{"id":33651,"date":"2021-08-27T15:34:50","date_gmt":"2021-08-27T13:34:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.nl\/blog\/?post_type=listing&p=33651"},"modified":"2021-08-27T15:34:50","modified_gmt":"2021-08-27T13:34:50","slug":"road-trip-french-coast","status":"publish","type":"listing","link":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/listing\/road-trip-french-coast\/","title":{"rendered":"Road trip along the French Atlantic coast"},"content":{"rendered":"

France is and remains the holiday destination \u2018par excellence\u2019. A less obvious destination is the <\/strong>Atlantic coast<\/strong><\/a>. The coast line is several hundred kilometres long and is ideal for a road trip. Sander from the camping magazine ACSI FreeLife guides you from north to south along the must-sees of the six departments.<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Loire-Atlantique<\/h2>\n

Fine sandy beaches and wild coasts<\/h3>\n

A versatile holiday awaits in the department of Loire-Atlantique<\/a>, between the Loire and the French Atlantic coast. From Nantes, a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, to Saint-Nazaire, whose history is closely linked to the ocean, one discovery after another awaits you.<\/p>\n

The 133 km long coast of Loire-Atlantique offers a variety of small bays and long sandy beaches. Here, you will also find protected natural areas such as the Bri\u00e8re Natural Park, the salt flats of Gu\u00e9rande and seaside resorts such as Pornic, Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, Pornichet and La Baule.<\/p>\n

\"Roadtrip

A beautiful location for cycling along the French coast.<\/p><\/div>\n

Buckwheat crepe<\/h3>\n

The Loire-Atlantique offers entertainment and relaxation for the whole family. Foodies can also spoil their taste buds here with cuisine including delicious seafood varieties. Relax in a quiet spot in a small fishing port like Le Croisic. Try a galette, the famous buckwheat crepe, or a Muscadet wine in Clisson, a town with Italian charm amidst the vineyards.<\/p>\n

Campsite tips in Loire Atlantique<\/h3>\n

Campsite El\u00e9ovic in Pr\u00e9failles<\/a> is a friendly family campsite with 55 pitches, located immediately adjacent to the beach. The campsite is situated on sloping terrain, so with a bit of luck, you will wake up in the morning with a view onto the Atlantic Ocean.<\/p>\n\n

2. Vend\u00e9e<\/h2>\n

Endeavour and relaxation<\/h3>\n

In the Vend\u00e9e<\/a>, you will find the perfect balance of beach holiday, culture and action. This department has 140 kilometres of sandy beaches, 250 kilometres of protected, unspoilt coastline and 18 beautiful seaside resorts with all the necessary flair. The coast is further enriched by two islands, \u00cele d’Yeu and \u00cele de Noirmoutier, small paradises in the Atlantic Ocean.<\/p>\n

Some well-known resorts in the Vend\u00e9e are Saint-Jean-de-Monts, a must for families, with 8 kilometres of beautiful beaches such as La Grande Plage (which has been awarded the Pavillon Bleu label), Saint Gilles Croix de Vie known for its sardine port, Les Sables d\u2019Olonne, the town of the famous Vend\u00e9e Globe sailing competition and La Tranche sur Mer, also known as \u2018little California\u2019 by surfers.<\/p>\n

\"Mooie

Walk along the coast and enjoy the endless panoramas<\/p><\/div>\n

Walking along rugged cliffs<\/h3>\n

The Vend\u00e9e also has plenty of natural beauty. Follow the scenic coastal route La Corniche Vend\u00e9enne<\/em>, for example. This coastline of more than 3 kilometres is full of rugged, unspoilt rock formations. Families will love the Vend\u00e9e. You will find climbing setups in the treetops (accrobranche), zoos, aquariums and the famous Puy du Fouamusement park, which has been voted the best amusement park in the world on multiple occasions.<\/p>\n

Garlic bread<\/h3>\n

While you\u2019re there, don\u2019t forget to sample the many culinary specialities that the Vend\u00e9e has to offer. Don\u2019t miss the sardines of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie for example, the garlic bread Pr\u00e9fou and, of course, the seafood and fresh fish.<\/p>\n

Campsite tips for the Vend\u00e9e<\/h3>\n

At La Prairie campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Monts<\/a>, you can have plenty of fun in the water with features including an outdoor pool with slide, a heated indoor pool and a whirlpool. The campsite is also within walking distance of a sandy beach.<\/p>\n

3. Charente-Maritime<\/h2>\n

Islands, nature and maritime heritage<\/h3>\n

Rest and relax by the sea. Visit cities and historical sites and stroll around charming villages. You can also explore the most beautiful places on the mainland \u2013 and on the islands \u2013 by bicycle.<\/p>\n

The department of Charente-Maritime boasts seaside resorts, vibrant towns and cities with a rich history and enough fun activities for a successful family holiday. From La Rochelle<\/a> to Royan, there is a wide range of activities, sights and beaches for relaxation and tranquillity, as well as plenty of watersports opportunities. Discover the cultural diversity of La Rochelle and the flair of the old port at your own pace.<\/p>\n

\"Ontdek

A relaxed stroll through French villages.<\/p><\/div>\n

Island hopping<\/h3>\n

A proud witness to the past is the frigate \u2018Hermione in Rochefort\u2019, part of the Arsenal des Mers. Both children and adults alike can experience exciting sea and shipping adventures. Get away from it all on the islands of \u00cele de R\u00e9 or \u00cele d\u2019Ol\u00e9ron and relax in hip and chic resorts amidst fascinating natural landscapes.<\/p>\n

Mussels, but differently<\/h3>\n

A visit to Charente-Maritime would not be complete without sampling the regional dish \u2013\u00a0the oyster. If you would like to learn more about this treasure, the oyster museum La C\u00eet\u00e9 de l\u2019Hu\u00eetre in Marennes comes highly recommended.
\nYou can taste another seafood speciality, Eclade de Moules<\/em>, on \u00cele d\u2019Ol\u00e9ron. The cook stacks the mussels on a wooden board and covers them with pine needles that are then lit. It\u2019s a quite a different dish to the familiar boiled mussels.<\/p>\n

Campsite tips for Charente-Maritime<\/h3>\n

Camping La Taill\u00e9e<\/a> in the north-western region of the Charente-Maritime is a quiet family campsite in a green oasis, with spacious pitches. It\u2019s ideal for visiting locations such as La Rochelle and Rochefort.<\/p>\n

4. Gironde<\/h2>\n

A cycling paradise rich in nature<\/h3>\n

The Gironde<\/a> is best described with superlatives. France\u2019s largest department is home to the finest Bordeaux wines, the highest sand dunes, the largest estuary in Europe and is a safe and beautiful place for cycling.<\/p>\n

A holiday in Gironde is also a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The area at the mouth of the Gironde River is a paradise for wine enthusiasts. The wine route takes you by the most beautiful ch\u00e2teaus in the M\u00e9doc, where winegrowers offer guided tours and wine tastings. Bordeaux, as a bustling metropolis and global capital of wine, is also well worth a visit.<\/p>\n

\"De

Enjoy the beautiful cycle paths along the beach.<\/p><\/div>\n

Cycling through pine forests<\/h3>\n

Cyclists and nature lovers are well catered for in Gironde, with cycle paths through pine forests connecting the large inland lakes to the coast. For a well-earned pit stop, put your bicycle to one side and relax on a terrace in resorts such as Soulac, Montalivet, Hourtin and Lacanau.<\/p>\n

France’s largest freshwater lake<\/h3>\n

Families might want to head to France\u2019s largest freshwater lake \u2013 Lac d\u2019Hourtin et de Carcans<\/em> \u2013 if the surf in the Atlantic Ocean is too strong. Here, even the youngest members of the family can splash around in calmer waters, while parents can relax on the beach or indulge in one of the many watersports.<\/p>\n

Oyster cultivation is ever present in the landscape around the Bay of Arcachon. Here, you will see the typical cabanes tchanqu\u00e9es<\/em>, the stilt houses kept by the oyster farmers, which are surrounded by water on a regular basis.<\/p>\n

Taste oysters from this famous bay and accompany them with a glass of Entre-Deux-Mers white wine while you enjoy the view from Le Phare du Cap Ferret lighthouse on the impressive Dune du Pilat and the Arguin sandbank. You can also climb Europe’s highest sand dune. From the top, high above the sea, you will have a spectacular view of the surroundings, and the chance to watch an unforgettable sunset.<\/p>\n

Campsite tips for Gironde<\/h3>\n

For those who prefer, or enjoy, a dip in fresh water, campsite Les Ourmes<\/a> on Hourtin-Carcans Lake is highly recommended. The ocean beach is easily accessible by bicycle. This family campsite has 300 touring pitches and 200 motorhome pitches.<\/p>\n

5. Les Landes<\/h2>\n

Surfing and cycling destination in green natural surroundings<\/h3>\n

A holiday in Les Landes<\/a> is a guarantee of something unforgettable. From the large sandy beaches on the Silver Coast (C\u00f4te d\u2019Argent) to Capbreton in the south, the only port on this part of the French Atlantic coast.<\/p>\n

What more could you want from a holiday than swimming, surfing, kiting or cycling in the shade of pine trees? The holiday resorts of Seignosse and Capbreton on the French Atlantic coast are known throughout Europe for their unique surfing spots. There are many other beautiful destinations here too, including the seaside resorts of Moliets-et-Maa, Biscarosse and Mimizan.<\/p>\n

\"Genieten

An unforgettable holiday on a French beach<\/p><\/div>\n

Go back in time<\/h3>\n

In addition, Les Landes is rich in tradition. You can go back a century in time with your children or grandchildren and travel in an old steam train to the historic world of the Marqu\u00e8ze regional museum. The history and traditions of the region are brought to life throughout the summer with a range of events at the open-air museum.<\/p>\n

Water enthusiasts can have fun to their hearts\u2019 content on the 45 beaches along the Atlantic coastline. Families with children can relax in a carefree environment close to the coast on the 11 beaches on the fresh water lakes inland.<\/p>\n

A cycling paradise<\/h3>\n

With 621 kilometres of cycle paths and the \u2018voies vertes<\/em><\/a>\u2019 (car-free cycle paths), discovering Les Landes by bicycle is easy. It\u2019s a great way to enjoy nature, the smell of the pine forests and views of the Atlantic Ocean in an environmentally responsible way.<\/p>\n

Fond of duck breast, duck confit or duck rillette? They are highly regarded in Les Landes. You can even visit many of the duck and goose farms in the region, so you can see for yourself how the poultry is raised.<\/p>\n

Campsite tips for Les Landes<\/h3>\n

Camping Sylvamar<\/a> is a LeadingCampings<\/a> site \u2013 a European association of leading campsites. The campsite is situated in the woods, 800 metres from Labenne beach, and has 225 touring pitches. The site boasts a large beauty centre and a water park with slides.<\/p>\n

6. Biarritz, the French Basque Country<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Tradition and culinary specialities<\/h3>\n

Biarritz, the French Basque Country<\/a> is the place to go if you\u2019re really looking for something different. It\u2019s the place to experience a postcard-like holiday: choose from hiking on the GR10, thalassotherapy on the coast, a range of golf courses, festivals and culinary surprises.<\/p>\n\n

\"Fietsen

Enough of the beach, let\u2019s tour the city!<\/p><\/div>\n

Typical Basque sport<\/h3>\n

Ever heard of the pelota game Cesta Punta<\/em>? It is just one of the many unique cultural traditions that you will come across on a visit to the Basque Country. You can watch this ball game being played in Biarritz or Saint-Jean-de-Luz, it\u2019s a real spectacle for the whole family!<\/p>\n

If you would like to get to know the culture, language and customs of the Basque Country up close, a visit to the Basque museum in Bayonne is highly recommended. Cultural highlights can be found throughout the Basque Country \u2013 in cities such as Biarritz and Bayonne<\/a> as well as in Basque villages such as Sare and Ainhoa.<\/p>\n

Time to unwind on the beach? With 35 kilometres of sandy beaches and bays, you will certainly find what you\u2019re looking for in this department. For more sporty-minded campers, there are unique surfing spots, 8 golf courses and a variety of other activities.<\/p>\n

Jambon de Bayonne<\/h3>\n

The Basque Country also offers famous culinary specialities such as Jambon de Bayonne IGP, Piment d’Espelette AOC<\/em>, chocolate from Bayonne, the famous g\u00e2teau basque, wines from Iroul\u00e9guy and Basque ciders and beers.<\/p>\n

For a completely different perspective, head away from the coast: from Sare, about half an hour from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you can take the rack railway up the 1,700 metre high mountain La Rhune. On a clear day, you\u2019ll have a fantastic vista of the entire Bay of Biscay from the summit.<\/p>\n

Campsite tips for Biarritz, the French Basque Country<\/h3>\n

Campsite Ciela Atlantica<\/a> is a small campsite (51 touring pitches) at the foot of the Pyrenees and within walking distance of the beaches. The campsite is also close to the town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the fantastic surfing spots for which this region is so famous.<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The French Atlantic coast is a wonderful destination for a road trip. We offer the best tips for the perfect road trip.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":32820,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"listing_type":[1399,2329,1403],"class_list":["post-33651","listing","type-listing","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","listing_type-activities-events","listing_type-destination","listing_type-on-the-road","listing_location-camping-in-france"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listing\/33651","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listing"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/listing"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/84"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33651"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listing\/33651\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32820"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33651"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"listing_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listing_type?post=33651"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}