La Palmyre Beaches

Overview

Nestled between a vast pine forest and the Atlantic, La Palmyre offers a beach experience that feels deeply connected to nature. Unlike more urban resorts, its coastline presents a tale of two shores. You'll find both the calm, sheltered waters of a bay perfect for family swimming and the untamed beauty of the open ocean. This variety makes it a standout destination on the Nouvelle-Aquitaine coast, appealing to those seeking either a peaceful retreat or a wilder seaside adventure.

Our editor's picks capture this diversity. For classic family fun, the calm and supervised Plage de la Palmyre is the resort's central hub. Nearby, Plage des Pins de Cordouan offers another safe haven for swimmers, beautifully framed by pine trees. In stark contrast, the famous Côté Sauvage lives up to its name as the 'Wild Coast,' with its immense dunes and powerful surf. For an active day on the waves, Plage Naturiste de la Lède is a prime spot known for its excellent conditions for surfing and bodyboarding.

The coastline's character is heavily shaped by the Atlantic tides, which create vast, walkable sandbanks at low tide, especially in the sheltered Bonne Anse bay. For another perspective on the area's wilder side, many visitors head to Plage de la Coubre, famous for its iconic lighthouse and excellent surf. Whether you prefer gentle waters or powerful waves, you can find the perfect stretch of sand in our complete guide to the beaches of La Palmyre.

Top Beaches

FAQ

What are the beaches in La Palmyre like, are they good for families and swimming?

La Palmyre offers a variety of beaches, making it a great destination for different preferences. The main La Palmyre beach, located in the sheltered Bonne Anse bay, is particularly family-friendly with calm, shallow waters ideal for safe swimming. It is supervised during the summer months. Other nearby beaches like Plage des Pins de Cordouan are also popular with families. For those seeking waves and a more rugged experience, the nearby Côte Sauvage (Wild Coast) offers a vast expanse of sandy beach with powerful Atlantic waves, though swimming here can be dangerous.

Beach of La Palmyre

Plage des Pins de Cordouan

Côté Sauvage

Is it better to go to the beaches in La Palmyre or Royan?

Choosing between La Palmyre and Royan depends on your preference. La Palmyre is known for its more natural setting, nestled between the forest and the ocean, with beaches that feel wilder, especially along the Côte Sauvage. It's very popular with families and those who enjoy nature and cycling. Royan is a larger, more established seaside resort town with a grand, crescent-shaped main beach (La Grande Conche) right in the city center, offering a more urban beach experience with numerous shops and restaurants directly accessible. While both have family-friendly options, La Palmyre offers a closer-to-nature vibe, whereas Royan provides a classic city-beach holiday.

Plage de la Grande-Conche

What's the difference between the main La Palmyre beach and the Côte Sauvage?

The main difference is the water conditions and atmosphere. The main La Palmyre beach is inside the calm, sheltered Bonne Anse bay, offering safe, gentle waters perfect for families and casual swimming. The Côte Sauvage (Wild Coast), which starts near La Palmyre, faces the open Atlantic Ocean. It's a long, wild stretch of sand known for its powerful waves, strong currents, and is a popular spot for surfing and bodyboarding. Swimming on the Côte Sauvage can be dangerous and is often not recommended, whereas the main beach is supervised and much safer.

Beach of La Palmyre

Côté Sauvage

Can you surf in La Palmyre?

Yes, the area around La Palmyre is a well-known surfing destination. The best surf spots are found along the Côte Sauvage (Wild Coast), which is exposed to the Atlantic swell. Beaches like Plage de la Coubre are popular with surfers of all levels. Several surf schools operate in the area, offering lessons and equipment rental. The beaches within Bonne Anse bay, like the main La Palmyre beach, are too sheltered and calm for surfing.

Beach of La Palmyre

Côté Sauvage

Are there nudist beaches in La Palmyre?

Yes, there are official naturist beaches in the La Palmyre area. The most well-known is the Plage Naturiste de la Lède, located on the Côte Sauvage. Another option is the Plage de la Pointe Espagnole. These beaches are set in a wild, natural environment. It's important to stick to the designated naturist sections of these beaches.

Plage Naturiste de la Lède

Plage de la Pointe Espagnole

How do you get to the beaches from the town or campsites?

La Palmyre is very well-suited for cycling. There is an extensive network of dedicated and safe cycle paths (pistes cyclables) that connect the town center, major campsites, and the various beaches, running through the pine forest. This is often the easiest and most pleasant way to get around, especially in high season when roads can be busy. Driving is also an option, with several free parking lots available near the main beaches, though they can fill up quickly in July and August.

What is the best time of year to visit La Palmyre for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in La Palmyre is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warmest and the sea temperature is most pleasant for swimming. This is also the busiest period. For fewer crowds with still pleasant weather, consider visiting in late May, June, or September. During these shoulder months, most facilities are open, and the weather is often still warm enough for beach activities.

Are the beaches in La Palmyre affected by the tides?

Yes, the beaches are significantly affected by the Atlantic tides. At low tide, the sandy areas become very expansive, which is great for beach games and walking. In Bonne Anse bay, the water recedes a long way, which can mean a long walk to the sea for a swim. It's a good idea to check the local tide times to plan your beach visits, especially if you want to swim or engage in water sports.

People Also Ask

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in La Palmyre?

Generally, dogs are not allowed on the main supervised beaches (like La Palmyre beach and Pins de Cordouan) during the peak season, which typically runs from mid-June to mid-September. However, they are often tolerated on the wilder, unsupervised beaches of the Côte Sauvage, provided they are kept on a leash. It is always best to check the specific regulations posted at the entrance to each beach.

Beach of La Palmyre

Plage des Pins de Cordouan

Côté Sauvage

Is there parking available at the beaches and is it free?

Yes, there are several large, free parking lots available along the coast, serving the main beaches like La Palmyre beach, the Côte Sauvage, and Plage des Pins de Cordouan. However, during the peak summer months of July and August, these car parks can get very full, especially in the afternoons. Arriving early or using the extensive network of cycle paths is recommended to avoid parking issues.

Beach of La Palmyre

Côté Sauvage

Plage des Pins de Cordouan

What is Bonne Anse bay and is it good for swimming?

Bonne Anse bay is a large, shallow, and sheltered bay formed by a sandy peninsula. The main beach of La Palmyre is located within this bay. Because it is protected from the open ocean, the water is very calm and generally warmer, making it an exceptionally safe and popular spot for swimming, especially for families with young children. It's also a hub for gentle water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking.

Beach of La Palmyre

Are there any facilities like toilets or restaurants on the beaches?

The main, supervised beaches such as La Palmyre beach and Plage des Pins de Cordouan have public toilets and are located close to the town center, where you can find numerous restaurants, snack bars, and ice cream shops. The wilder beaches along the Côte Sauvage have fewer facilities; while there are parking areas, you are less likely to find toilets or food vendors directly on the beach, preserving their natural character.

Beach of La Palmyre

Plage des Pins de Cordouan