What to do when it rains in Charente-Maritime

Damn! It's raining... We're forgetting about going outside and looking for shelter. So if you're lacking inspiration and wondering where to go when it rains in Charente Maritime, don't worry. You'll find all sorts of indoor activities: museums, castles, wellness centers, playgrounds and sports parks... There's plenty to keep you busy on bad weather days. We're taking you on a rainy but lively getaway to Charente Maritime.

Opening photo: Credit © SGR Photography | Adobe Stock

Shopping at the Royan Covered Market

Feel like doing some shopping, but don't feel like donning a raincoat and strolling the shopping streets? This is the perfect opportunity to discover Royan's beautiful covered market. Spacious and bright, it's also sheltered and offers you a great place to shop away from the rain. It's located on Boulevard Briand, not far from the tourist office and Grande Conche beach. It's open all year round, from Tuesday to Sunday. You'll find local products in a friendly atmosphere.

Take a trip back in time to the Charente castles

If you're a fan of old buildings, Aunis, Val de Saintonge, and Haute-Saintonge have some lovely surprises in store for you. Of course, on a rainy day, it's best to avoid those with remarkable gardens, as you'd be disappointed not to be able to fully admire them. We've therefore selected the most interesting castles in Charente-Maritime for their interiors:

• The magnificent interiors of the Château de Dampierre-sur-Boutonne, notably its sculpted ceiling.
• Crazannes Castle, the “Puss in Boots Castle” and its museum of antique objects.
• Take a guided tour with the tourist office of the Château de Jonzac, witness to the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion and the troubled period of the Fronde...

Credit © The Château de la Roche Courbon

Please the children at the Château des Énigmes in Pons

If you're traveling with your family, the Château des énigmes de Pons will delight the whole family. A trail suitable for children ages 4 and up lets them step into the shoes of a pirate, in an exceptional setting. You'll visit this splendid Renaissance castle, engaging the children with a treasure hunt. With teenagers, we recommend the escape-castle to escape from the Marquis's room. And if a few clearings appear, you can take a little height to admire the landscape from the treehouses in the park.

Take on the challenge of an escape game

An escape room is a great way to brighten up a rainy day. It's an intellectually stimulating activity that develops team spirit, and it's particularly exotic. You're fully immersed in a setting designed to plunge you into the heart of an investigation on a specific theme. The goal is to find clues, answer word games, and solve puzzles to free yourself from a room or universe. Here are the most unusual escape rooms in Charente-Maritime:

• The police investigation of the Château de Panloy and its haunted evenings.
• The “castel-game” of the Château de la Roche-Courbon, a fortress from the Hundred Years’ War.
• The indoor escape game at the Cep Enchanté wine estate: “ The Mysteries of Blending.”

Let off steam in a laser tag game

Laser tag is all the rage and is a truly perfect outing for a rainy day. In a large indoor space, often decorated with futuristic decor, you'll flush out your enemies of the day to emerge victorious from this maze. It's a very physical activity, and you'll be able to let off steam with family or friends.

Relax in a wellness area

It's raining, your spirits are low, and your energy is low... No worries, we're offering you a moment of cozy pampering in the warmth, relaxing by the pool, or a massage to take care of yourself. And yes, we're talking about a relaxing afternoon with friends or your loved one. Depending on your mood, head to a beauty salon, a wellness center, with a hammam or sauna... It's a program that's good for both body and mind.

Discover marine life at the La Rochelle Aquarium

The La Rochelle Aquarium is one of the finest ocean museums in France, and even in Europe. You'll see extraordinary species in a temperate environment. Different areas showcase marine animals from every continent, as well as from the deepest depths. It's sure to please the whole family and satisfy your curiosity.

Discover the wine-growing region of Charente Maritime

Charente-Maritime is renowned for its wine-growing region, with big names and wonderful surprises. More than just a wine tasting, you'll discover a true local heritage. Indeed, it was the Romans who planted the first vineyards in the region. From the convivial vin de pays to the oldest cognac, you'll learn everything there is to know about the Charente vineyards. We recommend these great wine tourism spots to delight your mind, as well as your taste buds!

• Visit the House of Vines and Flavors.
• The Domaine de Beaulieu for its table d'hôte and a visit to its distillery.

Credit © Charente Maritime Guide visiting the Vincent Vineyard

Satisfying your curiosity in museums

Museums are a favorite destination for rainy days. Here, you'll learn about local history, customs and traditions from the past, and see ancient artifacts. They also reveal a unique environment nestled between the ocean, the estuary, and the Charente rivers. Our favorite Charente museums are:

• The Maritime Museum of La Rochelle: from the history of the city to the world of the oceans.
• An unusual and timeless visit: the Rochefort Museum of Old Trades.
• An amazing shell cave, clinging to the cliff!

Credit © The Paleosite of Saint-Cézaire

Swimming in an indoor aquatic center

Just because it's raining doesn't mean you don't want to go swimming and enjoy water sports. Never mind, we've searched for the best-equipped indoor aquatic centers in Charente Maritime for you.

• The exotic aquatic world of the Antilles of Jonzac ;
• The Ileo Water Park on the island of Oléron ;
• The Châtelaillon-Plage Aquatic Center, with spa, sauna and wellness and water sports area.

We hope we have given you some good ideas to save a rainy day during your vacation in Charente-Maritime.

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