La Rochelle is a coastal city and the capital of the Charente-Maritime department, and it is situated in southwestern France. Since the 1100s, the city has been the center for fishing and trade. When you visit, you will witness the unmissable maritime tradition in its Vieux Port and big modern Les Minimes marina. When you are through with what La Rochelle offers, go to the nearby beaches for some of the finest beach experiences you will ever have in Europe.

Saint-Marie-de-Re is one of such areas near La Rochelle. It is a green seaside resort situated south of the island of Re. On the coastline, there are many beaches in Saint-Marie-de-Re. In this post, I shall feature some of the best beaches in Saint-Marie-de-Re and other places around La Rochelle.

Saint-Denis-D’Oléron

You will find the seaside resort of Saint-Denis d’Oleron north of the island of Oleron. The lighthouse of Chassiron is situated on the northwest edge and is dubbed “the end of the world”. You can enjoy some of the best views the island has to offer after climbing 220 steps. There you can also have incredible vistas of La Rochelle, the island of Re, and the island of Aix. The public can access the gardens of the lighthouse free of charge. Also, there are many fish locks at its back at low tide.

Saint-Denis-D’Oleron’s most active part is situated east side around the marina. Its setting is quite a scene, too, as there are lots of trendy restaurants that serve lunch with a view of the harbor. In season, several activities are available. Out of the three beaches in Saint-Denis d’Oleron, two are situated around the port.

Boirie beach is the most family-friendly and the most captivating with its bathing huts and its several entertainments for young ones. In the west, the beach huts are great and lined with many campsites. 

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Boirie Beach (Plage de la Boirie)

This beach is in Saint-Denis-of-Oleron, as earlier said. It is situated at the marina on the southern side. This massive sandy beach spans many hundred meters towards the height of Proires. The closet part of the port is the most family-friendly area and the busiest. 

You will find flashy bathing huts, a refreshment bar, and a first aid station. A table tennis set, beach volleyball courts, and a playground are available close to the beach. Southbound, the beach is wilder but narrower. Some tourist structures like campsites and hotels are situated along Boirie beach. Accessing the beach is not difficult. Just follow the signs to Saint-Denis’s port. 

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Soubregeon Beach (Plage de Soubregeon)

Situated north of Saint-Denis d’Oleron, Soubregeon beach is one of the best around. It is a wild and north beach of Oleron. Petit dunes and the city campsites of Saint-Denis line it. It spans about 700 m and ends with a former blockhouse. Soubregeon beach is not monitored. Its wild end is great while enjoying proximity to several restaurants and shops on the marina. You can reach there on foot from the port (about 5 minutes’ walk) when you follow Saint-Denis’ signs. There are lots of car parks, and Soubregeon beach is situated north on the left side.

Huttes Beach (Plage des Huttes)

This beach is in St-Denis-of-Oleron and is situated in the west and ranges through the St Pierre d’Oleron commune. On the island of Oleron, Huttes beach is the northernmost beach, and it is monitored in the summertime. When the sea gets rough, it is a popular kit surf spot. Few campsites border it.

Take the D734 to access this beach from St Denis on 1.5 km towards St Pierre, make a right, and trail the signs to Les Huttes and La Micheliere. After 1 km, turn left on Rue des Seulieres. There are many beach accesses, but it is not difficult to turn right on Rue Alain Gerbault to get to Rue des Dunes.

Platin Beach (La Plage De Platin)

This beach is the major beach in Aytre. Platin beach is a wide beach of almost 1.7 km, and it straddles between the points of Chay and Roux. It is bordered by little dunes and has coarse sand mixed with several seashells. Note that around high tide, swimming is only permitted for two hours as the sea goes back far in the area.

You are expected to find the hottest around La Rochelle in this place. There are not many services in the area, but there is a campsite. Platin beach is a magnificent benchmark for kite surfing. But be careful as there are oyster beds offshore that are dangerous at low tide.

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Beach of Trousse Chemise (Plage de Trousse-Chemise)

This beach is situated in the town of Portes-en-Re at the island’s western tip. It is opposite the forest of the same name that Charles Aznavour sang about. A pleasant walk on the woodcutter’s bench is always a great idea at low tide. Beach of Trousse Chemise is a wild and authentic beach that provides activities for the entire family, such as nautical activities, picnicking, and walking. 

Grouin Point (Pointe du Grouin)

Between the ocean and marshes at the end of Loix, this beach is perfect for activities like relaxation, swimming, etc. A small Fort overlooks it, and it is calm, intimate, and fine. Grouin Point is a quiet place from where visitors can adore the forest of Trousse-Chemise and Vendee’s coast. 

La Plage des Prises (Beach of the Folies)

This beach is south of Couarde and is a big one of fine sand at the back of the dunes lined with tamarind and pine trees. From here to the beach of the Folies, it a stretch of fine sand 5 km long. The beach should offer you all the nautical and seaside activities such as kite surfing, sailing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, fishing on foot, water skiing, etc. Along the dune, there is a coastal trail that has been carved out that allows you to enjoy the amazing view of the Pertuis d’Antioche. 

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Conche of Whales (La Conche des Baleines)

Recognized by visitors as one of the most gorgeous beaches but also as a real highlight of the Ile de Re beaches. A 3 km stretch of beach that links the Lighthouse of the Whales to Saint-Clement-des-Baleines at the edge of Lizay at Portes-en-Re.

Lizay beach is perfect for surfing, and it is a spot that locals love, while the beach of Petit Bec and Couny beach are spots families and bathers love to visit.

Arnerault Beach (Plage de l’Arnérault)

Arnerault beach is the only beach in La Flotte en Re. It is situated not far from the center of La Flotte as a pedestrian waterfront can be found along with it. This beach is indeed one of the most ravishing beaches on Ile de Re on the North coast. It is a spot for walks, rest, and games. Swimmers will appreciate the bay of the sheltered cove. 

Peu Ragot Beach (Plage du Peu Ragot)

In Couarde on the island of Re is Peu Ragot beach, which is situated in the area of Cidas and Corps de Garde. It is interesting to know that Peu Ragot is the only monitored beach in Couarde, and it has a club dedicated to children. For sailing lovers, there is a sailing center on-site. You can reach the beach via Rue de l’Ocean from the center of the city before Rue de Peu Ragot. The beach is at the avenue’s end. Alternatively, you can reach the beach via Cidas, but there is no car park.

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Anneries Beach (Plage des Anneries)

In Couarde Sur Mer is where Anneries beach is situated on the south coast of the island of Re, spanning the districts of Les Ormeaux and Anneries. The beach is not monitored, and you should be careful of the several rocks at low tide that can be sharp.

Accessing Anneries beach is not hard from Le Bois Plage-en-Re. Just take route du Bois, and when you reach Couarde, make a left on avenue du Mail. Rue des Anneries is situated 400 m away on the left. You should find a car park at the end of the street along Anneries beach.

Best Beaches near La Rochelle – Final Thoughts

Each of these beaches near La Rochelle has its own specialty. While some are focused on water sports with sailing institutions, kite-surfing, or stand-up paddle, others are strictly for relaxation. Southeastern France is a spectacular region of maritime goodness, and many tourists know this too. If you do not know before now, I recommend that you include any of the above beaches in the itinerary for your next France trip. It’s worth it.