Van road trip: La Rochelle and Île de Ré, the call of the open sea

From historic ports and wild beaches to charming villages, this van road trip takes you to discover La Rochelle and Île de Ré, the jewels of Charente-Maritime.

By the Le Campeur editorial team · 1 September 2026

Ready to hit the road with the windows down, salt on your lips and the scent of seaweed in your hair? La Rochelle, a bustling port city, and Île de Ré, a preserved paradise between land and sea, await you for a 100% nature and culture getaway. Here, you’ll alternate between visits to iconic monuments, cycling along endless trails and contemplative breaks by the ocean. Your van is your ticket to adventure: follow the guide!

Vieux Port de La Rochelle

The beating heart of the city, this historic port charms visitors with its two medieval towers, Saint-Nicolas and Chaîne, framing the entrance to the basin. Stroll along the lively quays, enjoy oysters on a terrace and admire the traditional boats moored here.

Where to sleep nearby

La ferme du Grand Chemin Campsite ★ 4.9 5 spacious gravel pitches, electricity included. 6 min drive (5 km) from Vieux Port. › Aire automatisée de Port-Neuf Motorhome area ★ 4 116 wooded pitches, full services (water, electricity, wifi). 31 min walk to the centre. › Quiet parking near harbour office L'Houmeau Parking ★ 4.3 Free seaside parking, very quiet out of season. 6 min drive (6 km) from Vieux Port. › Parking free Sacred Heart church La Rochelle Parking ★ 4.3 Free shaded parking in front of Sacré-Cœur church. 18 min walk from Vieux Port. › Camping municipal du Soleil Campsite ★ 3.1 Municipal shaded campsite, 11 min walk from the port. Pitches are small but central. ›

Aquarium La Rochelle

Dive into an underwater journey through 2 million litres of water and over 12,000 marine animals. Sharks, rays and jellyfish await you in spectacular tanks for an unforgettable immersive experience.

Where to sleep nearby

La ferme du Grand Chemin Campsite ★ 4.9 5 spacious gravel pitches, electricity included. 20 min bike ride from La Rochelle via cycle path. › Aire automatisée de Port-Neuf Motorhome area ★ 4 116 wooded pitches, full services (water, electricity, wifi). €15/night, 10-15 min from the centre. › Parking ideal for visiting La Rochelle Parking ★ 4.4 Free shaded parking at a school, quiet. 25 min walk to the city centre. › Gravel parking La Rochelle Parking ★ 4.4 Free parking by the sea, ocean view. 24 min walk from Plage des Minimes. › L'huitrière du sud-ouest Campsite ★ 4.7 Private parking at an oyster farmer’s, quiet by the marsh. Easy beach access. ›

Phare des Baleines

A symbol of Île de Ré, this 57-metre lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding coasts after climbing 250 steps. At its base, the lighthouse museum tells the story of maritime signalling.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping les Baleines Campsite ★ 4.6 4-star eco campsite in a natural setting, direct beach access and coastal path. 4.6/5 (150 reviews), 7 min walk. › Quiet parking facing the sea Ars-en-Ré Parking ★ 4.4 Parking by the sea, max 6 spaces, very quiet out of season. Free, 6 min drive (5 km). › Camping Huttopia Ars-en-Ré Campsite ★ 4.5 Charming forest campsite, 50 m from the beach. 4.5/5 (94 reviews), 5 min drive (4 km). › Gated parking near the beach Les Portes-en-Ré Parking ★ 4.4 Free parking by the beach, flat ground. Barrier 2.10 m out of season, 6 min drive (5 km). › Camping le Cormoran Campsite ★ 4.4 Luxury 5-star campsite 100 m from the beach, heated pool and spa. 4.4/5 (14 reviews), 5 min drive (4 km). ›

Plage de la Conche des Baleines

One of the most beautiful beaches on Île de Ré, perfect for a relaxing break or a refreshing swim. Its turquoise waters and fine sand make it an ideal spot for sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping La Côte Sauvage Marvilla Parks Campsite ★ 4.1 8 min walk from the beach, spacious nature campsite with direct sand access. 4/5, 55 reviews. › Camping les Baleines Campsite ★ 4.6 4-star eco campsite in a natural setting, direct beach access and coastal walk. 4.6/5, 150 reviews, 26 min walk. › Beach parking Saint-Clément-des-Baleines Parking ★ 4.2 Free parking by the beach (30 m), extremely quiet out of season. 4.2/5, 16 reviews, 13 min walk. › Gated parking near the beach Les Portes-en-Ré Parking ★ 4.4 Free parking by the beach (20-50 m), flat and very quiet. 4.4/5, 17 reviews, 5 min drive. › Shaded parking 50m from the beach in Saint-Clément-des-Baleines Parking ★ 4.1 Shaded forest parking near the beach (50-200 m), very quiet out of season. 4.1/5, 50 reviews, 30 min walk. ›

Saint-Martin-de-Ré

Listed among France’s Most Beautiful Villages, Saint-Martin-de-Ré captivates with its cobbled streets, marina and Vauban fortifications. Don’t miss its daily market, where local produce and a friendly atmosphere await.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Les Pins Campsite ★ 4.6 Family campsite with 16 pitches, 3 min from the market. 6 campervan spaces, quiet and central. › Camping Municipal LE REMONDEAU Campsite ★ 4.5 Municipal seaside campsite, direct beach access. Modern facilities, 5 km drive. › Motorhome area with no height limit Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré Motorhome area ★ 4.5 Free area by the beach, toilets 50 m away. 3-4 campervans accepted, 45 min walk. › 2 Rue des Marais, La Flotte Parking ★ 4.6 Free parking out of season, ocean view facing the beach. 5 min drive, flat and spacious. › Donkey area parking La Couarde-sur-Mer Parking ★ 4.2 Secluded spot by the dunes, near naturist beach. Narrow access for vans, 4 km drive. ›

Réserve naturelle nationale de Lilleau des Niges

A sanctuary for migratory birds, this nature reserve is a haven of peace for nature lovers. Observation hides allow you to admire the species without disturbing them in a preserved and wild setting.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Bois Henri IV Campsite ★ 4.6 Wooded campsite 200 m from the beach, shaded pitches. 4.7/5, 5 min drive. › Camping les Baleines Campsite ★ 4.6 4-star eco campsite, direct beach access. 4.6 ha in a natural setting, 5 min drive. › Loix marsh parking La Patache Parking ★ 4.6 Wild parking by the marsh, sea view 50 m away. Very quiet, 45 min walk. › Gated parking near the beach Les Portes-en-Ré Parking ★ 4.4 Free parking by the beach, flat ground. Barrier removed out of season, 35 min walk. › Camping Essi Campsite ★ 4.4 Municipal campsite 500 m from shops, spacious pitches. 4.5/5, 45 min walk. ›

See all spots on the map