| The Beaches near our Child Friendly Gites in south west France |
The peninsula of Fouras stretches from Yves Bay to the
Charente River. It is also historically interesting and has long
been a heavily, fortified area. Originally the fortifcations were
needed to fight off the Normans and then the British.
Nowadays, the only invaders are tourists. There is a great
view from the fort, along the coast to La Rochelle and
across to the islands. This area also boasts four large
beaches and lots of woodland.
Charente River. It is also historically interesting and has long
been a heavily, fortified area. Originally the fortifcations were
needed to fight off the Normans and then the British.
Nowadays, the only invaders are tourists. There is a great
view from the fort, along the coast to La Rochelle and
across to the islands. This area also boasts four large
beaches and lots of woodland.
The coast is just an easy hours drive away (and please note that this is a driving time
within the speed limits !) There are beaches all along the coast from La Rochelle
down to Royan.
within the speed limits !) There are beaches all along the coast from La Rochelle
down to Royan.
Chatelaillon de la plage is another popular
place for its beaches and probably one of the
closest. In summer it has a fun fair atmosphere
with lots of activities going on for the children.
place for its beaches and probably one of the
closest. In summer it has a fun fair atmosphere
with lots of activities going on for the children.
The islands of Oleron and Re are also
popular for their beaches. They take slightly
longer to get to particularly in summer as
traffic over the bridge - particularly to Ile de
Oleron, can be quite heavy. Top tip - go
early !
popular for their beaches. They take slightly
longer to get to particularly in summer as
traffic over the bridge - particularly to Ile de
Oleron, can be quite heavy. Top tip - go
early !
Oleron is the largest of the islands. It has been
inhabited since prehistoric times. The Romans
called the island "Ularius" which it is thought to
of developed into Oleron. For a time the island
was under British rule, but it was returned to
France in the 14th Century and later became a
Protestant stronghold. Like most of this part of
the coast the island was heavily fortified and the
Chateau Fort is a lasting reminder of this time.
inhabited since prehistoric times. The Romans
called the island "Ularius" which it is thought to
of developed into Oleron. For a time the island
was under British rule, but it was returned to
France in the 14th Century and later became a
Protestant stronghold. Like most of this part of
the coast the island was heavily fortified and the
Chateau Fort is a lasting reminder of this time.
Oleron is now linked to the mainland by a
road bridge, so you can easily visit the island
and enjoy the beaches, the fishing or the
forest. There are numerous footpaths in the
forest where you can explore or a favourite
with children - Le Petit Train Touristique
Forestier which will take you along the dunes
and the beaches and through the forest.
road bridge, so you can easily visit the island
and enjoy the beaches, the fishing or the
forest. There are numerous footpaths in the
forest where you can explore or a favourite
with children - Le Petit Train Touristique
Forestier which will take you along the dunes
and the beaches and through the forest.
To visit the Ile de Ré requires you to pay a toll over
the bridge. This makes it a much more peaceful and
less touristy island to visit. It has a wide variety of flora
and fauna and boasts more than one wildlife park.
The Phare Des Baleines is one of the tallest
lighthouses in France (55 meters) and has 250 steps to
the top, where you have a great view of the mainland
and the islands salt marshes. The island's still
produces around 2,000 tons of salt every year. The
islands also boasts some fine churches and well
preserved fortifications from the Middle Ages.
St Martin de Re is gorgeous, a mini La Rochelle and a
wonderful place to hire a bike (and tag along or child
seats too) and take a leisurely cycle along the quiet
cycle tracks and lanes.
the bridge. This makes it a much more peaceful and
less touristy island to visit. It has a wide variety of flora
and fauna and boasts more than one wildlife park.
The Phare Des Baleines is one of the tallest
lighthouses in France (55 meters) and has 250 steps to
the top, where you have a great view of the mainland
and the islands salt marshes. The island's still
produces around 2,000 tons of salt every year. The
islands also boasts some fine churches and well
preserved fortifications from the Middle Ages.
St Martin de Re is gorgeous, a mini La Rochelle and a
wonderful place to hire a bike (and tag along or child
seats too) and take a leisurely cycle along the quiet
cycle tracks and lanes.
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