Bordeaux to Camping Atlantique Parc: La Palmyre by the sea
A 5-star family-friendly campground in the pine forest of La Palmyre, just a stone’s throw from the beaches and the zoo: Atlantique Parc in Les Mathes (Capfun Group), featuring a 5,000 m² sandy lagoon, 1.5 km from the La Palmyre Zoo and 2 km from the beaches of the Côte de Beauté—plus your private door-to-door transfer from Bordeaux, with no need to rent a car.
Atlantique Parc Campground at a Glance
Atlantique Parc is a 5-star family-friendly campground located in Les Mathes / La Palmyre, in Charente-Maritime, two kilometers from the beaches. The official Capfun website confirms its rating, its 5,000 m² lagoon, its heated pools, and its water slides. La Palmyre Zoo is also located in Les Mathes (sources verified on July 24, 2026).
Here are the key details to know before you go. The distances are based on the figures provided by the booking engine; the rate shown is for a private driver reservation at a fixed price provided in advance, with no meter charges—regardless of traffic or stops along the way. Campground amenities are based on information from its official website and the tourist office—always verify the details and dates of your stay directly with the campground.
| Landmark | Details |
|---|---|
| Camping | Atlantique Parc ★★★★★ (Capfun Group) |
| Municipality | Les Mathes / La Palmyre (Charente-Maritime, 17570) |
| Frame | 5-hectare landscaped park · 5,000-square-meter sandy lagoon · 513 campsites |
| Around | La Palmyre Zoo (1.5 km), beaches (2 km), Royan, La Coubre Forest |
| Distance from Bordeaux | about 148 km · about a 2-hour drive |
Where is the Atlantique Parc campground located?
The Atlantique Parc campground is located in Les Mathes / La Palmyre, in Charente-Maritime (17570), on the Arvert Peninsula, about ten kilometers northwest of Royan, in the heart of the Côte de Beauté. It is a region of pine trees, dunes, and long sandy beaches: the vast Coubre National Forest, the beaches of La Palmyre, Bonne Anse Bay, and the famous Côte Sauvage. La Palmyre is one of the major seaside resorts on the Charente coast, established in the pine forest facing the ocean. The campground is located in a wooded area, away from the hustle and bustle but just a few minutes from the beaches and the zoo. A prime location: the tranquility of the pine forest, and a wealth of attractions within easy reach—the La Palmyre Zoo, Royan and its 1950s architecture, the Gironde estuary, and the Cordouan Lighthouse. This is the family-friendly, seaside side of Charente—and yet it’s only about two hours from Bordeaux.
The Official Presentation of the Destination Les Mathes–La Palmyre via Royan Atlantique confirms this setting of ocean, beaches, and forest (verified on July 24, 2026).
The Arvert Peninsula and the Côte de Beauté
The campground is located on the Arvert Peninsula, a wooded strip of land wedged between the Seudre Estuary (on the oyster side) and the Atlantic Ocean (on the beach side), north of the Gironde Estuary. It is the heart of the Côte de Beauté, the coastline stretching from the Pointe de la Coubre to the mouth of the Gironde, with Royan as its gateway city. A region of great diversity: the Coubre Forest (nearly 8,000 hectares of pine trees planted in the 19th century to stabilize the dunes), the supervised, family-friendly beaches of La Palmyre, the Côte Sauvage battered by the ocean, and, all around, the heritage of the estuary—modern Royan, medieval Talmont, and Cordouan, the “king of lighthouses.” It’s an ideal base for exploring, with a morning at the beach and an afternoon of discovery. A central seaside hub, in the heart of authentic Charente-Maritime.
Les Mathes, La Palmyre, and the zoo
Les Mathes is a town in Charente-Maritime, and La Palmyre is its main seaside district—a resort that grew up in the pine forest facing the ocean. It is here, one and a half kilometers from the campground, that you’ll find one of the top attractions on the entire Atlantic coast: the La Palmyre Zoo, one of France’s most renowned private zoos, home to 1,600 animals across 18 hectares of pine forest. Two kilometers away, the beaches—La Palmyre and Bonne Anse—are connected by bike paths that start right at the campground. From there, everything is close by: the zoo, the beaches, the forest, and, about twenty minutes away, Royan and its coves. The campground, tucked away in its pine forest, offers the best of both worlds: the tranquility of the pines and the sea just a few minutes away. It’s the perfect base for a family beach vacation.
The estate, a lagoon in the pine forest
Atlantique Parc is a family-friendly 5-star campground spread across a landscaped park of about 5 hectares, centered around a large water park that includes a 5,000 m² lagoon with fine sand, heated pools, and water slides. This equipment and the rankings are published on the campground's official website (Verified on July 24, 2026).
One of the largest lagoons in France
What sets Atlantique Parc apart is its lagoon: According to the official website, “one of the largest lagoons in France,” with 5,000 m² of real fine sand (not wooden planks), palm trees, and lounge chairs—children can build sandcastles right at the water’s edge, just like at the beach. In addition, according to official sources, two heated indoor pools and a heated outdoor wading pool, as well as multi-lane slides — including the Spacebowl (four runs with a bowl) and the Rafter (two-person float). Campground 5 stars operated by the group Capfun, according to its official website, Atlantique Parc has 513 sites (including approximately 471 mobile home rentals) on a landscaped grounds covering about five hectares. Here, we are limiting ourselves to the facilities officially described, without adding any others.
A vacation focused on the beach and the zoo
The main draw of Atlantique Parc is its location: the official website lists the beaches as being two kilometers away, while La Palmyre Zoo is located at 6 Avenue de Royan in Les Mathes. Seasonal amenities and their opening dates are subject to change: please check directly with the campground before your stay (links verified on July 24, 2026).
| Atlantique Parc | Details (according to official sources) |
|---|---|
| Rankings | 5-star campground (Capfun Group) |
| Frame | a landscaped park of approximately 5 hectares in the pine forest · 513 campsites |
| Water Park | 5,000 m² sandy lagoon + 2 heated indoor pools + wading pool |
| Slides | multi-lane: Spacebowl (4 lanes) + Rafter |
| Good to Know | beaches 2 km away (bike paths) · zoo 1.5 km away · details: official website |
What is there to do at the campground and along the Côte de Beauté?
From the campground, you can enjoy the lagoon and the on-site pools, visit the La Palmyre Zoo (1.5 km away), swim at the lifeguard-patrolled beaches of La Palmyre and Bonne Anse, explore the Coubre Forest and its lighthouse by bike, and venture as far as Royan, Talmont-sur-Gironde, and the Gironde Estuary. Here’s a concrete look at the real, verified activities you can enjoy during a stay in La Palmyre: the campground is in the heart of one of the most scenic stretches of the Atlantic coast, just a few minutes from the beaches, the zoo, and the forest. Swimming in the morning, the zoo or the beach in the afternoon, the lighthouse or the village at sunset: the perfect itinerary for a busy beach vacation in Charente-Maritime.
- La Palmyre Zoo — 1.5 km away: 1,600 animals in an 18-hectare pine forest, one of the most renowned in France (it will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026)
- Supervised beaches — 2 km away: La Palmyre-Le Clapet and the sheltered bay of Bonne Anse, accessible by bike
- The Wild Coast — long ocean beaches pounded by waves, a surfing spot (swimming not recommended; reserved for surfers)
- The Coubre Forest and Lighthouse — nearly 8,000 hectares of pine trees, the 64-meter-tall red-and-white lighthouse, and its 360° view
- Royan — about 18 km away: 1950s architecture, the concrete Notre-Dame Church, the five coves
- The Vélodyssée — the great Atlantic bike route, through the Coubre Forest, between the beaches
- Talmont-sur-Gironde and Cordouan — the village perched on the cliff and the “king of lighthouses,” on the Gironde estuary
The zoo, the beaches, and the lagoon
On-site and in the surrounding area, the campground offers plenty to keep the whole family entertained. The lagoon and heated pools are a hit with the kids; a kilometer and a half away, La Palmyre Zoo—home to 1,600 animals, including giraffes, elephants, big cats, and sea lions—is the top attraction and a must-see (it will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026). Just two kilometers away, you can hop on a bike and follow the bike paths to the lifeguard-patrolled beaches of La Palmyre and the sheltered bay of Bonne Anse, which is ideal for families thanks to its calmer waters. Be careful, however, on the Côte Sauvage: its long ocean beaches are magnificent but dangerous (currents, rip currents), and swimming there is strongly discouraged and reserved for experienced surfers—stick to the lifeguard-patrolled beaches for children’s swimming. Between the lagoon, the zoo, and the beach, you can enjoy a well-rounded vacation without ever having to drive very far.
Forest Trails, Cycling, and Oysters
Beyond the beach, the Coubre Forest—nearly 8,000 hectares of pine trees—can be explored on foot or by bike along a network of continuous, safe bike paths: the famous Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) runs through the entire area, from Ronce-les-Bains to Royan, passing by the Coubre Lighthouse, between the dunes and the pine forest, without ever encountering a car. It’s one of the great pleasures of a stay here: leaving the car behind and cycling from one beach to another. On the Seudre estuary side, the oyster ports of La Tremblade and Ronce-les-Bains—about ten kilometers away through the forest—offer the chance to sample Marennes-Oléron oysters in the colorful huts overlooking the oyster beds. A chauffeur service can take you there and bring you back to the campground, so you can enjoy your meal without worrying about driving back.
| Activity | Where / Distance | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| La Palmyre Zoo | 1.5 km | 1,600 animals · 60 years in 2026 |
| Lifeguard-patrolled beaches | 2 km (by bike) | La Palmyre, Bonne Anse (families) |
| La Coubre Forest & Lighthouse | ~8 km | pine trees, 64-meter lighthouse, Vélodyssée |
| Royan | ~18 km | 1950s architecture, Conches |
| Oysters (La Tremblade) | ~12 km | oyster huts on the Seudre River |
The Zoo, the Forest, and the Coubre Lighthouse
The Arvert Peninsula, surrounding the campground, combines breathtaking natural scenery with top-notch family attractions. Within just a few kilometers, you’ll find one of France’s most renowned zoos, a vast pine forest, and an iconic lighthouse. Here are the must-see attractions—all verified—that you can combine however you like.
La Palmyre Zoo
Located one and a half kilometers from the campground, La Palmyre Zoo is the premier attraction of the entire Côte de Beauté. Founded in 1966 by Claude Caillé, it is one of the most renowned private zoos in France: according to its official website, it is home to more than 1,600 animals (mammals, birds, and reptiles) representing some 110 species, spread across 18 hectares of pine forest, and welcomes approximately 600,000 visitors each year. You can stroll in the shade of the pine trees, from the giraffe and elephant savanna to the big cats, stopping by the penguins and the sea lion and parrot shows along the way. Good news for a trip in 2026: the zoo is celebrating its 60th anniversary. This is an excursion you won’t want to miss; it’s best to go early in the morning during the summer to avoid the heat and the crowds. Since the campground is right nearby, you can easily spend a whole day there, then head back to cool off at the lagoon.
The Forest and the Coubre Lighthouse
The campground is bordered by the Coubre Forest, a state-owned forest managed by the ONF: nearly 8,000 hectares (7,916, to be exact) of maritime pines, planted in the 19th centurye century (major construction work from 1824 to 1878) to stabilize the coastal dunes. It is a vast green lung crisscrossed by bike paths, nestled between the dunes and the ocean. At its heart, in the town of La Tremblade, stands the La Coubre Lighthouse: a tower of 64 meters with red and white stripes, put into service in 1905, up which one climbs the 300 steps (tiled with blue opaline) offering a 360° view of the forest, the Côte Sauvage, and the Gironde estuary—open to visitors during the season (check current hours). Less than eight kilometers from the campground by road, it’s a lovely outing, perfect to combine with a bike ride through the pine forest or a swim at the nearby beaches.
Royan, Talmont, and the Gironde Estuary
Beyond the beaches, the campground is within easy reach of the town of Royan and the gems of the Gironde Estuary: a medieval village perched on a cliff, France’s oldest lighthouse still in operation, and troglodyte caves. All of this adds a healthy dose of architecture and history to your beach vacation. Here are the must-see attractions, all of which can be visited on a day trip.
Royan, an Architectural Showcase
About 20 kilometers away, Royan is the gateway to the Côte de Beauté. More than 80% of the city was destroyed by bombing in 1945, it was rebuilt in the 1950s in a unique style—the “École de Royan,” blending Art Deco, modern architecture, and Brazilian influences—making it a veritable open-air museum of postwar urban planning. Its iconic landmark is the Notre-Dame Church, built entirely of exposed concrete (in the Brutalist style, inspired by Gothic cathedrals), designed by architect Guillaume Gillet and engineers Laffaille and Sarger, and inaugurated in 1958. Royan is also known for its five “conche”-shaped beaches—including the Grande-Conche, with nearly 2,600 meters of fine sand—the covered market (another concrete masterpiece), the waterfront, and the harbor. An amazing town, perfect for combining with a swim at one of its “conches,” just under half an hour from the campground.
Talmont, Cordouan, and the Meschers Caves
As you travel south along the Gironde estuary, you'll come to some of the most beautiful spots on the coast. Talmont-sur-Gironde (about 32 km away) is ranked among the The Most Beautiful Villages of France: a village of narrow streets lined with hollyhocks, built on a promontory and overlooked by the magnificent Sainte-Radegonde Church, a 12th-century novele century, situated on the banks of the cliff above the estuary—one of the most famous sights in Charente-Maritime. Offshore, at the mouth of the Gironde, stands the majestic Cordouan Lighthouse, nicknamed the “ Versailles of the Seas "": built between 1584 and 1611, it is the the oldest lighthouse in France still in operation, listed by UNESCO since 2021 (accessible by boat at low tide, during the season). A little before that, Meschers-sur-Gironde aligns its caves used as dwellings (Régulus, Matata)—carved into the cliffs of the estuary and developed as tourist attractions. Three magnificent sites, perfect for a day trip from the campground.
Beaches, Oysters, and Biking on the Peninsula
The Arvert Peninsula, surrounding the campground, offers the best of the Charente coast: beaches to suit every taste, a thriving oyster-farming tradition, and a network of bike paths that connects it all without the need for a car. Here’s how to spend your days, between swimming, tastings, and walks.
Beaches for Every Taste
The peninsula boasts a wide variety of beaches, all just a few minutes from the campground. Families prefer the supervised and sheltered beaches: La Palmyre-Le Clapet, the resort’s central beach, and especially Bonne Anse Bay, a shallow lagoon with calm waters—ideal for children—backed by a bird sanctuary behind its sand spit. Lovers of the open ocean and surfing head to the Côte Sauvage, a long, wave-battered ocean beach (swimming is not recommended outside the three supervised areas in summer). All these beaches are connected by bike paths shaded by pine trees. This means you can spend the morning building sandcastles with the kids on a sheltered beach and then admire the breaking waves at the Côte Sauvage at sunset—all in a single day. A driver familiar with the peninsula will be able to recommend the best beach based on the wind and tide.
Oysters and the Vélodyssée
On the Seudre estuary side, the peninsula is also an oyster-farming region. The oyster-farming ports of La Tremblade and Ronce-les-Bains, about ten kilometers from the campground through the Coubre Forest, are part of the large Marennes-Oléron basin: there, you can savor “claire” oysters in colorful huts overlooking the oyster beds. And to connect the beaches, forest, and ports without ever getting back in the car, there’s the Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1): this major Atlantic bike route crosses the entire peninsula, from Ronce-les-Bains to Royan, along a continuous, family-friendly bike path through the pine forest and past the Coubre Lighthouse. Renting bikes at the campground and setting off to explore the pine forest is one of the great pleasures of a stay here—and the perfect reason to take a shuttle: you’ll be dropped off at the campground, and you won’t need a car after that.
Why Choose a Private Transfer to Your Campground?
Traveling to Atlantique Parc from Bordeaux by private transfer means arriving well-rested, without having to rent a car, and directly at the campground entrance with all your luggage. For a family arriving at the Bordeaux airport or train station, this option eliminates the need for transfers and renting a car once you arrive.
Door-to-door, without renting a car
The campground is located in the La Palmyre pine forest, about ten kilometers from Royan: There is no train station in Les Mathes, and the nearest station, Royan, is a TER terminus with no direct trains from Bordeaux (you have to change trains in Saintes, or go via Niort or Angoulême, for a total trip time of over three and a half hours). Renting a car for the entire duration of your stay—even though once you’re there, you can reach the beaches by bike—is expensive and a hassle (deposit, full tank, parking in the summer). With an executive car service, you’ll be picked up in Bordeaux (Mérignac Airport, Saint-Jean train station, or your hotel) and driven nonstop to the campground entrance, with all your vacation luggage, child seats upon request, and a schedule tailored to your flight or train. The trip, which takes about two hours on the A10, becomes a true opportunity to relax: your vacation begins the moment you get in the car, without the fatigue of driving.
A fixed price, known in advance
Our transfer from Bordeaux to the Atlantique Parc campground is charged at a fixed rate, which is provided and confirmed in writing before departure: starting at approximately €294 one-way (Mercedes sedan or van seating up to 8 passengers), regardless of traffic conditions, with no unexpected meter charges. The written quote allows you to compare the transfer with other options before booking, with the assurance of a professional chauffeur who knows the area and will drop you off right at the correct entrance to the campground. Once there, you can arrange excursions with your chauffeur: a day at the zoo, a tour of Royan, a trip to Talmont, or an oyster tasting in La Tremblade. On the way back, he’ll pick you up at the campground at the agreed-upon time to take you back to Bordeaux, in time for your flight or train. Simple, straightforward, relaxing—and ideal for a family vacation by the ocean.
When is the best time to stay at Atlantique Parc Campground?
The Côte de Beauté is best enjoyed from May through September, when the lagoon is at its liveliest, the beaches are warm, and all the attractions are open. Thesummer (July–August) is peak season: the lagoon, beaches, zoo, activities, and kids’ clubs under the Charente sun (one of the sunniest spots on the Atlantic coast)—it’s also the busiest time of year, so you’ll need to book early (both the campground and the shuttle service). The spring (May–June) and thelate season (September) offer a pleasant, peaceful atmosphere: a cool pine forest, days that are still warm, less crowded beaches and the zoo, and lower prices. The heated indoor pools The campground’s swimming areas (open from April through September) let you enjoy the water even when it’s not too hot—a real plus for a low-season stay. No matter the time of year, the combination of the zoo, the beaches, the forest, and the estuary’s heritage makes the Arvert Peninsula a sure bet, located about two hours from Bordeaux. A week is enough to experience the highlights.
| Season | Atmosphere | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (May–June) | tranquility, cool pine forest, sites reopening | Peace and quiet, the zoo, and beaches without the crowds |
| Summer (July–August) | peak season, lagoon, warm beaches | families, swimming, activities (book early) |
| Late season (Sept.) | crystal-clear water, golden sunlight, quiet beaches | couples, biking in the forest, heritage |
Plan Your Stay at Atlantique Parc
Here are a few practical tips for planning a relaxing vacation on the Côte de Beauté, from choosing the right time of year to organizing your excursions. The key is to book early in the summer and plan your travel arrangements in advance if you’re staying at an oceanfront campground without a nearby train station.
Make Reservations and Get Organized
During peak season, Book early: The campground fills up quickly in July and August, just like the rest of the coast. Be sure to bring enough to to bathe (lagoon, beaches), good shoes, and sunscreen—and why not rent some bicycles to get to the beaches and the forest without a car. For those field trips If you don't have a car, consider booking a driver on demand: a day at the zoo, a tour of Royan and its architecture, or a trip to Talmont-sur-Gironde. We also serve other campsites along the coast using the same door-to-door service—such as the Sequoia Park in Marennes-Oléron —, and many others among All of our destinations. Please check the campground's facilities and services (dining, convenience store, kids' clubs, opening dates) on the official website, which remains the authoritative source.
Transportation, both to and from
For the transfer, everything is arranged in advance: provide your flight or train schedule, the number of passengers and pieces of luggage, and whether you need child seats. At thego, the driver will be waiting for you at the airport, at the Saint-Jean train station, or at your hotel in Bordeaux and will take you directly to the campground entrance. At the Back, he'll pick you up at the campground at the agreed-upon time and take you back to Bordeaux, allowing plenty of time for your flight or train. The quote, fixed, is confirmed in writing before departure. This is especially helpful when returning from vacation, when you’re tired, loaded down with luggage, and traveling with children: rather than returning a rental car and rushing to catch a schedule, you can let yourself be driven, in one go, from the Charente coast to Bordeaux.
Getting to the campground from Bordeaux
The Atlantique Parc campground is about 148 km from Bordeaux, which is about a 2-hour drive. The fastest route takes the A10 toward Saintes, then Royan, and the D25 toward La Palmyre and Les Mathes. The campground does not have a train station; the nearest one is in Royan, about 20 kilometers away, which is a TER terminal, so you’ll still need a car from there.
| Route | Distance | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux → campground (Les Mathes / La Palmyre) | ~148 km | ~2 hours | Starting at ~€256 for a private chauffeur service |
| Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport → campground | ~150 km | ~2 hours | pickup at the terminal |
| Campground → La Palmyre Zoo | ~1.5 km | ~5 min | 1,600 animals |
| Camping → Royan | ~18 km | ~25 min | train station, Conches, architecture |
By car, the quickest route follows the A10 north to the area around Saintes, then the Royan highway and the D25 (the extension of the Royan bypass) to La Palmyre and Les Mathes; allow about 2 hours depending on traffic, which is heavier in the summer. By train, you can reach the Royan station from Bordeaux, but it’s a TER terminus with no direct connection (you’ll need to transfer in Saintes), and it’s about 20 kilometers from the campground, with no direct local transportation: this means you’ll still need to cover the final stretch by car. That’s the whole point of a private transfer: door-to-door service that avoids transfers and drops you off right at the entrance to the Atlantique Parc campground, in its pine forest.
Whether you’re heading out on vacation, need a ride that’s coordinated with your flight or train, or are planning a car-free camping trip, booking a private chauffeur guarantees a comfortable and punctual ride—book a driver from Bordeaux to Atlantique Parc Campground or explore all our destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Atlantique Parc campground located?
The Atlantique Parc campground is located in Les Mathes / La Palmyre, in Charente-Maritime (17570), on the Arvert Peninsula, about ten kilometers northwest of Royan, in the heart of the Côte de Beauté. It is a 5-star campground operated by the Capfun group, nestled in a pine forest, two kilometers from the beaches and one and a half kilometers from the La Palmyre Zoo. Please note: despite the “Cornille” that sometimes appears in certain online listings, the campground is not in the Dordogne but rather on the Atlantic coast. From Bordeaux, it’s about 148 km and a 2-hour drive. For families arriving by plane or train in Bordeaux, a private door-to-door transfer is the simplest option: you’ll be dropped off right at the campground entrance, with all your luggage.
Is the Atlantique Parc campground really in Cornille or in the Dordogne?
No. The Atlantique Parc campground is located in Charente-Maritime, on the oceanfront, in Les Mathes / La Palmyre (17570), at 26 Avenue des Mathes. The word “Cornille,” which is sometimes used (including in certain URLs), is misleading: Cornille is a town in the Dordogne department (24), near Périgueux, more than 150 kilometers away, and has no connection to this campground. The actual location, confirmed by the official website and the tourist office, is indeed the Arvert Peninsula, on the Côte de Beauté, two kilometers from the beaches and one and a half kilometers from the La Palmyre Zoo. It is a seaside campground, not a campground in the Périgord region.
How much does a transfer from Bordeaux to the Atlantique Parc campground cost?
We provide transportation from Bordeaux to the Atlantique Parc (Les Mathes / La Palmyre) at a fixed price, starting at approximately €294 one way (about 148 km, approximately 2 hours via the A10), in a Mercedes sedan or van seating up to 8 passengers, with a professional chauffeur. The trip is direct, door-to-door: pickup at the airport, Saint-Jean train station, or your hotel in Bordeaux, and drop-off directly at the campground entrance, in its pine forest, with all your vacation luggage. The fixed quote is provided and confirmed in writing before departure, with no surprises on the meter. The written quote allows you to compare this door-to-door service with renting a car for the duration of your stay—and it’s much more relaxing, especially when traveling with family.
Does the Atlantique Parc campground have a water park?
Yes. According to official sources, the campground features a vast water park that includes “one of the largest lagoons in France,” with 5,000 m² of real fine sand, palm trees, and lounge chairs, as well as two heated indoor pools and a heated outdoor wading pool. There are also multi-lane water slides, including the Spacebowl (four lanes with a bowl) and the Rafter (a two-person tube). We are strictly adhering to the officially described facilities. A notable perk: the heated indoor pools are open from April through September, allowing you to enjoy the water even when it’s not at its hottest. For exact details on the facilities and opening dates during your stay, please refer to the campground’s official website.
Is La Palmyre Zoo close to the Atlantique Parc campground?
Yes, it's very close: La Palmyre Zoo is about a kilometer and a half from the campground. It’s the flagship attraction of the entire Côte de Beauté and a must-see during your stay here. Founded in 1966, it’s one of France’s most renowned private zoos: according to its official website, it is home to more than 1,600 animals representing about 110 species across 18 hectares of pine forest, and welcomes nearly 600,000 visitors each year. In 2026, the zoo will celebrate its 60th anniversary. You can easily spend a whole day there—head out early in the morning during the summer to avoid the heat and crowds, then return to cool off at the nearby campground’s lagoon.
What is there to do at the Atlantique Parc campground and along the Côte de Beauté?
There’s plenty to do, and everything is close by. On-site: the lagoon, heated pools, and campground activities. 1.5 km away is the La Palmyre Zoo. 2 km away are the lifeguard-patrolled beaches of La Palmyre and the sheltered bay of Bonne Anse, both accessible by bike. All around, the Coubre Forest (nearly 8,000 ha of pine trees) and its 64-meter-tall lighthouse, the Côte Sauvage for surfing, and the Vélodyssée for cycling from one beach to another. A little further away: Royan and its 1950s architecture, Talmont-sur-Gironde (the most beautiful village perched on a cliff), the Cordouan Lighthouse (UNESCO), the Meschers Caves, and the oysters of La Tremblade. Enough to fill a week-long beach vacation without ever having to travel very far.
Is the Atlantique Parc campground family-friendly?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly 5-star campground, designed for vacations with children. The 5,000 m² sandy lagoon, heated pools, and water slides are a hit with kids and adults alike; there are also kids’ clubs and seasonal activities. The region is ideal for families: La Palmyre Zoo is 1.5 km away, supervised beaches are 2 km away (by bike), and there’s the forest with its bike paths. For your arrival, a private transfer from Bordeaux makes everything easy: you travel together with your luggage and, upon request, child seats, without the hassle of driving. Since the campground is right on the ocean and there’s no train station nearby, a driver who knows the area will drop you off right at the entrance without any trouble. For exact details on the facilities, please refer to the official website.
How far is it from Bordeaux to the Atlantique Parc campground?
About 148 km by road, or about a 2-hour drive. The fastest route takes the A10 toward Saintes, then Royan, and the D25 toward La Palmyre and Les Mathes. With a chauffeured transfer, the fare is fixed and provided in advance, starting at approximately €294 one way (sedan or van, door-to-door price). The campground does not have a train station: the nearest one is in Royan, about 20 kilometers away—but it’s a TER terminus with no direct train from Bordeaux (you’ll need to transfer in Saintes), so you’ll still need a vehicle to reach the campground. For a family arriving by plane or train in Bordeaux, a private door-to-door transfer eliminates the need for any transfers.
Can we walk or bike to the beach from the campground?
By bike, yes, easily: the beaches are about two kilometers from the campground, accessible via bike paths that start right at the campground’s entrance and wind through the pine forest—without ever having to get back in the car. This is one of the great advantages of Atlantique Parc: you can rent bikes and head to the beach, Bonne Anse Bay, or the Coubre Forest in complete safety. Families tend to prefer the lifeguard-patrolled beaches of La Palmyre and the sheltered bay of Bonne Anse, with its calm waters; the Côte Sauvage, further offshore, is magnificent but dangerous (due to strong currents) and reserved for surfers. The Vélodyssée, the major Atlantic bike route, runs through the entire area: perfect for a car-free vacation once your driver has dropped you off at the campground.
How can I get to the Atlantique Parc campground without a car?
That's precisely the advantage of private transportation. The train goes as far as Royan, but it’s a TER terminus with no direct connection from Bordeaux (you have to change trains in Saintes or take a detour via Niort or Angoulême), making for a total trip of over three and a half hours, and the station is still about 20 kilometers from the campground with no direct local transportation. And renting a car for the entire duration of a stay—when you can reach the beaches by bike once you’re there—is expensive and inconvenient. With a professional chauffeur, you’re picked up in Bordeaux (airport, Saint-Jean train station, or hotel) and driven directly to the campground entrance, with all your luggage, in one trip (about 2 hours). Once there, you can arrange a chauffeur for day trips (the zoo, Royan, Talmont). On the way back, he’ll pick you up at the campground. It’s the simplest and most relaxing option, especially for families.
When is the best time to stay at Atlantique Parc Campground?
The Côte de Beauté is best enjoyed from May through September. Summer (July–August) is peak season for the lagoon, beaches, zoo, and entertainment—it’s also the busiest time of year. Spring (May–June) and late summer (September) offer mild weather and tranquility: cool pine forests, days that are still warm, less crowded beaches and the zoo, and lower prices. The campground’s heated indoor pools (open from April through September) let you enjoy the water even when it’s not at its hottest. No matter the season, the combination of the zoo, beaches, forest, and the estuary’s heritage makes the Arvert Peninsula a sure bet, about two hours from Bordeaux. A week is enough to experience the highlights. Be sure to book early in the summer—this destination is very popular.
Further Reading
- The nearby oyster-farming area: see the Séquoia Parc Guide (Marennes-Oléron, oysters, and the Île d'Oléron)
- A 5-star campground on the Landes coast: see the Les Vignes guide (Lit-et-Mixe, the Landes forests and beaches)
- A 5-star campground on an island in the Charente region: see the Sandaya Interlude Guide (Île de Ré)
- Understanding our rates and vehicles: see the "Book a Driver" page (sedan & van, fixed-price quote)
- Plan your trip: Book a private driver from Bordeaux to Atlantique Parc Campground, or explore all our destinations
Sources and References
- Camping Atlantique Parc — official website — 5★ Capfun, Les Mathes/La Palmyre (17), 5,000 m² lagoon, 2 heated indoor pools, water slides, 513 campsites, beaches 2 km away, zoo 1.5 km away
- La Palmyre Zoo — official website — 1,600 animals, ~110 species, 18 ha, ~600,000 visitors per year, founded in 1966, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026
- Wikipedia — Les Mathes — a town in Charente-Maritime; La Palmyre = a seaside neighborhood, accessible via the D25 (extension of the Royan bypass)
- Wikipedia — La Coubre Lighthouse — 64 m, 300 steps (blue opaline), red and white stripes, 1905, municipality of La Tremblade, La Coubre Forest
- Wikipedia — Royan — rebuilt in the 1950s, Royan School, Notre-Dame Church (concrete; designed by Gillet), 5 conches
- Wikipedia — Talmont-sur-Gironde — One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, the 12th-century Romanesque Church of Sainte-Radegonde on the cliff overlooking the estuary
Article updated on .
Off to the Côte de Beauté
Direct transfer from Bordeaux (~2 hours) to your campground in the La Palmyre pine forest in Les Mathes—from the airport, train station, or hotel to the campground entrance, including luggage. Fixed, written quote with no unexpected meter charges.
