It’s hot in Charente-Maritime: our top tips for staying cool!

The summer heat is setting in, and you're looking for some great ideas for staying cool ? Don't worry, the Charente-Maritime guide has put together an ideal program for avoiding sunburn while still enjoying the summer.

Swimming in Charente-Maritime, a must for cooling off

Diving into the water is one of the best ways to avoid overheating when the sun is at its peak. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Charente-Maritime is the ideal destination to enjoy the pleasures of swimming on the many fine sandy beaches that line the coast. Don't like salt water? Opt for leisure centers or water parks to stay in your swimsuit all summer long!

Châtelaillon Plage Aquatic Center

Brée Beach

Discover the Marais Poitevin and its shaded areas

Spanning several departments, including Charente-Maritime, the Marais Poitevin is a sublime natural region crossed by the Sèvre Niortaise River, which reveals a verdant landscape all year round. Whether you're boating, fishing on the banks, hiking on the trails, observing the flora and fauna, or enjoying a picnic in the countryside, you'll be able to spend several days in the fresh air !

Having fun in the cool of a garden or theme park

In La Rochelle, Saintes, Royan and Rochefort, green gardens welcome children in the shade of the trees to offer them a moment of freedom. Slide, swing, turnstile, skate park, pond and small stream to observe the ducks and fish, they will love to fill up on greenery! Most often, benches are installed as well as picnic tables and paths to stroll in the greenery when it is hot in Charente-Maritime. Theme parks are another good idea to combine freshness and discovery, like at Planet Exotica or at the Myocastors park on the island of Oléron.

Visit the La Rochelle Aquarium sheltered from the sun

Dive into the heart of the oceans in one of the largest private aquariums in Europe ! You will be captivated by the shapes, colors, sizes and beauty of each fish and mammal that evolves before your eyes in 82 different aquariums. Mediterranean Sea, jellyfish area, Caribbean area or even shark area, a true journey of the underwater world awaits you, with the advantage of welcoming you in the cool for 2 hours of unforgettable visit.

Take a canoe, kayak or paddleboard trip

Glide across the water to the rhythm of your paddles, Charente-Maritime invites you to discover the pleasure of water sports on the waves of the Atlantic Ocean or in the gentle marshes. A refreshing outing guaranteed on your boat to discover the region's gems ! Rentals are often offered by the hour or half-day, the opportunity to take a break for a swim or picnic by the water when the temperatures rise.

Aloha Canoe Oléron

AWL Leisure Canoeing

Visit churches and museums to escape the heat

Enjoy the natural cooling of the old stones as you explore the region's beautiful churches. Built in different periods, they reveal a variety of architectural styles and offer a refreshing break during the summer.

Museums, most often air-conditioned and open year-round, are another good way to escape the intense heat in Charente-Maritime. Whether it's a miniature museum, a museum of old-fashioned trade, or an oyster museum, there's something for everyone.

The Grotte du Régulus, 15 minutes from Royan, is open to the public from spring, an opportunity to discover a unique troglodyte site dug into limestone cliffs.

Museum of Miniatures

Regulus Caves

Admire outdoor quarries

The Charente-Maritime guide presents two unusual sites:

• The Crazannes quarries, labeled "Échapées Nature," invite you to the heart of the Earth. Spread over 12 hectares, they offer a surprising landscape of white stones and lush vegetation.
• The Saint-Georges quarry at the Kaolune tourist site is nestled in the heart of the Double Saintongeaise forest. This magnificent expanse of water surrounded by stone and greenery was once mined for its clay and forest. Self-guided or guided tours are available in summer; please inquire.

Kaolune Saint-Georges Quarries

Crazannes Quarries

Going out to the cinema in case of extreme heat

It's a classic that's always a hit! When it's hot in Charente-Maritime, cinemas and their air-conditioned rooms are a welcome place to watch the best films currently showing. With family, a loved one, or friends, buy your ticket, grab some popcorn to munch on, and settle in for a few hours of well-deserved fun.

You now have a whole program of activities to stay cool when it's hot in Charente-Maritime!

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