RoutesHiking trails & RoutesFranceNew AquitaineRochefortSaint-Palais-Sur-Mer
La Grande Côte Beach – Fishing Huts on Stilts loop from Phare de Terre-Nègre
RoutesHiking trails & RoutesFranceNew AquitaineRochefortSaint-Palais-Sur-Mer
La Grande Côte Beach – Fishing Huts on Stilts loop from Phare de Terre-Nègre
Moderate
4.8
(20)
102
hikers
La Grande Côte Beach – Fishing Huts on Stilts loop from Phare de Terre-Nègre
03:30
13.4km
90m
Hiking
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Waypoints
A
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
1
706 m
La Grande Côte Beach
Highlight • Beach
There you can explore a 2.5 kilometer beach lined with dunes and forests. This scenic expanse offers a variety of activities, including fishing, surfing, body boarding and windsurfing. Don't miss the historic blockhouses that line the shore.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
2
1.78 km
German Bunkers of La Grande Côte
Highlight • Historical Site
Discover the hidden history of the Second World War along the coast of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer. There you can explore the well-preserved German bunkers, nestled between the forest and the ocean. Don't miss the German Command Bunker, which served as headquarters for Abteilung 284 of the marine artillery. You will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean while discovering this fascinating historical site.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3
8.37 km
Raymond Vignes Leisure Park
Highlight • Natural
After walking along the stunning coastal path, include this beautiful park. There's even a large Super-U close by!
Tip by
4
9.09 km
Walk in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
Highlight • Other
🏛️ Origin of the market
The market of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, at the same time as the tourist development of the commune.
1901: construction of the first covered market on the Place de l’Océan
1913: creation of a second covered market, proof of the resort's rapid growth
👉 At that time, the town (then called Bureau-les-Bains) became a popular destination thanks to sea bathing and the arrival of bourgeois tourism.
🌊 A market linked to the seaside resort
The market is part of the village's transformation:
- Originally: small fishing and farming village
- Late 19th – early 20th century: development of villas and tourism
The market then became a central place for local life and supply. It also reflects local productions:
/ fish and seafood (Marennes-Oléron oysters in particular)
/ Charentais agricultural products
/ regional specialties
🔄 Developments in the 20th century
1975: destruction of the old buildings (covered market + function room)
Construction of a new, more modern market with redevelopment of the town center
👉 This period corresponds to the modernization of the resort after the war.
🛍️ The market today
The current market, still serving the heart of the town:
📍 Covered market of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
It is open all year round in the morning and complemented by an outdoor market.
In summer: daily and very lively markets
🎉 Evolution towards tourist entertainment
Today, the market is no longer limited to food and is turning towards:
- night markets (local produce, crafts, art)
- summer events by the sea
The market of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, at the same time as the tourist development of the commune.
1901: construction of the first covered market on the Place de l’Océan
1913: creation of a second covered market, proof of the resort's rapid growth
👉 At that time, the town (then called Bureau-les-Bains) became a popular destination thanks to sea bathing and the arrival of bourgeois tourism.
🌊 A market linked to the seaside resort
The market is part of the village's transformation:
- Originally: small fishing and farming village
- Late 19th – early 20th century: development of villas and tourism
The market then became a central place for local life and supply. It also reflects local productions:
/ fish and seafood (Marennes-Oléron oysters in particular)
/ Charentais agricultural products
/ regional specialties
🔄 Developments in the 20th century
1975: destruction of the old buildings (covered market + function room)
Construction of a new, more modern market with redevelopment of the town center
👉 This period corresponds to the modernization of the resort after the war.
🛍️ The market today
The current market, still serving the heart of the town:
📍 Covered market of Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
It is open all year round in the morning and complemented by an outdoor market.
In summer: daily and very lively markets
🎉 Evolution towards tourist entertainment
Today, the market is no longer limited to food and is turning towards:
- night markets (local produce, crafts, art)
- summer events by the sea
Showing Translation
Tip by
5
11.1 km
Platin Beach, Saint-Palais-sur-Mer
Highlight • Beach
The Platin beach, located in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, is one of the most characteristic coastal sites in the region, both for its landscape and its history.
🌊 A site shaped by the sea
The Platin beach is distinguished by its limestone cliffs and small coves. This coastline belongs to the Côte Nord de Beauté, between Royan and La Palmyre.
The word “Platin” comes from the local dialect and refers to a rocky plateau exposed at low tide.
For millennia, marine erosion has sculpted these rocks, creating caves, overhangs, and typical reliefs.
🐟 A traditional activity: fishing and fishing huts
As along the entire Charente coast:
- Locals practiced shore fishing (shellfish, crustaceans).
- Carrelets (fishing huts on stilts) were installed on the rocks or cliffs, emblems of the local landscape.
- These structures have now become a heritage and tourist feature.
🪖 A site marked by the Second World War
During the Second World War:
- The coastline, including the Platin, was integrated into the Atlantic Wall built by the German army.
- Bunkers and defensive structures were established on the heights to monitor the Gironde estuary.
- Some remains are still visible today, integrated into the landscape.
🏖️ Tourist boom
From the end of the 19th century and especially in the 20th century, Saint-Palais-sur-Mer became a popular seaside resort.
The Platin beach attracts visitors for:
- its wilder setting than the large beaches,
- its rocks and coves,
- its view of the estuary.
Today, it is appreciated for swimming, walking, and photography.
🌿 Today: a natural and heritage site
The Platin beach is recognized for:
- its preserved environment,
- its remarkable geology,
- its blend of history and nature.
It is one of the emblematic places on the Charente coast, between maritime heritage and historical memory.
🌊 A site shaped by the sea
The Platin beach is distinguished by its limestone cliffs and small coves. This coastline belongs to the Côte Nord de Beauté, between Royan and La Palmyre.
The word “Platin” comes from the local dialect and refers to a rocky plateau exposed at low tide.
For millennia, marine erosion has sculpted these rocks, creating caves, overhangs, and typical reliefs.
🐟 A traditional activity: fishing and fishing huts
As along the entire Charente coast:
- Locals practiced shore fishing (shellfish, crustaceans).
- Carrelets (fishing huts on stilts) were installed on the rocks or cliffs, emblems of the local landscape.
- These structures have now become a heritage and tourist feature.
🪖 A site marked by the Second World War
During the Second World War:
- The coastline, including the Platin, was integrated into the Atlantic Wall built by the German army.
- Bunkers and defensive structures were established on the heights to monitor the Gironde estuary.
- Some remains are still visible today, integrated into the landscape.
🏖️ Tourist boom
From the end of the 19th century and especially in the 20th century, Saint-Palais-sur-Mer became a popular seaside resort.
The Platin beach attracts visitors for:
- its wilder setting than the large beaches,
- its rocks and coves,
- its view of the estuary.
Today, it is appreciated for swimming, walking, and photography.
🌿 Today: a natural and heritage site
The Platin beach is recognized for:
- its preserved environment,
- its remarkable geology,
- its blend of history and nature.
It is one of the emblematic places on the Charente coast, between maritime heritage and historical memory.
Showing Translation
Tip by
6
11.4 km
Fishing Huts on Stilts
Highlight • Structure
The panorama is magnificent... At every turn, nature surprises us.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
7
11.5 km
The Aviators' Chapel
Highlight • Other
La Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Aviateurs, often called the aviators' chapel, is a small religious building steeped in an original history, blending faith, aviation, and local memory.
🏗️ Origins (late 19th – early 20th century)
In 1896, the Platin land was purchased by Parisian industrialist Joseph Odelin.
In 1904, he had a small private oratory built, dedicated to the Virgin, capable of accommodating about twenty people.
Faced with the increase in the local population, the chapel was enlarged in 1908, with a larger nave.
✈️ Link with aviation (from 1909)
In 1909, after the exploit of Louis Blériot (crossing the English Channel), the chapel was named “Notre-Dame des Aviateurs”.
Very quickly, it became a symbolic place for pilots:
In 1910, an aviator flew over the chapel and dropped a wreath of flowers.
This gesture launched a tradition of aerial pilgrimages, unique in France.
👉 The chapel thus became the protector of aviators… and also of sailors, with blessings of the sea and sky.
⛪ Religious life and pilgrimages
From 1911 onwards, masses were officially authorized.
From 1916, major pilgrimages brought together civilians and military personnel (several thousand people).
This tradition continued until the 1980s, despite an interruption during the Second World War.
💣 Destruction and reconstruction
In 1945, during the bombings of Royan (end of the war), the chapel was severely damaged.
It was rebuilt in 1947, then restored several times (notably in 1994).
🕊️ Memory and current role
The chapel notably commemorates a bomber crew that crashed nearby in 1945.
Today it is:
open mainly in summer for services
maintained by a local association since 2005
Inside, one can see model airplanes offered as ex-votos, testimonies of gratitude from aviators.
🏗️ Origins (late 19th – early 20th century)
In 1896, the Platin land was purchased by Parisian industrialist Joseph Odelin.
In 1904, he had a small private oratory built, dedicated to the Virgin, capable of accommodating about twenty people.
Faced with the increase in the local population, the chapel was enlarged in 1908, with a larger nave.
✈️ Link with aviation (from 1909)
In 1909, after the exploit of Louis Blériot (crossing the English Channel), the chapel was named “Notre-Dame des Aviateurs”.
Very quickly, it became a symbolic place for pilots:
In 1910, an aviator flew over the chapel and dropped a wreath of flowers.
This gesture launched a tradition of aerial pilgrimages, unique in France.
👉 The chapel thus became the protector of aviators… and also of sailors, with blessings of the sea and sky.
⛪ Religious life and pilgrimages
From 1911 onwards, masses were officially authorized.
From 1916, major pilgrimages brought together civilians and military personnel (several thousand people).
This tradition continued until the 1980s, despite an interruption during the Second World War.
💣 Destruction and reconstruction
In 1945, during the bombings of Royan (end of the war), the chapel was severely damaged.
It was rebuilt in 1947, then restored several times (notably in 1994).
🕊️ Memory and current role
The chapel notably commemorates a bomber crew that crashed nearby in 1945.
Today it is:
open mainly in summer for services
maintained by a local association since 2005
Inside, one can see model airplanes offered as ex-votos, testimonies of gratitude from aviators.
Showing Translation
Tip by
8
12.0 km
A luxurious place from the past
Highlight • Other
Villa Primavera is one of the most famous seaside villas on the Côte de Beauté.
Originally built for a Parisian businessman, Louis-Jean d'Auby, passionate about Romanesque architecture, it has a façade decorated with semicircular arches, sculptures and friezes inspired by the churches of the region. The villa contains a crypt and a medieval-inspired state room with vaults and side aisles.
Today, it has been completely restored and has become a charming 3-star hotel. Now, the residence, which looks very much like a castle, is made up of 3 buildings that welcome you with its 2-hectare wooded park: the main house with 22 rooms, 13 of which have a sea view, the cottage, 6 family rooms and Le Pavillon d'Auby, facing the sea, with its 8 rooms with terrace.
Its restaurant, the 1900 Primavera, offers you refined cuisine exclusively made from fresh products and has two terraces facing the Cordouan lighthouse, an invitation to rest and contemplate over a refreshment or an aperitif. It allows you to enjoy its exceptional view of the estuary. Its Chef Gilles Cormau offers you a cuisine of fresh, local and seasonal products for a Tour de France of flavors oscillating between Land and Sea. Amateurs or connoisseurs, you will find among the many references of our wine list something to satisfy your desires, to give your meal a perfect balance of the senses. Established for three generations, it houses more than 300 wine references, with old vintages for Bordeaux.
Originally built for a Parisian businessman, Louis-Jean d'Auby, passionate about Romanesque architecture, it has a façade decorated with semicircular arches, sculptures and friezes inspired by the churches of the region. The villa contains a crypt and a medieval-inspired state room with vaults and side aisles.
Today, it has been completely restored and has become a charming 3-star hotel. Now, the residence, which looks very much like a castle, is made up of 3 buildings that welcome you with its 2-hectare wooded park: the main house with 22 rooms, 13 of which have a sea view, the cottage, 6 family rooms and Le Pavillon d'Auby, facing the sea, with its 8 rooms with terrace.
Its restaurant, the 1900 Primavera, offers you refined cuisine exclusively made from fresh products and has two terraces facing the Cordouan lighthouse, an invitation to rest and contemplate over a refreshment or an aperitif. It allows you to enjoy its exceptional view of the estuary. Its Chef Gilles Cormau offers you a cuisine of fresh, local and seasonal products for a Tour de France of flavors oscillating between Land and Sea. Amateurs or connoisseurs, you will find among the many references of our wine list something to satisfy your desires, to give your meal a perfect balance of the senses. Established for three generations, it houses more than 300 wine references, with old vintages for Bordeaux.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
B
13.4 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.77 km
3.56 km
1.60 km
1.39 km
120 m
Surfaces
3.68 km
3.23 km
2.25 km
2.05 km
1.42 km
808 m
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Friday 10 July
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22°C
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