime consists of the islands of Ile de Ré and Ile d'Oléron which rob the mainland of all swell. Proximity to some large mainland cities ensures year-round crowds at the best spots and this is also a popular french holiday destination. Unlike the cliffs and undulating landscapes of Brittany and Loire a mix of reefs and beaches surrounds flat islands, an ideal location for exploring by bike by the network of trails. The continental shelf extends out into the Bay of Biscay and there is a bit of a N-NW swell shadow from Brittany, so the beachbreaks don’t quite have the power of the more famous spots further south.
Surf spots in Charentes Maritime
Research the 11 surf breaks in Charentes Maritime and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 11 breaks in Charentes Maritime.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Charentes Maritime
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 89,322,000
- Population
- 65,273,511
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- EUR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1 Euro EUR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +33
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- French
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ek
Visas
France is a Schengen state and citizens of most European countries, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand do not require visas. All others, including South Africans and those planning to stay more than three months, must obtain a visa from the French consulate in their home country.
Getting There
Ryanair flies into La Rochelle from London and Easyjet from Bristol. La Rochelle and Rochefort are connected to Paris by the TGV in 3hrs. From here it's an hour drive to Ile d'Oléron. To drive from Paris will take around 5hrs.
Getting Around
It only takes 30mins to drive from end to end on either of the two islands. Oléron has 100 miles of cycle trails passing along both coastlines and is an ideal way for families to explore for waves.
Accommodation
Khoya Surf camp serves Ile d'Oléron. There are lots of straight tourist options in the seasonal campsites, Holiday Villages and Chambres d'hôtes on both islands. Gastronomic delights include fish, shellfish, duck, haricot beans, goat cheeses, butter and a stuffing paté called Farci Poitevin. Oysters, melons, foie gras, wine and cognac are all produced in Charente Maritime.
Activities
This region of France is very low-lying with salt marshes and forests planted to help stabilize the islands. Golf, boating, horse riding and cycling are all well catered for in the warmer months on Oléron and Re both of which have plenty to offer.
Hazards & hassles
This region is really quiet from October to April with many businesses shut down till the tourists return. La Cote Sauvage has earned its name with Hossegor-like rips and slamming lips. It always takes longer than you think to get around on the slower D roads.
Handy Hints
Plenty of surf school options on both islands. La Manille and Cocoa Gliss surf shops are both on Oléron while Réves d'Iles is on Ile de Ré. April, May and June can be ideal as weather is good before main tourist season kicks in.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.