The beach at La Rochelle: a family outing for sport and relaxation!

Whatever the season, your stay in La Rochelle would be incomplete without a relaxing break on one of the superb beaches in the city center or the surrounding area. Sunbathing or swimming, discover our selection of the most beautiful beaches of La Rochelle and enjoy a moment of idleness or a refreshing swim!

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Minimes beach, a small paradise in the city center

It is the largest beach in the city. Right next to the port of La Rochelle (port of Minimes), it is easily accessible on foot, by car, by bike or by public transport. Labeled tourism and disability, this place accessible to all is a true urban oasis. Not far from there, the pointe des Minimes faces the lighthouse at the end of the world, an exact replica of the Argentine lighthouse that inspired the novel by Jules Vernes. From the point, easily reach the Pères park, a very green and flowery circuit offering a beautiful walk all along the coast, far from cars.

La Rochelle Chef de Baie beach and its pleasant promenade

Chef de Baie beach is close to the Île de Ré bridge and the Palice market (one of the most popular markets in La Rochelle). It offers a splendid view of the Pertuis d’Antioche, the islands of Ré, Oléron and Aix and Fort Boyard, the star monument of the region! Sheltered from the wind and with a pretty lawn, it is a pleasant place to relax and cool off with the family. For the more courageous, a promenade of approximately 4 km allows you to walk to the Concurrence beach in the city center.

Concurrence beach, a stone's throw from the Old Port

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Just like its neighbor Minimes, this magnificent beach has the Tourism and Disability label. Very family-friendly with its children's leisure areas and its rides, swings, mini-golf and inflatable castles, it is also non-smoking and offers a perfect playground for a family outing. Ideally located next to the historic towers of the city, facing the maritime museum of La Rochelle, access the Old Port and La Rochelle Aquarium in less than 20 minutes on foot thanks to the ferry! Charruyer park, with its animal park, mini golf and picnic areas is in the immediate vicinity.

Aytré beach, at the gates of La Rochelle

Extending over 3.5 km of fine sand, “le Platin” is one of the longest beaches in the region. It is also one of the most practical for families to have fun on the sand, make castles and fly kites. Please note, swimming has been prohibited due to pollution for a few years, but this does not prevent you from taking beautiful walks and having a drink facing the horizon in the huts located on Aytré beach.

Chatelaillon and its family beach

With its totems arranged on the beach and acting as landmarks, this seaside town is also particularly suitable for family outings. Like all the other beaches in the region, it is suitable for sports activities (beach volleyball, rugby, jogging, etc.). In the high season, gym and fitness classes open to all are also organized!

Heading for the islands

Visiting La Rochelle also means discovering the marvelous islands of the Charente archipelago. Île de Ré, the closest, and the Île d’Oléron (about 60 km away) are accessible by car, boat or bus from La Rochelle train station.

Île d’Aix is entirely pedestrian. To visit this little corner of paradise sheltering Napoleon's last residence before his exile to Saint Helena, you will have to take the ferry from the town of Fouras. Several packages also offer cruises to Fort Boyard and Île d’Aix from La Rochelle.

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Water sports in the La Rochelle region

In La Rochelle, water sports enthusiasts will have a great time! From kite surfing to sailing, stand up paddle or sea kayaking, the region is ideal for practicing water sports. The waves of the Charente coast are also famous among surfing enthusiasts: take advantage of your stay to discover the best spots in the region or learn about this magical sport! Definitely in our top 10 best activities to do in La Rochelle.

Your hotel near the most beautiful beaches of La Rochelle

Are you looking for a hotel in Poitou-Charentes for a family stay, a romantic weekend or a business trip? Near La Rochelle airport, the main roads and the SNCF train station, our establishments welcome you all year round for a stay under the sign of comfort and serenity. 

A stone's throw from the best restaurants in La Rochelle, performance halls and museums of La Rochelle, they have an ideal location to fully enjoy the natural heritage but also the cultural, commercial and sporting events of the region (Francofolies de la Rochelle, Grand Pavois, rugby match at the Marcel Deflandre stadium, etc.).

Book your hotel in La Rochelle now and enjoy all the exclusive B&B HOTELS services!