Nearly 40 kilometres of cycling routes, a zoo in a pine forest and water sports in Bonne Anse Bay give Les Mathes a variety of sides. The area also has the history of a church and the story of how the ForĂŞt de la Coubre came to be. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between these attractions: they range from sporting and family outings to nature and cultural themes.
Cycling Routes, Wildlife and Forest
Les Mathes has nearly 40 kilometres of cycling routes, offering sporting and family outings in a natural setting. This is a distinct focus for your stay; also note that special rules apply to bicycles in certain areas.
Access with bicycles and their use are prohibited year-round in the dunes and surrounding areas, as well as on the beach within Bonne Anse Bay. Check the current signs on site. This keeps the rule limited to the specific areas named and avoids confusing it with the general cycling route network.
Zoo de La Palmyre is home to more than 1,600 mammals, birds and reptiles from 110 different species. It is located in an 18-hectare pine forest. The zoo is open year-round, including public holidays; as opening hours may change, check the latest visitor information before travelling. Wildlife and forest make this a different focus for a visit than the routes and water sports on offer.
The story of how the ForĂŞt de la Coubre came to be also tells of human intervention in the landscape: from 1824, dunes were planted to curb the movement of sand. These plantings gave rise to the forest. Its history therefore connects a specific landscape feature with the question of how sand movement should be controlled.
Water Sports and Bathing Waters
Base Nautique La Palmyre offers windsurfing, kitesurfing, wingfoiling and stand-up paddleboarding in Bonne Anse Bay. A large sandbank protects the bay from Atlantic swells. The base’s water sports also include catamaran sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding. These activities offer different ways to enjoy the water.
The bathing waters at the beaches of Les Mathes-La Palmyre are classified as “Excellent.” This rating is based on seasonal monitoring, so check the latest bathing water notices. Swimming is prohibited in the access channel to the port of La Palmyre, regardless of this rating. Follow the local signs and conditions there.
Church History in Les Mathes
The Église Saint-Cyr et Sainte-Julitte was first mentioned in 1043. Its nave was extended; construction of the bell tower with porch began in 1870, and the work was completed in 1911. The nave is the main space of the church, while the tower and porch are additional architectural elements. The building’s long history can therefore be traced through several phases of construction.
For the wider travel overview: Charente-Maritime.
More Destinations
More places in the same destination:
