Van road trip from La Rochelle to Île de Ré: 5 magical stops you can’t miss

Discover the Atlantic coast’s must-see spots, blending historic heritage and wild landscapes, for an unforgettable van adventure.

By the Le Campeur editorial team · 18 August 2026

La Rochelle and Île de Ré offer the perfect mix of a bustling port city and the tranquillity of untouched beaches. In a van, you can switch between cultural visits, bike rides and gourmet breaks by the ocean. Here are 5 unmissable places for a successful road trip.

Vieux Port de La Rochelle

The beating heart of the city, this historic port charms visitors with its two iconic towers and lively terraces. A stroll along the waterfront offers stunning views of the boats and the maritime atmosphere.

Where to sleep nearby

La ferme du Grand Chemin Campsite ★ 4.9 5 spacious pitches in nature, electricity included. 6 minutes by car (5 km) from Vieux Port. › Aire automatisée de Port-Neuf Motorhome area ★ 4 Wooded area with full services (water, electricity, waste disposal). 31 minutes on foot from the town centre. › Quiet parking near harbour office L'Houmeau Parking ★ 4.3 Free seaside parking, very quiet out of season. 6 minutes by car (6 km). › Parking free Sacred Heart church La Rochelle Parking ★ 4.3 Shaded pitches in front of a church, bakery nearby. 18 minutes on foot. › Gravel parking La Rochelle Parking ★ 4.4 Parking by the ocean, flat and shaded ground. 29 minutes on foot from the centre. ›

Aquarium La Rochelle

Dive into the ocean without leaving dry land, with over 12,000 marine creatures across 60 tanks. An immersive experience that’s perfect for all the family, even on a grey day.

Where to sleep nearby

Aire automatisée de Port-Neuf Motorhome area ★ 4 116 wooded pitches with full services (water, electricity, waste disposal). €15 per night, 34 minutes on foot from the centre. › La ferme du Grand Chemin Campsite ★ 4.9 5-6 spacious and quiet pitches, electricity included. 5 km from La Rochelle, secure bike access. › Parking ideal for visiting La Rochelle Parking ★ 4.4 Shaded, quiet school parking, 25 minutes on foot from the centre. Free, ideal for one night. › Gravel parking La Rochelle Parking ★ 4.4 Parking by the sea, flat and shaded ground. Free, 24 minutes on foot from Plage des Minimes. › L'huitrière du sud-ouest Campsite ★ 4.7 Flat ground by the oyster beds, very quiet. Paid, easy beach access. ›

Phare des Baleines

At the northern tip of Île de Ré, this legendary lighthouse offers 360-degree views over the ocean and salt marshes. Climb its 250 steps for a breathtaking panorama.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping les Baleines Campsite ★ 4.6 4-star eco-certified campsite in a natural setting, direct access to the beach and coastal path. 7 minutes on foot from the lighthouse. › Camping Huttopia Ars-en-Ré Campsite ★ 4.5 Charming forest campsite, 50 m from a sunset beach. 5 minutes by car. › Beach parking Saint-Clément-des-Baleines Parking ★ 4.2 Free beachside parking (30 m), extremely quiet out of season. 22 minutes on foot. › Quiet parking facing the sea Ars-en-Ré Parking ★ 4.4 Parking by the sea, max 6 spaces, ideal for small campervans. 6 minutes by car. › Camping Essi Campsite ★ 4.4 3-star municipal campsite, 500 m from shops, spacious and hedged pitches. 6 minutes by car. ›

Plage de la Conche des Baleines

One of Île de Ré’s most beautiful beaches, with fine sand and turquoise waters. Ideal for a relaxing break or a refreshing swim after a hike.

Where to sleep nearby

Beach parking Saint-Clément-des-Baleines Parking ★ 4.2 30 m from the beach, ultra-quiet in the off-season. 13 minutes on foot from La Conche. › Camping les Baleines Campsite ★ 4.6 4-star eco-certified campsite, direct beach access. Rated 4.6, 26 minutes on foot. › Quiet parking facing the sea Ars-en-Ré Parking ★ 4.4 Parking by the sea, max 6 spaces. Ocean view, 38 minutes on foot. › Camping Huttopia Ars-en-Ré Campsite ★ 4.5 Charming forest campsite, 50 m from the beach. Rated 4.5, 25 minutes on foot. › Camping Eden Villages L'Océan & Spa - Île de Ré Campsite ★ 4.4 5-star campsite with spa, 200 m from the beach. 7 minutes by car. ›

Saint-Martin-de-Ré

This village, listed among France’s Most Beautiful Villages, captivates with its cobbled streets and fishing port. Don’t miss the Vauban citadel, an architectural gem.

Where to sleep nearby

2 Rue des Marais, La Flotte Parking ★ 4.6 Free seaside parking in La Flotte. 5 minutes by car, rated 4.6, unbeatable ocean views. › Camping Municipal LE REMONDEAU Campsite ★ 4.5 Municipal campsite, 200 m from the beach. Modern facilities, 5 km by car, rated 4.5. › Motorhome area with no height limit Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré Motorhome area ★ 4.5 Free beachside area, toilets 50 m away. 45 minutes on foot, quiet and spacious. › Camping Saint Martin de Ré Campsite ★ 4.1 Municipal campsite, 10 minutes from the port. 5 minutes on foot, 115 shaded pitches. › Donkey area parking La Couarde-sur-Mer Parking ★ 4.2 Secluded spot near a naturist beach. 4 km by car, absolute peace and van access. ›

Marais salants de Loix

Discover a unique landscape where salt has been hand-harvested for centuries. A bike ride or walk lets you admire the colourful basins and learn about this traditional craft.

Where to sleep nearby

Loix marsh parking La Patache Parking ★ 4.6 Unbeatable views over the marshes and sea, 43 minutes on foot. Free, preserved nature and total tranquillity. › Camping les Baleines Campsite ★ 4.6 4-star campsite in a natural setting, direct beach access. 6 minutes by car, ideal for comfort and eco-friendliness. › Donkey area parking La Couarde-sur-Mer Parking ★ 4.2 Secluded spot by the dunes, near a naturist beach. 8 minutes by car, perfect for privacy and serenity. › Camping Municipal LE REMONDEAU Campsite ★ 4.5 Municipal campsite, 200 m from the beach, modern facilities. 6 minutes by car, family-friendly and practical. › Parking beach La Couarde-sur-Mer Parking ★ 4.5 Free parking 7 km away, a stone’s throw from the beach. Toilets and bins, ideal for a quiet night. ›

See all spots on the map