What makes Bonne Anse Bay so special?
Probably a lot of things. Firstly the unique location. its a natural bay overlooking the Atlantic ocean set in a maritime pine forest . Set strategically between the tourist village of la Palmyre 800m on one side and the 20km of golden sands that form la Cote Sauvage 800m on the other, things don’t get much better than this!
Its a bit like Arcachon then?
Yes but much smaller and much less touristy. And the bay is actually moving all the time, being constantly shaped by the movement of the tides.
The 10000 acres of forest, which comprise the Forest of La Coubre provide the stunning backdrop to Bonne Anse Bay. Planted in the 19th century to stop the erosion of the sea this forest is quite unique in France and is undoubtedly the jewel of the region. It hides some buried villages from another time and blockhaus, the last remnants of the Second World War. Its now a protected forest, run by the ONF, office national des forets. Set against a relief of dunes, airy, clear and penetrated by shafts of sunlight, it is pleasant to explore the forest at any time of the year, either walking, riding by car but preferably by bike.
Why is the area so popular with cyclists?
There are a network of cycle tracks leading along the edge of the bay. You can either head out towards la cote sauvage or towards la Palmyre or inland towards Les Mathes You can explore the nearby beaches, the forest and neighbouring towns and villages. In fact you really don’t need a car once you have arrived.
Do you have to stick to the cycle tracks?
Technically yes, because if you fall off nobody will come and save you! But in practice thousands of people roam the criss cross of tracks which divide the forest up. This means, even in the height of summer you can find some peace and solitude,
Is there a lot of wildlife in the forest?
Yes a surprising amount, but you have to be canny to see them, There are wild boar, deer, roe deer, foxes, rabbits and hare, to name but a few. But you will have to spend some time observing to see any of this, unless of course you are lucky.
What kind of other sports can we do in the bay of Bonne Anse?
Bonne Anse bay is a natural reserve. Nature lovers will be able to do some bird watching as many different species live here, guided visits will allow you to discover this exceptional site. Because its sheltered from the Atlantic it’s particularly suited to sailing, windsurfing, sea kayak, the bay’s sailing club can hire all you need to practice these sports . Also very popular is kite surfing and several national kite surf events are held here through the summer.
Which kind of sports can we practice within a range of 10kms?
The real fans will have to deal with one problem: make a choice out of the huge offer: fishing, water skiing, , jet skiing, go-carting, horse riding, tennis, golf, , etc. La Cote Sauvage is renowned for its great surf, and you can enrol in one of the many surf clubs if you would like to try this sport or brush up on it.
Is there a special beach for nudists?
Yes, there is a section of La Cote Sauvage dedicated to Naturists, about 1km from the bay.
What else is there to see in the area?
Nearby you can visit the Zoo de la Palmyre, la Rochelle, the islands of Re and la Rochelle, Cognac and the vineyards of Bordeaux.
What is the distance to the nearest airport?
La Rochelle airport operates with Ryanair and is 80km from the bay. Bordeaux, 120km, operates with Air France, British Airways, and other operators flying from London, Bristol, Nottingham, Manchester.
It overlooks the bay of Bonne Anse. On the Atlantic Coast, between La Rochelle and Bordeaux, 16 km from Royan.
Whats new to the area?
There is a 9 hole golf course currently being developed on the edge of la Palmyre, overlooking the sea, due to be opened very soon.
Where is the nearest railway station?
Royan railway station is 16 kms from the bay., the TGV stops at La Rochelle, 80kms.