Bell tents near La Rochelle with swimming
This historic seaport has mediaeval ruins, idyllic islands, and Atlantic Coast beaches.
- La Rochelle
Popular camping styles for La Rochelle
Top bell tents sites near la rochelle with swimming
Bell tents near La Rochelle with swimming guide
Overview
Photo-worthy views, island escapes, and a rich maritime heritage put La Rochelle firmly on the map for travellers exploring France’s Atlantic Coast. Once you’ve strolled around the atmospheric Old Port with its trio of imposing mediaeval towers, hop aboard for a boat cruise around the nearby islands or visit favourites like La Rochelle Aquarium. As the capital of the Charente-Maritime region, La Rochelle makes a strategic base for campers, and the surrounding area is brimming with family-friendly campgrounds. Choose a 4-star campsite with a swimming pool and kids’ club, a mobile home rental, or a simple beachside campsite.
Where to go
Atlantic Coast
Miles of sandy beaches and windswept shores stretch south of La Rochelle, but the most popular destinations for a camping holiday are the three offshore islands. The Ile-de-Ré and the Ile d’Oléron can both be reached by bridge from the mainland, while boat cruises to the Ile d’Aix often include the famous Fort Boyard, marooned on its own isle. Bring your bike to explore the beaches, pine forests, and dunes.
Charente-Maritime
Don’t just stick to the coast—a road trip along the sunflower-lined country lanes of Charente-Maritime will take you to laid-back market towns and family-run wineries. Stop off at the historic riverport of Rochefort, the Roman ruins of Saintes, and the mediaeval Old Town of Cognac, where you can tour the esteemed Cognac distilleries and join locals for a traditional aperitif.
Marais Poitevin
North of La Rochelle, the wild wetlands and salt marshes of the Marais Poitevin Regional National Park mark the border of the Vendée. Explore the meandering waterways by boat or kayak, go bird-watching along the banks, or pitch your tent or park your caravan at a tranquil family campsite in the heart of nature.
When to go
Like most Atlantic Coast resort towns, La Rochelle fills up with vacationers in the summer months, when sunseekers head out to the beaches and surrounding islands. Plan your trip outside of July-August to avoid the biggest crowds—it’s often warm enough for swimming and water sports in June and September, too. Camping season runs from April through October, and many campgrounds close the rest of the year.
