Plage des Prises is a breathtaking beach situated in La Couarde-sur-Mer, in the Charente Maritime region of France. Known for its vast sandy expanse bordered by dunes, this beach offers a stunning view of the sea and the surrounding landscape. It is the first beach on the left when heading towards Ars-en-Ré from Bois Henri IV. One of its distinguishing features is its suitability for water sports, making it a preferred spot for activities such as sailing and stand-up paddleboarding.
The beach is easily accessible by both car and bike. For those travelling by car, there is a parking area available near the beach. Cyclists can reach the beach along a dedicated cycling path. When travelling from Couarde, one can reach the beach by taking the direction of Ars and then the second left exit indicated as the beach - Bois Henri IV.
Despite its popularity, Plage des Prises is not supervised, and visitors are advised to exercise caution when engaging in water activities. The beach is home to a few crabs, Bernard Lhermitte, and jellyfish, further necessitating vigilance while swimming. The water is suitable for swimming at both low and high tide, with small waves adding a fun element without posing much danger.
The beach is generally clean and spacious, even during the high season, offering ample space for visitors. However, it does not feature a beach bar or snack shack, so visitors are advised to bring their own refreshments. There are facilities provided for attaching bicycles, and a small parking lot for cars. Visitors travelling by bike are advised to bring a lock for securing their bikes.
One of the unique features of Plage des Prises is its wild landscape. The presence of sand, interspersed with a few pebbles, adds to its natural charm. This beach is also known for its magnificent sunsets, adding to the overall allure of the location. While it can get a bit noisy during the tourist season due to the use of jet skis, Plage des Prises remains a remarkably wild and beautiful place.
