Camping L'Abri-Côtier

The nearest beach from Camping L'Abri-Côtier is Port-des-Barques, part of an old fishing village which has handsome 20th-century villages atop its cliffs, a sailing school, a museum covering the history of the region and its oyster farming past, and comely carrelets, the small fishing huts perched on stilts over the sea. Around the peninsula, stop off at Soubise, with its castle and seventeenth century church, and Saint-Nazaire-sur-Charente, for views of Fort Lupin from the Lupin Fountain. Madame Island, the smallest island in the Charente-Maritime and a top spot for cycling, hiking and shellfish gathering, is accessible from Port-des-Barques via the stone path uncovered at low tide. More popular options in the area are the city of La Rochelle and its aquarium, one of the largest in Europe and a great option for a family trip; cruises around Fort Boyard and the Île-d'Aix, the beaches and seaside resort of Royan and popular La Palmyre Zoo. Other attractions include the Marais De Moëze Nature Reserve and the Royal Citadel of Brouage, built in 1555.