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Camping near La Rochelle guide
Where to go
Atlantic Coast
Miles of sandy beaches and windswept shores stretch south of La Rochelle, but the most popular destinations for a camping holiday are the three offshore islands. The Ile-de-Ré and the Ile d’Oléron can both be reached by bridge from the mainland, while boat cruises to the Ile d’Aix often include the famous Fort Boyard, marooned on its own isle. Bring your bike to explore the beaches, pine forests, and dunes.
Charente-Maritime
Don’t just stick to the coast—a road trip along the sunflower-lined country lanes of Charente-Maritime will take you to laid-back market towns and family-run wineries. Stop off at the historic riverport of Rochefort, the Roman ruins of Saintes, and the mediaeval Old Town of Cognac, where you can tour the esteemed Cognac distilleries and join locals for a traditional aperitif.
Marais Poitevin
North of La Rochelle, the wild wetlands and salt marshes of the Marais Poitevin Regional National Park mark the border of the Vendée. Explore the meandering waterways by boat or kayak, go bird-watching along the banks, or pitch your tent or park your caravan at a tranquil family campsite in the heart of nature.
When to go
Like most Atlantic Coast resort towns, La Rochelle fills up with vacationers in the summer months, when sunseekers head out to the beaches and surrounding islands. Plan your trip outside of July-August to avoid the biggest crowds—it’s often warm enough for swimming and water sports in June and September, too. Camping season runs from April through October, and many campgrounds close the rest of the year.