Central France (La Rochelle Airport)

Central France (La Rochelle Airport) holidays

Less busy than northern or southern France, the central region of the country will reel you in with its untouched countryside, featuring everything from rows of vines to volcanic landscapes. You’ll fly into La Rochelle Airport, sitting off the coast of Biscay Bay, and from there, central France is your oyster. Speaking of which, this coastal area is known for its excellent seafood, so oysters and a glass of local wine will be an easy-to-spot pairing! The region has plenty to shout about when it comes to the drinks menu too – with Cognac and Bordeaux, both famous for their namesake tipples, at the heart of local culture and cuisine. If you’re after a more traditional kind of holiday, the coast delivers long, sandy stretches aplenty. Water sports, snack shacks and winding sea-facing trails are all here too! And as far as day trips go, you couldn’t be better placed to explore the French countryside. Hike the Chaîne des Puys, an impressive row of centuries-old dormant volcano craters, or head to Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park to uncover the fairytale-like castles. Why not make a beeline for Ile-de-Ré? That’s just the beginning of what this area has to offer...

Central France La Rochelle Airport resorts

Charente-Maritime Area

This beautiful coastal region in western France is famous for its sunny beaches, historic ports and charming islands.

Gironde Area

When you’re after authentic France, turn to Gironde. Synonymous with Bordeaux, this region is a wine connoisseur's dream, but that’s just the beginning of what Gironde has to offer.

Vendée Area

Long Atlantic beaches, low dunes and quiet marshes define the Vendée, a stretch of western France known for steady sunshine and easy coastal living.

2 Plages & Ocean - EUROCAMP

2 Plages & Ocean - EUROCAMP

Charente-Maritime Area , Central France (La Rochelle Airport)

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Our rating

Based on 618 reviews

  • Car hire and bed linen included
  • Close to two beautiful beaches
  • Ideal base for cycling and exploring
  • Park category: Village
  • Park size: Medium - 268 pitches
Domaine d'Oleron Campsite - EUROCAMP

Domaine d'Oleron Campsite - EUROCAMP

Charente-Maritime Area , Central France (La Rochelle Airport)

Our rating

Based on 156 reviews

  • Car hire and bed linen included
  • Peaceful, nature-filled setting
  • Great base for cycling and exploring the island
  • Park category: Campsite
  • Park size: Small 172 pitches
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Language

French

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+1hr

Local beer

£6.10

Meal for two

£52

Average flight time

1.5hr

Wine and dine

Synonymous with fine dining and sumptuous cuisine, a French holiday is all about sensational food and even better grape-grown goods. When it comes to Central France, Bordeaux steals the spotlight with its world-renowned wines, while the coastal area serves net-fresh seafood by the bucketload.

Spectacular scenery

One minute you’re driving down a winding road with rocky cliffs and the Atlantic ahead. The next, shades of green appear in front of you. Yep, the diverse landscape of Central France is simply stunning. It also means day trips to the seaside or across the gorgeously green inland hills are firmly on the cards here.

Slow down and enjoy

Away from the crowds and city lights, this part of France feels like a breath of fresh air. Break away to the nature, popping into small villages along the way, and get to know the authentic side of the country. Long lunches, quiet walks, untouched nature... it’s the ultimate escape-from-it-all destination.

Beaches

While Central France is better known for its mesmerising countryside, the nearby Atlantic offers wide sandy beaches and go-slow towns within easy reach. You can spend the day swimming or simply stretching out near the dramatic dunes, but it’s primed for water sports like surfing in particular. Feeling peckish? Nearby oyster bars and little beach cafés serve up tastiest post-swim treats.

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Arcachon Bay Beach

Arcachon Bay Beach

Gironde Area, Central France (La Rochelle Airport)

Arcachon Bay is where beach days come with a side of oyster-shack hopping and salty-fingered seafood feasts, right on the sand. Cycle along pine-scented paths, climb nearby dunes for sweeping views and watch...
Cap Ferret

Cap Ferret

Gironde Area, Central France (La Rochelle Airport)

Want to experience the best of the area’s beaches? Make a beeline for Cap Ferret! Located on a narrow peninsula on France’s south-west coast, it’s famous for sandy beaches, pine forests, oyster villages and...

Sights

Northern France is rich in history and beauty, so you’ll not be short on amazing things to see. There are dramatic cliffs, medieval towns and bags of peaceful countryside. And when it comes to Paris itself, it’s chock-full of world-renowned landmarks! Tick off as many sights as you can to capture the essence of France’s culture and heritage.

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Bourges Cathedral

Bourges Cathedral

Central France (La Rochelle Airport)

This masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site is well worth a visit. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it features impressive stained-glass windows and intricately detailed...
Chaîne des Puys

Chaîne des Puys

Central France (La Rochelle Airport)

Featuring a chain of over 80 dormant volcanic domes and cones, Chaîne des Puys is a beautiful mountain range in central France. The last eruption dates back around six thousand years, so it’s completely safe to...

Activities

Make your days as active or laidback as you prefer – the region’s famous for its varied landscape, ideal for cyclists and hikers. There are plenty of family-friendly routes on the map too. Closer to the coast, everyone’s eyes turn to the Atlantic waters and the surfers taming the waves. That could be you...

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Cité du Vin (Bordeaux)

Cité du Vin (Bordeaux)

Gironde Area, Central France (La Rochelle Airport)

The funky building just outside of Bordeaux? That’s Cité du Vin. Walk through around 20 wine-themed sections covering everything from cultivation and production to history and modern trends, finishing with a...
Puy du Fou

Puy du Fou

Vendée Area, Central France (La Rochelle Airport)

At Puy du Fou, history quite literally leaps off the stage. Wander through immersive villages, then stumble into jaw-dropping live shows featuring Vikings, gladiators and soaring birds of prey. Expect epic...
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