Walks and hikes in Charente-Maritime

Do you want to go for walks and hikes in Charente-Maritime? This department boasts nearly 5,000 km of hiking trails, much to the delight of walkers. We've selected the best routes for you, for athletes of all ages and abilities. Lace up your walking shoes, let's go hiking in the plains of Charente-Maritime !

The gently rolling terrain of this Aquitaine basin is perfect for walking. The coastline and its islands, the Charente estuary, the Gironde estuary, the Arvert peninsula, and the Marais Poitevin make it one of the most pleasant French departments to explore. Especially since it's a sport that suits all levels, from a leisurely stroll to a brisk walk. What's more, the mild oceanic climate offers beautiful days and moderate temperatures, making hiking easy in any season. It's such a joy to breathe in that invigorating sea air! Ready to go? Then let's set off; we'll guide you along the trails of Charente-Maritime.

Walking the Way of St. James in Charente-Maritime

The Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) crosses Europe to reach Galicia, at the westernmost tip of Spain. There are four main routes and several secondary routes. The Charente-Maritime region is crossed by the Tours Route, which originates in Paris. You can begin your journey in Aulnay and follow the GR655 long-distance hiking trail. Following in the footsteps of pilgrims, you can appreciate the magnificent medieval religious heritage that dots the route, including:

• Saint-Jean-d'Angély and its royal abbey ;
• The "city of Art and History" of Saintes, with its Romanesque church of Saint-Eutrope and its Abbaye aux Dames ;
• Pons and its historical treasures.

Walking the coastal path around La Rochelle

The coastal path is a secondary route of the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago), linking Brittany and England, following the Atlantic coast from Quimper to Irun, on the Spanish border. In Charente-Maritime, you can join the Sentier des Douaniers (Customs Officers' Path), near La Rochelle. This 70km marked trail offers breathtaking views. Here are some points of interest not to be missed:

• From the outset, La Rochelle is a must-see. Whether it's a visit to its architectural and historical heritage, a stroll in its Old Port or through the city along its parks and the beautiful avenues of the Mail.
• Discover the carrelets, these wooden cabins scattered along the coastline.
• Take a tour of the lighthouses of Charente-Maritime, an extraordinary maritime heritage!

Exploring the Marais Poitevin

In the " Green Venice," as the Marais Poitevin is known, visitors generally enjoy the " wet " marshland by navigating the canals in charming boats. But the " drained " marshland extends all the way to the coast. It is crisscrossed by delightful footpaths, in the heart of this verdant haven protected by the Regional Natural Park. Numerous routes start from Surgères. You can even find the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) there, which will lead you to Saintes.

Take a stroll through the salt marshes of Île de Ré

Between Les Portes-en-Ré, Ars-en-Ré, and Loix, the Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve is a protected area for wildlife, particularly birds. The constant movement of the birds is a truly extraordinary sight. As the reserve is not open to the public for the well-being of its inhabitants, you can observe them from the surrounding paths or the Phare des Baleines (Whale Lighthouse) park. Most of these paths are greenways, suitable for pedestrians and cyclists. But the other half of the island, from Saint-Martin-en-Ré to Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, is equally captivating. Whether you're on foot, by bike, or with a stroller, the tourist office lists more than 30 routes, winding through the narrow lanes of the villages or along beautiful beaches and marshes.

Discover the Charente estuary, between Fouras-les-Bains and Rochefort

Back on the mainland, we enter the Charente estuary, with Fort Boyard in sight. The Rochefort-Océan tourist office offers various routes : in town for city dwellers, along the estuary or in the countryside for families, and a section for adventurers with longer hikes. A guidebook with around twenty itineraries to Fouras-les-Bains, Île d'Aix, and other destinations will be available at the tourist office.

Take a tour of the island of Oléron, between oyster farming ports and wild beaches

On the Île d'Oléron, hiking trails lead you along the island's vast beaches, through charming little harbors, and into unspoiled landscapes. But what truly defines the island are its oyster farming landscapes of salt marshes and oyster beds. The Île d'Oléron and Marennes Basin Tourist Office offers a variety of hikes, categorized by theme or point of interest.

Just opposite Oléron lies the famous Marennes basin. Between the Charente estuary, the island of Oléron, and the banks of the Seudre, the Moëze-Oléron Nature Reserve protects a marine and coastal area, including the "Pertuis Sea," marshes, mudflats, and salt meadows. The reserve offers guided tours, but the surrounding area is also worth exploring.

Travel along the Gironde estuary starting from Royan

Royan is a seaside town with unique architecture and plenty of charm. It's surrounded by other lovely towns and villages worth exploring. Our favorite is the coastal path, perfect for enjoying the splendid light reflecting off the shore, especially in winter.

Follow the Charente River through the Vals de Saintonge

As you venture into the Charente estuary, you enter the Vals de Saintonge. This is a lesser-known region of Charente-Maritime, but it offers a better appreciation of the Charente River and its estuary, which is too often overshadowed by the famous Gironde estuary. Don't forget to visit the Vals de Saintonge tourist office to learn about all the hiking trails available in the area.

Enjoy the countryside in Haute-Saintonge

To escape the coast and explore the Charente countryside, we invite you into the more rural part of Charente-Maritime. It's an environment of meadows, forests, and vineyards on the hillsides. But it's also a land of water and thermal springs. The tourist office offers short and long hikes to explore the area around Jonzac and the Haute-Saintonge region.

Embark on an adventure with children and Terra Aventura in Charente-Maritime

Terra Aventura is a giant, free treasure hunt for the whole family. You set off in search of the Poïz, little collectible characters. Along the way, you'll find clues hidden in urban and natural heritage sites. It's a great opportunity to get some exercise while having fun and learning something new. Getting started couldn't be simpler. All you need is a smartphone; download the app from the Terra Aventura website and get everyone excited!

We have reached the end of our hiking guide in Charente-Maritime and all that remains is to wish you wonderful walks!

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