Family holidays in La Rochelle, France: 1 Week Sailing route

For family holidays in France, embark on an unforgettable sailing adventure along the stunning coastline near La Rochelle, France. This sailing escape offers a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and adventure, allowing people to immerse themselves. Discover the charming old town and visit the Vieux Port, which has two large towers and several restaurants such as Le Panier des crabs, which offers a wide range of fresh seafood. Sailboats are a good choice in order to discover the area in the best conditions with all the comfort you need. A mix of adventure and relaxation awaits you near La Rochelle.

⚓ To get off to a good start, begin your trip from the Port des Minimes, at La Rochelle. You will find a car park near there and also local restaurants, fast-foods and bakeries at not even 10 minutes from the marina.

🧭It’s time to venture on the French west coast, in La Rochelle!🧭

DAY 1: Family holidays in La Rochelle, France: from La Rochelle to Saint-Martin-De-Ré (11NM | 45 MIN):

🦐 On your first day, leave from Port des Minimes towards Saint-Martin de Ré for an initial short sail. Spend the rest of the day discovering Saint-Martin and enjoy a dinner on the terrace at the Tour du Cru tasting the best seafood of the day. Also, you can discover the natural and peaceful atmosphere of this village. 

The town was once a fortified port, take a stroll along the ramparts and admire the panoramic view of the ocean and sand dunes. Discover Saint Martin de Ré’s unique beaches, such as Plage de Cible and Plage des Gollandières.

DAY 2: Family holidays in La Rochelle, France: from Saint-Martin-de-Ré to Ars-en-Ré (16NM | 1H05):

Continue your sailing escape and sail towards Ars-en-Ré and visit the traditional and authentic village. The old 5 Moulins is a symbol of the city and easy to spot, and the restaurant Le grenier à sel offers a wide range of choices.

Start sailing around La Grange beach, near the Pointe de Grignon, which is a preserved natural area, before sailing again towards Saint-Denis d’Oléron.

DAY 3: Family holidays in La Rochelle, France: from Ars-en-Ré to Saint-Denis d’Oléron (12 NM | 50 MIN):

🚲 Then, enjoy your next day discovering the largest French island on the Atlantic coast, with its unspoilt nature and charm unchanged for years. Start your day in Saint-Denis d’Oléron by hiring a bike (we recommend you: Vélos 17 Loisirs) and heading to the northern tip of the island to admire the Chassiron lighthouse, dating from 1836 and offering the best view of the island.

DAY 4: Family holidays in La Rochelle, France: from Saint-Denis d’Oléron to Saint-Trojan-les-Bains (25 NM | 1H40MIN): 

🏖️ On day 4, head south to the colourful fishing huts of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains. Walk along the sandy beaches of the south of the island before heading back towards Saint-Pierre d’Oléron, then on to the Fort Royer oyster-farming site to sample the island’s famous oysters. Once you finished the walk around, head back up to Saint-Denis to finish the day in the harbour. There you’ll be able to eat after this sporting day before returning to your sailing boat.

DAY 5: Family holidays in La Rochelle, France: from Saint-Trojan-les-Bains to Forts in Pertuis d’Antioche (10NM | 40 MIN): 

Set off again in the morning for the emblematic forts of the Pertuis d’Antioche, namely the unmissable Fort Boyard, famous on French television for hosting celebrity events to raise money for charity, then on to Fort Enet, which is also well worth a visit.
(Bear in mind that access under the Île d’Oléron bridge varies according to tidal conditions and the height of your boat’s mast).

DAY 6: Family holidays in La Rochelle, France: from Pertuis d’Antioche to Ile d’Aix (1.5NM | 5 MIN):

🌊 Last but not least… Set off for the Ile d’Aix in the afternoon and enjoy the coastlines’ beauty, sail towards the Fort de la Rade, stop off at the restaurant l’Insulaire for delicious homemade specialities using local produce (best to book it!) then hike around the north-east of the island to digest before returning to your sailing boat.

DAY 7: Family holidays in La Rochelle, France: from Ile d’Aix – return to La Rochelle (11NM | 45 MIN): 

⚓ On your last day, pull up the anchor from your mooring and head for the port of Les Minimes for a peaceful return and a smooth checkout. For your last day, spend the rest of the day exploring its historic old town, and visit the famous Vieux Port. You can also simply relax and enjoy a well-deserved meal in one of La Rochelle‘s many excellent restaurants.

If you are still hesitating between two types of sailing boats for your journey, we invite you to check out our blog, to make a decision!

Every good thing comes to an end! We were thankful to have you on board, and we hope you had a fabulous experience aboard of your boat. Don’t forget to leave the boat clean and in the same conditions that you found it.😄

We hope to see you back soon on a new adventure with Click&Boat!👋