Looking for a family-friendly campsite within easy reach of the Dordogne? During the recent Ascension holiday, we spent a few days at La Pinède, a holiday park near Royan in Charente-Maritime.
Located around two hours from much of the Dordogne, it makes an easy choice for a short break by the coast, offering swimming pools, family activities and convenient access to some of the region’s most popular seaside destinations.
Accommodation at La Pinède
We stayed in one of the park’s mobile homes, which was clean, comfortable and well-equipped for a family stay. Everything we needed was provided, making it easy to settle in quickly after arriving on Wednesday evening.
Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t particularly kind during our visit. Heavy rain greeted us on our first evening and continued on and off throughout much of our stay. Anyone who has spent a night in a mobile home during a downpour will know just how loud the rain can sound on the roof, making for a rather restless first night.
Swimming Pools and Activities
Despite the weather, there was still plenty to keep the children occupied.
The indoor swimming pool proved especially useful during the cooler temperatures. There are also outdoor pools and waterslides, although the rain meant these were only used briefly during our stay.
The campsite offers a range of family activities, many of which are included in the price of your holiday. Mini golf was free to use and proved popular with our family, while younger children can enjoy organised entertainment sessions throughout the week.
One highlight for our youngest daughter was attending a children’s activity session before heading to the evening mini disco, where she was delighted to meet the campsite’s tiger mascot.
Dining Options
La Pinède offers several on-site dining choices.
The snack bar serves quick and easy meals such as burgers, kebabs and other family favourites, ideal when you don’t want to cook after a busy day exploring.
There is also a buffet restaurant offering a variety of dishes, making it easy to find something suitable for both adults and children.
Visiting Royan
One of the biggest advantages of staying at La Pinède is its location. Royan is only around 25 minutes away by car and makes an excellent day trip.
During our visit, we spent time browsing the shops, strolling along the seafront and enjoying the sandy beach. Royan combines traditional seaside charm with modern facilities, offering a good selection of restaurants, cafés and family-friendly attractions.
The town is particularly popular with visitors from the Dordogne looking for a coastal escape without travelling too far.
Other Places to Visit Nearby
La Pinède is well positioned for exploring some of the most popular destinations along the Charente-Maritime coast.
La Palmyre
Just a short drive away, La Palmyre is one of the area’s best-known family resorts. It is home to the famous Zoo de La Palmyre, one of France’s most visited zoos, as well as long sandy beaches and pine forest cycle paths.
Meschers-sur-Gironde
Meschers-sur-Gironde offers a very different coastal experience. The town is known for its impressive cliffside caves overlooking the Gironde Estuary, along with several small beaches and scenic walking routes.
Talmont-sur-Gironde
Classified as one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, Talmont-sur-Gironde is well worth a visit. The village’s whitewashed houses, narrow streets and spectacular clifftop church attract visitors throughout the year.
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
For traditional seaside charm, Saint-Palais-sur-Mer offers beaches, family attractions, coastal walks and plenty of places to eat.
Is La Pinède Worth Visiting?
Although the weather wasn’t on our side during this particular break, La Pinède proved to be a good base for exploring the Charente-Maritime coast. The combination of family facilities, indoor swimming options and proximity to destinations such as Royan, La Palmyre and Meschers-sur-Gironde makes it an attractive option for families looking for a short coastal escape from the Dordogne.
With better weather, we can easily imagine spending much more time enjoying the outdoor pools, waterslides and nearby beaches.
For Dordogne residents looking for a seaside break without a long journey, La Pinède is certainly worth considering.
