Near the Gîtes there are several beaches  to visit.  The closest  being  Chatelaillon Plage, about 25 minutes drive. It has  a long sandy beach with all the  facilities. It is very safe for children.

There are also the stunning  Iles de Ré and Oléron,  peninsulars that can only be accessed by a suspension bridge. They have fantastic vast sandy beaches and are ideal for bodyboarding and surfing on the west side and  provide  a  peaceful beach and childfriendly setting  on the east side.

The villages on the islands are whitewashed and have a dreamlike quality; a photographers paradise !

L’île d’Aix

This is a quote from  a recent visitor : “L’île d’Aix is, truly, one of the most amazing places I know. Going there is like stopping time : everything is out of this world. Like any other island that isn’t connected to the continent by a bridge, going there by boat is an experience in itself. The village is beautiful (virtually no cars).

The nature is incredible : the eastern side of the île, exposed to the continent, is mediterrannean : mellow, green and sunny. The western coast is a real atlantic coast”.

Chatelaillon Plage

Chatelaillon Plage is situated within a short drive of La Rochelle. The sandy beach is kept well-groomed. There  are many bars and restaurants along the beach to grab a refreshment  or have a leisurely meal, and plenty of selections available from smaller grocery stores near  to the beach.

For nightlife, the casino has a large outdoor area.  Musical performances and  a weekly night  market  make the waterfront the place to be, in season.

There is also the waterpark with its slides and sunbathing  and spa area.

You can consult the website : chatelaillonplage.fr