Châtelaillon-Plage : one of the most beautiful beaches in the vicinity of La Rochelle
Châtelaillon-Plage is a seaside resort located in the department of Charente-Maritime, in the center of the Atlantic coast and is part of the « New Aquitaine » region. It is a small town that combines the retro charm of a « Belle Epoque » style and a great modernity.
The large beach of Châtelaillon
Châtelaillon-Beach was built in the late 19th century, north of the village « Les Boucholeurs ». It was born from the period of the « Baths of Sea », and it is thanks to the arrival of the railroad that it knew a big boom. Indeed, it was for a long time the favorite beach of Poitevins as well as the bourgeois rochelaise.
A beautiful house on the seafront of Chatelaillon
In the 1950s, the « sea-bath » trains were very successful during the summer. The station located downtown, a few hundred meters from the beach, allowed all these lovers of swimming to go there easily. The artificial beach requires a regular sliting, otherwise the strength of the sea currents would make it completely disappear. It is 3 km long. Shared in three beach, the Châtelaillonnais speak of each of them separately or name it Big Beach (it is the largest beach in the area). The north beach is located at the entrance of the Sea boulevard. The beach of the casino is facing the casino, in the center of these 3 km. The south beach is located near the marina and the place for water sports where it is possible to do kitesurf, canoeing, kite and practice the sand yacht.
The beach at low tide : bathing is impossible
Its geographical location allows tourists to enjoy the surroundings. Located near La Rochelle (12 km), the summer visitors can discover the symbolic places of the city like the three towers ( vestiges of medieval maritime fortifications), the aquarium which is Europe’s largest private aquarium, with its 12, 000 marine animals, the thalassotherapy center and its panoramic view of the islands.
Port of La Rochelle
At 18 km, Rochefort is a town that bears witness to a significant maritime heritage. It is the cradle of Hermione and one of the most important French thermal spas.
The port of Rochefort with Hermione
For lovers of country walks, the Marais d’Yves is waiting for them (commune of Yves a few kilometers south of Châtelaillon). It is located between la Rochelle and Rochefort and is part of the 14 nature centers of Charente-Maritime. Animators guide tourists to discover wildlife (migratory birds, herons…) and flora (wild orchids). There is a nice beach but only swimmable at high tide.
The Marais of Yves with its beach on the left of the photo
Châtelaillon-Beach has a breathtaking view of the islands of Aix, Oléron and of Ré. A little visit is needed to discover these places. The island of Aix is an island preserved, classified natural site.
The island of Aix at the protected natural site of Fort Liédot
The island of Oléron is the second largest island in France by area after Corsica (length 35 km, 90 km of coastline). It is known for its beautiful beaches.
The port of Saint Martin de Ré with its shops and restaurants
The island of Ré, it is the kingdom of the bike since the visit of the island is done by this means of locomotion. Saint-Martin of Ré, the capital of the island is classified by UNESCO, a world heritage since 2008.
Châtelaillon-Plage offers a holiday for the whole family with the aquatic center, the casino, the thalassotherapy center and the Beauséjour center, built in the late 19th century, where children’s activities are practiced (kite creation, theater, creative workshops…).
