Discover the Best of South West Charente & Charente-Maritime

Camping Chez Philipaud is perfectly located in the south west of Charente, right on the border of Charente-Maritime, giving you easy access to some of the most beautiful countryside, historic towns, beaches, vineyards and family attractions in Nouvelle-Aquitaine — all within an hour’s drive.

Whether you're looking for sandy Atlantic beaches, Cognac vineyards, medieval towns or peaceful riverside walks, you’ll find it all nearby.

1. Local Gems & Historic Villages

  • Chalais (30 mins): Visit the impressive Château de Chalais and explore the vibrant Monday morning market, a local tradition that brings the town to life.

  • Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (45 mins): Listed as one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France," Aubeterre is home to a world-famous Monolithic Underground Church and a beautiful river beach perfect for a summer swim.

  • Villebois-Lavalette (48 mins): A must-see for history lovers. This hilltop village features a magnificent fortress and a unique 17th-century covered market hall.

  • Barbezieux-Saint-Hilaire (15 mins): Your closest hub for local dining, supermarkets, and a stunning castle right in the town centre.

  • Baignes St Radegonde (10 mins): A small village close by with supermarket, weekly market and restaurants.

  • Talmont-sur-Gironde (Just over 1 hour): One of the most beautiful villages on the Gironde Estuary, Talmont-sur-Gironde is just over an hour from Camping Chez Philipaud and makes a wonderful day trip. Talmont is pairs perfectly with a visit to Meschers-sur-Gironde for the cliffside caves or Royan for sandy Atlantic beaches.

3. Nature & Adventure

If you enjoy fresh air and open landscapes, the South Charente countryside is perfect for, walking and hiking trails, quiet country road cycling, canoeing, fishing lakes and rivers and sunflower fields in summer. The rolling countryside offers peaceful scenery far from mass tourism.

  • The Blue Lakes of Guizengeard & Touvérac (15–20 mins): Discover the "Lacs Bleus," former kaolin quarries that have filled with strikingly turquoise water. These nature reserves offer peaceful forest walks and incredible photo opportunities.

  • River Activities on the Dronne: For a family-friendly afternoon, head to the river for kayaking and canoeing. The calm waters of the Dronne are perfect for beginners and offer a unique view of the Charente countryside. You will find these activities available from Aubeterre-sur- Drone.

  • Circuit de Haute Saintonge (25 mins): For motorsport enthusiasts, this nearby track hosts exciting racing events throughout the summer season.

  • Les Antilles de Jonzac (25 minutes): Offers a tropical-style water park experience in the heart of Charente-Maritime. It’s a fantastic option for families, especially on very hot days or if the weather is less predictable.

5. Atlantic Beaches

One of the great advantages of staying at Camping Chez Philipaud is being within easy reach of the Atlantic coast.

Royan (1hour, 20 minutes): Family-friendly sandy beaches, seaside cafés and coastal walks make Royan a perfect day trip.

Meschers-sur-Gironde 1 hour, 10 minutes): Explore hidden coves and the famous troglodyte caves carved into the cliffs overlooking the Gironde Estuary.

St Palais sur Mer (1 hour, 20 minutes): Saint-Palais-sur-Mer is a popular seaside resort just north of Royan, known for its sandy beaches, relaxed atmosphere and attractive coastal scenery.

2. Historic Towns

Cognac (40 minutes): World-famous for its brandy houses including Hennessy and Rémy Martin, Cognac combines river walks along the Charente with guided tours and tastings. A must-visit for lovers of French heritage and gastronomy.

Angoulême (45 minutes): Known as the “City of Comics,” Angoulême sits dramatically above the river and is packed with historic architecture, street art, museums and panoramic views.

Saintes (50 minutes): Discover Roman ruins, charming streets and riverside restaurants in this elegant historic town.

4. Bordeaux

Camping Chez Philipaud is ideally located just 55 minutes from the Bordeaux tram network (TBM: Transports Bordeaux Métropole) at Lormont, making visiting Bordeaux easy and stress-free.

Instead of driving into the busy city centre, you can:

  • Drive an hour to Lormont

  • Park near the tram stop

  • Take the fast, modern tram directly into central Bordeaux

Lormont sits on the edge of Bordeaux and connects directly to the city centre via the efficient tram system. It’s the ideal access point for guests staying in South Charente who want to enjoy Bordeaux without city traffic or parking stress.

Spend the day discovering:

  • Place de la Bourse & the Miroir d’Eau

  • Riverside walks along the Garonne

  • Wine bars and restaurants

  • Museums and shopping streets

Then return to the peace and quiet of the Charente countryside.