Bordeaux to Camping Séquoia Parc: Marennes-Oléron guide
A 5-star camping village set in a castle park, overlooking the oyster farm: the Séquoia Parc in Saint-Just-Luzac (now part of the Sandaya Group, formerly the Castel chain), its 45 hectares of wooded grounds, its water park, just a few kilometers from the Marennes oysters, the beaches of Île d’Oléron, and the fortified villages of the Charente coast—and your private door-to-door transfer from Bordeaux, with no need to rent a car.
Séquoia Parc Campground at a Glance
The Séquoia Parc campground is a large 5-star camping village located within the 45-hectare wooded grounds of a château in Saint-Just-Luzac, in the heart of the Marennes-Oléron oyster-farming region, between Île d’Oléron, Rochefort, and Royan.[1] A note on the name: long a member of the Castel chain, the campground is now operated by the Sandaya Group (it’s also listed as “Sandaya Séquoia Parc”)—it’s the same facility, in the same location, under a new brand. Its highlights: a vast water park, a wellness area, an equestrian center, and a prime location just a few kilometers from the beaches, oyster huts, and fortified villages of the Charente coast. This guide introduces the campground and, most importantly, the easiest way to get there from Bordeaux: a private door-to-door transfer, without having to rent a car—a real lifesaver when you’re arriving by plane or train with kids and luggage for a vacation on the Atlantic coast where all you have to do is relax and enjoy yourself.
Here are the key details to know before you go. Distances are calculated door-to-door from Bordeaux; the fare listed is for a private driver reservation at a fixed price provided in advance, with no meter surprises regardless of traffic or stops along the way. The campground’s amenities are based on information from its official website and tourist offices—always verify the details and dates of your stay directly with the campground, which recently changed its brand name from Castel to Sandaya.
| Landmark | Details |
|---|---|
| Camping | Séquoia Parc ★★★★★ (Sandaya, formerly part of the Castel chain) |
| Municipality | Saint-Just-Luzac (Charente-Maritime, 17320) · ~5 km from Marennes |
| Frame | 45-hectare wooded park surrounding a castle · water park · equestrian center |
| Around | Marennes-Oléron, Île d'Oléron, Brouage, Rochefort, Royan |
| Distance from Bordeaux | 152 km · 1 hr 52 min |
Where is the Séquoia Parc campground located?
The Séquoia Parc campground is located in Saint-Just-Luzac, in Charente-Maritime (17320), about five kilometers east of Marennes, in the heart of the Marennes-Oléron oyster-farming region, between the Île d'Oléron, Rochefort, and Royan. It is a land of water and light: the marsh and the clear where oysters are cultivated, the Seudre estuary, the long Atlantic beaches, and the fortified villages perched on former salt marshes. The campground is set in the vast wooded grounds of a former castle, away from the hustle and bustle but just a few minutes from the beaches and oyster huts. An ideal location: the tranquility of the Charente countryside, and a wealth of attractions within easy reach—France’s leading oyster-farming region, Île d’Oléron and its toll-free bridge, the town of Pierre Loti in Rochefort, and the seaside resort of Royan. Here you’ll find the authentic, gourmet side of Charente—and yet it’s less than two hours from Bordeaux.
The Marennes-Oléron Basin
The campground is located in the heart of the Marennes-Oléron basin, described as France’s leading oyster maturation center. It’s a unique landscape: a vast checkerboard of claires (former clay salt marshes where oysters are matured), channels, and marsh islets, bordered by the Seudre estuary and the bay. The famous Marennes-Oléron oysters, including the “Fine de Claire Verte,” are raised and matured here, and colorful oyster huts dot the shores. Surrounding the area, the bay opens onto the island of Oléron—connected to the mainland by a toll-free viaduct—as well as the naval town of Rochefort and the seaside resort of Royan. It’s an exceptional destination for a vacation combining beach, heritage, and fine dining—and the campground is the perfect gateway, just a few kilometers from it all.
Saint-Just-Luzac and Marennes
Saint-Just-Luzac is a small town in Charente-Maritime, on the banks of the Seudre estuary, where the Séquoia Parc estate is located. About five kilometers away, Marennes (now the new municipality of Marennes-Hiers-Brouage) is the “oyster capital”: the tall Gothic spire of its church is visible from afar (85 meters—the tallest in Charente-Maritime—which once served as a landmark for sailors), and you can visit the Cité de l’Huître, an oyster farming interpretation center on the banks of the channel. From there, everything is close by: the beaches of Marennes and Île d’Oléron, the fortified village of Brouage, and the Oléron Bridge. The campground, tucked away in its wooded park, offers the best of both worlds: the tranquility of the countryside and the coast just a few minutes away. A peaceful and central base for exploring the entire bay.
The estate, located in a castle park
Séquoia Parc is a large 5-star camping village spread across the 45-hectare wooded grounds of a 19th-century castle, featuring a large water park, a wellness area, and an equestrian center. A peaceful, wooded natural setting, just a few kilometers from the beaches and oyster huts of Marennes-Oléron.
A wooded park and the story of a sequoia
The charm of Séquoia Parc lies first and foremost in its frame: the vast 45-hectare wooded park of a mid-19th-century castle (the Château de la Josephtrie, 1852). The campground’s name comes from a lovely story: a sequoia A historic tree had been planted in the castle courtyard—a tree that is no longer there, but whose memory gave the estate its name. Campground 5 stars currently operated by the group Sandaya (after having been part of the Castel chain for many years), it is a large family-run establishment founded in 1997 and a member of the “Leading Campings of Europe” network. According to sources, it has approximately 541 cottages and cabins for rent and near 148 open campsites, with spacious sites (120 to 140 m²) for tents and RVs. The park, the trees, and the castle give the place a real sense of character, somewhere between a large camping village and a country estate. We are sticking to the officially published information here.
The Water Park and Wellness Center
As for swimming, the campground has a water park approximately 2,000 m², a major advantage for families. According to official sources, it includes four swimming pools, three of which are heated, a large river-lagoon, some slides and a heated indoor pool.[1] For adults looking to relax, the “Les Brises” wellness area (approximately 800 m²) features a sauna and a steam room. In addition, there is an equestrian center, a mini-farm, tennis courts, a fitness center and a multipurpose sports field, as well as restaurants, a bar, and a grocery store. The campground has been awarded the Green Key and offers kids' clubs during the season. For the 2026 season, it will be open from April 3 to October 4.[1] For specific details about your stay, please visit the official website.
| Sequoia Park | Details (according to official sources) |
|---|---|
| Rankings | 5-star camping village (Sandaya, formerly part of the Castel chain) |
| Frame | 45-hectare wooded park surrounding a castle (1852) · ~541 cottages + ~148 campsites |
| Water Park | ~2,000 m²: 4 pools (3 heated) + lagoon-style pool + water slides + indoor pool |
| Also | "Les Brises" Wellness Center (~800 m²), equestrian center, mini-farm, tennis, fitness |
| Good to Know | Clef Verte label · 2026 season: April 3 – October 4 · details: official website |
What is there to do at the campground and in Marennes-Oléron?
From the campground, you can enjoy the on-site water park and equestrian center, taste Marennes-Oléron oysters and visit the Cité de l’Huître, explore the fortified village of Brouage, cross the bridge to Île d’Oléron and its beaches, and venture as far as Rochefort (the Corderie Royale) and Royan. Here’s a concrete look at the real, verified activities you can enjoy during a stay in Saint-Just-Luzac: the campground is in the heart of the Marennes-Oléron basin, just a few kilometers from the beaches, oyster huts, and coastal villages. Swim in the morning, enjoy oysters at lunchtime, and spend the afternoon at the beach or in a fortified village: the perfect itinerary for a summer filled with sea air and fine dining on the Charente coast.
- Oysters and the Cité de l'Huître — in Marennes (~6 km): France's first oyster-maturing center, with its oyster beds and colorful huts
- Brouage — about 6 km away: a fortified village designated one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," linked to the legacy of Samuel de Champlain
- Oléron Island — free bridge about 10 km away: the Chassiron Lighthouse, the beaches, and the artists' cottages in Château-d'Oléron
- The water park and equestrian center — swimming, water games, and pony rides on site
- Rochefort — about 24 km away: the Corderie Royale, the Arsenal des Mers, Pierre Loti's house
- Royan and the coast — about 35 km away: the “conches” beaches, the La Palmyre Zoo, and the Coubre Forest
- The Atlantic beaches—on the Île d'Oléron and the Royan coast: swimming, surfing, long sandy beaches
Oysters: An Experience You Won't Want to Miss
In Marennes-Oléron, the oyster is more than just a product: it’s a way of life and a landscape. The famous Marennes-Oléron oysters (IGP, including the Fine de Claire Verte, Label Rouge), are matured in the “claires,” these ancient clay salt marsh basins. The “green” in the name “Fine de Claire Verte” is not artificial, by the way: it comes from a microalgae that naturally turns the gills green during the maturation process. Just a few kilometers from the campground, the Cité de l’Huître de Marennes, on the edge of the channel, showcases all this expertise in its huts on stilts, while the colorful oyster huts in the ports dot the banks. There’s nothing quite like sampling fresh oysters overlooking the marshes, a glass of white wine in hand, to experience the soul of the basin. A private chauffeur can take you to a tasting hut and bring you back to the campground, so you don’t have to worry about driving home.
The Water Park and the Equestrian Center
On-site, the campground offers plenty to keep the whole family entertained without having to go anywhere. The water park—featuring four pools (three of which are heated), a large lagoon-style river with inner tubes, water slides, and an indoor pool—is a hit with kids and adults alike, while adults can enjoy the “Les Brises” wellness center (sauna, steam room, hot tub, massages). The estate’s equestrian center, with its pony and horseback rides, and the petting zoo delight the children; tennis, fitness, and a multipurpose sports field round out the offerings, and clubs and activities liven up the high season. Between a morning swim, an afternoon at the beach or an oyster tasting, and an evening at the campground’s restaurant, you’ll enjoy a well-rounded vacation where you never have to drive very far. That’s the beauty of a large 5-star camping village in the heart of such a beautiful region.
| Activity | Where / Distance | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Oysters & Oyster City | Marennes (~6 km) | France's No. 1 refining center · claires |
| Jamming | ~6 km | fortified village · one of the most beautiful villages in France |
| Oléron Island | bridge about 10 km away | Chassiron Lighthouse, beaches, toll-free bridge |
| Rochefort | ~24 km | Corderie Royale, Arsenal des Mers |
| Water Park & Equestrian Center | at the campground | 4 swimming pools, lagoon-style river · pony |
Marennes, Brouage, and the oyster-farming basin
The Marennes-Oléron basin, surrounding the campground, blends oyster-farming heritage with historic villages. Within just a few kilometers, you’ll find the “oyster capital”—a remarkable fortified village perched on former salt marshes—and beautiful seaside fortresses. Here are the must-see attractions—all verified—that you can combine as you wish—often in a single day, since they’re so close together.
Marennes and Oysters
Marennes (part of the new municipality of Marennes-Hiers-Brouage) is the heart of the oyster-farming region. It can be spotted from afar by the tall Gothic spire of its church (85 meters—the tallest in Charente-Maritime and a former navigational landmark for sailors). Nearby, the Cité de l’Huître, on the banks of the Cayenne Channel, is an oyster farming interpretation center, featuring huts partly built on stilts and the “chemin des claires”—the ideal place to learn how the famous Marennes-Oléron oysters (IGP) are born and mature. The oysters can be sampled in the producers’ huts, overlooking the marshes. A little further on, on the Chapus rock (in Bourcefranc-le-Chapus), Fort Louvois—a small horseshoe-shaped fort originally built under Louvois and modified by Vauban—can be reached on foot via a causeway that is submerged at low tide, or by boat at high tide, and houses an oyster museum. A microcosm of the oyster-farming world, just a few minutes from the campground.
Brouage, a fortified village
A few kilometers from the campground, Jamming is one of the most amazing sites on the coast: a fortified village with its mighty stone ramparts, situated in the middle of the marshes, even though it was once a prosperous seaport (the sea has since receded). Its fortifications, built in the late 16th century and later modernized by Vauban, these walls enclose a grid of streets, a church, and market halls. The village is listed among France's Most Beautiful Villages and linked to the memory of Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec City—whom tradition holds to be a native of Brouage, although his exact birthplace remains a subject of debate among historians. Strolling along the ramparts at sunset, with the marshes stretching as far as the eye can see, is a breathtaking experience. An executive car service can drop you off and pick you up, allowing you to enjoy the site without worrying about parking—which is often limited in these villages.
Oléron Island: Beaches and Artists' Cabins
Across from the campground, the Île d’Oléron—the largest island on France’s Atlantic coast after Corsica—is just a few minutes away via a toll-free bridge. There you’ll find long sandy beaches, lighthouses, colorful oyster-farming ports, and marshes—enough to fill a wonderful day trip from Saint-Just-Luzac. Here are the must-see attractions in the area.
The bridge, the Chassiron Lighthouse, and the beaches
From the campground, you can reach the base of the Oléron Viaduct (about ten kilometers away): nearly three kilometers long, inaugurated in 1966, and now free to use, it connects the island to the mainland over the Pertuis strait. Once on the island, head north toward the Chassiron Lighthouse at the tip of Saint-Denis-d’Oléron: a tall white tower with black stripes (painted starting in 1926 to distinguish it from neighboring lighthouses), you can climb its 224 steps to the top for a superb view of the Atlantic. All around, the island unfolds its sandy beaches backed by dunes and pine forests: sheltered beaches on the east side, long, wild beaches on the ocean side perfect for surfing and high tides. This is one of the great pleasures of a stay at Séquoia Parc: swimming and the fresh sea air just a few minutes from the campground.
Château-d'Oléron and the Artists' Cabins
As you approach the island, Le Château-d'Oléron is well worth a stop: its fortified citadel, completed by Vauban, overlooks the harbor, and above all, its colorful old oyster huts—converted since 1996 into artists’ and artisans’ studios—form a charming creative village where you can stroll from hut to hut. It’s a fine example of the repurposing of an oyster port, far more original than the cliché of oyster huts. The island has other hidden gems: the port of La Cotinière, the bird marshes, and the white villages with colorful shutters. In a single day, you can easily combine a visit to the beach, the Chassiron lighthouse, and the artists’ huts—a taste of what Oléron has to offer. A private chauffeur can take you to the island and pick you up at the agreed-upon time, without the summer traffic jams on the bridge or the hassle of finding a parking spot.
Rochefort, Royan, and the coast
Beyond the oyster-farming area, the campground is within easy reach of two charming towns: Rochefort, Colbert’s naval base, and Royan, a seaside resort known for its 1950s architecture, with its beaches, zoo, and large lighthouse offshore. This adds a healthy dose of history and seaside charm to your seaside getaway. Here are the must-see attractions, all accessible for a day trip.
Rochefort, a naval base city
About twenty kilometers away, Rochefort was born out of Colbert's desire to turn it into a major arsenal for the Royal Navy. Visitors can tour the Corderie Royale, a magnificent 374-meter-long building constructed in the late 1660s—for a long time the longest industrial building in Europe—which today houses a center dedicated to the sea. The construction of the frigate The Hermione, a replica of La Fayette's ship launched in 2014, has made the city famous; it should be noted, however, that the ship itself is not not is currently docked in Rochefort (it has been undergoing a major refit in dry dock since 2021), but theArsenal of the Seas is dedicating an exhibition to him. Rochefort is also the Pierre Loti's House, with its extraordinary interiors, recently reopened after extensive restoration, and the transshipment bridge from Martrou (1900), the last of its kind in France, immortalized by the film The Young Ladies of Rochefort. A charming town, just half an hour from the campground.
Royan, La Palmyre, and Cordouan
About thirty kilometers to the south, Royan is the major seaside resort on the Gironde estuary. Destroyed during the war and then rebuilt in the 1950s, it boasts a remarkable collection of modern architecture (“the Royan School”), including the striking Notre-Dame Church made of exposed concrete by architect Gillet, and five beautiful beaches arranged in a semicircle, known as the “conches.” Nearby, in Les Mathes, the famous La Palmyre Zoo (home to more than 1,600 animals) features enclosures set amid a pine forest—it will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026— and the vast Coubre Forest borders the wild beaches of the Côte Sauvage. Offshore, at the mouth of the Gironde, stands the majestic Cordouan Lighthouse, “the Versailles of the Seas,” the oldest lighthouse in France still in operation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its beaches, architecture, and major attractions, Royan and its peninsula are the perfect complement to a stay in Marennes-Oléron.
Why Choose a Private Transfer to Your Campground?
Traveling to Séquoia Parc from Bordeaux by private transfer means arriving well-rested, without having to rent a car, and right at the campground entrance with all your luggage. For a family arriving at the Bordeaux airport or train station, this is by far the simplest option—and often the most economical when traveling with several people.
Door-to-door, without renting a car
The campground is in the countryside, five kilometers from Marennes: there is no train station in Saint-Just-Luzac, and the nearest station, Rochefort, is more than twenty kilometers away, with the final stretch poorly served by public transportation (the bus ride and transfers easily take two hours). Renting a car for the entire duration of your stay—even though you’ll hardly use it once you’re settled by the pool—is expensive and a hassle (deposit, filling up the tank, parking). With a chauffeured transfer, you’ll be picked up in Bordeaux (Mérignac Airport, Saint-Jean Train Station, or your hotel) and driven directly 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 or the stress of navigating the route.
A fixed price, known in advance
Our transfer from Bordeaux to the Séquoia Parc campground is charged at a fixed rate, which is provided and confirmed in writing before departure: starting at approximately €258 for the one-way trip (Mercedes sedan or van seating up to 8 passengers), regardless of traffic conditions, with no unexpected charges based on the odometer. For groups—whether with family or friends—the math is easy when compared to renting a car for the entire week, plus you get the peace of mind of a professional chauffeur who knows the area and will drop you off right at the campground entrance without any hassle. Once you’re there, you can call on him on demand for excursions: an oyster tasting in Marennes, a day trip to Île d’Oléron, or a visit to Rochefort or Royan. Upon your return, 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, and relaxing—and ideal for a family vacation on the Atlantic coast.
When is the best time to stay at Séquoia Parc Campground?
The Charente coast is best enjoyed from May through September, when the water park is in full swing, the beaches are warm, and all the attractions are open. Thesummer (July–August) is peak season: water park, beaches, oyster tastings, entertainment, 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 your campsite and your transportation). The spring (May–June) and thelate season (September) offer a gentle, peaceful atmosphere: lush marshes, days that are still warm, less crowded beaches and villages, and more affordable rates. The campground’s heated indoor pool lets you enjoy the water even when it’s not at its hottest. Good to know: The campground is open for the 2026 season from April 3 to October 4. No matter the time of year, the combination of oysters, beaches, fortified villages, and historic sites makes Marennes-Oléron a sure bet, less than two hours from Bordeaux. A week is enough to experience the highlights.
| Season | Atmosphere | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (May–June) | gentleness, green marshes, sites reopening | Peace and quiet, oysters, and villages without the crowds |
| Summer (July–August) | peak season, water park, warm beaches | families, swimming, activities (book early) |
| Late season (Sept.) | crystal-clear water, golden sunlight, quiet beaches | couples, wine tastings, walks along the coast |
Plan Your Stay at Séquoia Parc
Here are some practical tips for planning a stress-free vacation in Marennes-Oléron, 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 a campground in the countryside without a nearby train station.
Make Reservations and Get Organized
During peak season, Book early: The campground fills up quickly in July and August. Be sure to bring everything you bathe (water park, beaches), sturdy shoes for the Brouage ramparts and the Chassiron rocks, and sunscreen. For the field trips If you don't have a car, consider booking an on-demand driver: an oyster tasting in Marennes, a day trip to Île d'Oléron, or a tour of Rochefort or Royan. We also serve other campsites along the coast using the same door-to-door service—such as the Sandaya Interlude on the Île de Ré —, and many others among All of our destinations . Please check the campground's facilities and services (restaurants, grocery store, kids' clubs, opening dates, and the transition from the Castel to the Sandaya brand) 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 Séquoia Parc campground is 152 km from Bordeaux, or 1 hour and 52 minutes according to the standard commercial route.[7] The route takes the A10 toward Saintes, then the road to Marennes and Île d’Oléron all the way to Saint-Just-Luzac. There is no train station at the campground; the nearest one is in Rochefort, more than twenty kilometers away, from which you’ll still need a vehicle.
| Route | Distance | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux → campground (Saint-Just-Luzac) | 152 km | 1 hour 52 minutes | Starting at €258 for a chauffeured transfer |
| Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport → campground | based on a quote | depending on coverage | pickup at the terminal |
| Camping → Marennes | ~6 km | ~10 min | oysters, Cité de l'Huître |
| Camping → Oléron Bridge | ~10 km | ~13 min | free access to the island |
By car, the fastest route follows the A10 north to the vicinity of Saintes, then takes the road to Marennes and Île d’Oléron to Saint-Just-Luzac; the estimated travel time is 1 hour and 52 minutes, excluding traffic delays. By train, you can reach the Rochefort (or Saintes) station from Bordeaux, but it’s more than twenty kilometers from the campground, with no direct local transportation: this means you’ll still need to cover the final stretch by car. The campground is also accessible from the train stations in Royan and La Rochelle, which are farther away. That’s the whole point of a private transfer: with door-to-door service, it eliminates the need for transfers and drops you off directly at the entrance to Séquoia Parc campground, nestled in its wooded grounds.
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 an executive car service guarantees a comfortable and punctual ride— book a driver from Bordeaux to Séquoia Parc Campground or explore all our destinations .
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Séquoia Parc campground located?
The Séquoia Parc campground is located in Saint-Just-Luzac, in Charente-Maritime, about 5 km from Marennes. The 5-star resort is set in a 45-hectare wooded park, between Île d’Oléron, Rochefort, and Royan. From Bordeaux, the standard route covers 152 km and takes 1 hour and 52 minutes. A private shuttle drops you off directly at the entrance with your luggage.
Is Séquoia Parc still a Castel campground?
No, not anymore: it’s the same campground, in the same location, but it’s changed its name. Long a member of the Castel chain, Séquoia Parc was acquired by the Sandaya Group and is now also known as “Sandaya Séquoia Parc” (the sequoiaparc.com website redirects to sandaya.fr). Many vacationers still know it as a “Castel,” which is why this guide also mentions its former affiliation—but if you’re booking or looking for up-to-date information, you’ll find it under “Séquoia Parc” (Sandaya Group). The 5-star rating, the château, the 45-hectare park, and the location in the heart of Marennes-Oléron remain unchanged.
How much does a transfer from Bordeaux to the Séquoia Parc campground cost?
We offer a fixed-price transfer from Bordeaux to the Séquoia Parc campground (Saint-Just-Luzac), starting at €258 one way (152 km, 1 hr 52 min 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 wooded grounds, with all your vacation luggage. The fixed-price quote is provided and confirmed in writing before departure, with no surprises on the odometer. For groups, this is often more cost-effective than renting a car for the entire stay—and much more relaxing, especially for families.
Does the Séquoia Parc campground have a water park?
Yes. According to official sources, the campground has a water park covering approximately 2,000 m² that includes four pools—three of which are heated—a large lagoon-style river with giant inner tubes (approximately 110 meters), water slides, and a heated indoor pool. We strictly adhere to this figure of four pools, without adding any more. In addition, there is a wellness and fitness area called “Les Brises” (approximately 800 m²) with a sauna, steam room, hot tub, heated indoor pool, and massage rooms, as well as an equestrian center, a petting zoo, tennis courts, and a fitness center. For exact details on the facilities and the opening dates for your stay (2026 season: April 3 to October 4), please visit the campground’s official website.
What is there to do at the Séquoia Parc campground and in Marennes-Oléron?
There’s plenty to do, and everything is close by. On-site: the water park, the equestrian center, and the campground’s activities. Just a few kilometers away: oysters and the Cité de l’Huître in Marennes, and the fortified village of Brouage (named one of the most beautiful villages in France, with ties to Samuel de Champlain). The toll-free bridge leads to Île d’Oléron: the Chassiron Lighthouse, the beaches, and the artists’ cottages in Château-d’Oléron. Further afield, Rochefort (the Corderie Royale, the Arsenal des Mers, and Pierre Loti’s house) and Royan (the “conches” beaches, the La Palmyre Zoo, and 1950s architecture). Offshore stands the Cordouan Lighthouse, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Between swimming, oyster tastings, and exploring the local heritage, you can easily fill a week without ever driving very far.
Where does the name “Séquoia Parc” come from?
The name comes from a historic sequoia that was planted in the courtyard of the Château de la Josephtrie (1852), around which the campground was developed in 1997. That remarkable tree is no longer there, but its memory has given the estate its name—so don’t expect to find giant sequoias still standing on the grounds, but rather a vast 45-hectare wooded park, planted with trees and laid out around the château. It is this history, along with the exceptional wooded setting, that give Séquoia Parc its charm and identity. Today, it is one of the leading 5-star camping villages on the Charente coast, operated by the Sandaya Group.
Is the Séquoia Parc campground family-friendly?
Yes, it’s a large, family-friendly 5-star camping village, designed for vacations with children. The water park (four pools, three of which are heated, a lagoon-style river with inner tubes, and water slides), the equestrian center, the petting zoo, and the kids’ clubs are a delight for young and old alike; tennis, fitness, and entertainment round out the offerings. The region itself is a fascinating destination for families: the beaches of Île d’Oléron, the oyster huts, the fortified village of Brouage, and the La Palmyre Zoo near Royan. 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 in the countryside, a driver who knows the area will drop you off right at the correct entrance without any trouble. For exact details on the facilities, please refer to the official website.
How far is it from Bordeaux to the Séquoia Parc campground?
The standard commercial route covers 152 km in 1 hour and 52 minutes. It takes the A10 toward Saintes, then the road through Marennes and the Île d’Oléron to Saint-Just-Luzac. The flat rate starts at €258 for a one-way trip. The Rochefort train station is more than 20 km away: the private transfer eliminates this connection and drops you off at the campground entrance.
Can we go to Île d'Oléron from the campground?
Yes, and it’s easy: the base of the Oléron Viaduct is about ten kilometers from the campground, and the bridge—which is nearly three kilometers long—is free to cross. Once on the island, you can visit the Chassiron Lighthouse at the northern tip (open to the public, with a beautiful view of the Atlantic), the long sandy beaches backed by dunes and pine trees, and the village of Château-d’Oléron with its Vauban citadel and its old oyster huts, which have been converted into artists’ studios since 1996. In a single day, you can easily combine a visit to the beach, the lighthouse, and the artists’ studios. An executive car service can take you to the island and pick you up at the agreed-upon time, avoiding the bridge traffic in the height of summer and the hassle of finding a parking spot.
How can I get to the Séquoia Parc campground without a car?
That’s precisely the advantage of private transportation. The train goes as far as Rochefort (or Saintes), but those stations are more than twenty kilometers from the campground, with no direct local transportation: there’s still a final stretch to cover by car, and bus connections can take two hours. And renting a car for the entire duration of a stay—when you hardly use it once you’re settled by the pool—is expensive and inconvenient. With a chauffeured transfer, you’re picked up in Bordeaux (at the airport, Saint-Jean train station, or your hotel) and driven directly to the campground entrance, with all your luggage, in a single trip. Once there, you can book the driver on demand for day trips (Marennes, Île d’Oléron, Rochefort, Royan). On your return, he’ll pick you up at the campground. It’s the simplest and most relaxing solution, especially for families.
When is the best time to stay at Séquoia Parc Campground?
The Charente coast is best enjoyed from May through September. Summer (July–August) is peak season for the water park, beaches, oyster tastings, and entertainment—it’s also the busiest time of year. Spring (May–June) and late summer (September) offer mild weather and tranquility: lush marshes, still-warm days, less crowded beaches and villages, and lower prices. The campground’s heated indoor pool lets you enjoy the water even when it’s not scorching hot. Good to know: the campground is open for the 2026 season from April 3 to October 4. No matter the time of year, the combination of oysters, beaches, fortified villages, and historic sites makes Marennes-Oléron a sure bet, less than two hours from Bordeaux. Be sure to book early in the summer—it’s a popular destination.
Further Reading
- A 5-star campground on a neighboring island: see the Sandaya Interlude Guide (Île de Ré, beaches, and white villages)
- Another great 5-star camping village: see the Guide to Château de Fonrives (Land of the Bastides, Lot-et-Garonne)
- The Landes Coast: see the Old Port Guide (Messanges, the largest beach in the Landes)
- Understanding our rates and vehicles: see the page Book a driver (sedan & van, fixed rate)
- Plan your trip: Book a private chauffeur from Bordeaux to Séquoia Parc Campground or explore all our destinations
Sources and References
- Sandaya — Séquoia Parc Campground (official website) — 5★, Saint-Just-Luzac (17), 45-hectare park, ~541 cottages + 148 campsites, water park, Les Brises, 2026 season: April 3–October 4
- Wikipedia — Saint-Just-Luzac— a commune in Charente-Maritime, at the mouth of the Seudre River, in the Marennes-Oléron basin; Château de la Josephtrie
- Wikipedia — Brouage — fortified village, 16th- and 17th-century ramparts modernized by Vauban, one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," and the site associated with Samuel de Champlain
- Wikipedia — Marennes-Oléron Basin — France's leading oyster maturation center, producing "claires" and "Fine de Claire Verte" (IGP/Label Rouge)
- Wikipedia — Île d'Oléron Bridge — a 2,862-meter viaduct, opened in 1966, with no toll; Chassiron Lighthouse at the northern tip
- Wikipedia — Corderie Royale de Rochefort— Colbert's Arsenal, a 374-meter-long ship (1666–1669); L'Hermione, a replica launched in 2014
- Bordeaux Sales Page → Séquoia Parc — search engine results: 152 km, 112 minutes, and 258 €
Article updated in July 2026.
On the way to Marennes-Oléron
Direct transfer from Bordeaux (152 km · 1 hr 52 min) to your campground village in the heart of the oyster-farming region, in Saint-Just-Luzac—from the airport, train station, or hotel right to the campground entrance, including luggage. Fixed-price written quote, with no unexpected meter charges.
