Charente-Maritime Bliss: Our Girlfriend Getaway at Club Med La Palmyre
- Valerie Mayer
- Aug 14
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Sometimes you just need to hit pause on everyday life, grab your best friend, and escape to a place where the air smells like saltwater, the wine flows freely, and every day feels like a postcard. That’s exactly what we did with our trip to Charente-Maritime, setting up camp at the fabulous all-inclusive Club Med La Palmyre Atlantique, a place that turned out to be so much more than just a resort; it became a key component of our adventure.
Nestled at the edge of La Coubre Forest, where pine trees meet the sand dunes, the Club Med La Palmyre resort feels like a secret hideaway hugging the Atlantic. Picture waking up to the sound of waves, the scent of pine needles in the air, and knowing you have a day of either pure relaxation or exciting discovery ahead. We had the best of both worlds—and trust me, we embraced both!
Our Home Base: Club Med La Palmyre
From the moment we arrived at the all-inclusive Club Med La Palmyre, it felt like we had stepped into a French coastal dream. The resort is designed like a chic fishing village, with charming bungalows that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. We stayed in the Dune space, which is perfect for couples or, in our case, two friends on a mission to unwind, recharge, and have a blast.
Our days at the resort were filled with many Club Med activities, everything from windsurfing in Bonne Anse Bay (yes, we tried it, and yes, we fell off—more than once!) to lazy afternoons sipping smoothies by the Zen pool, an adults-only oasis tucked under the pines. For a bit of pampering, we visited the spa, where I may or may not have dozed off mid-massage (no regrets).
And the food was off the charts as well! We gorged on Oléron oysters, grilled sea bass, and my personal weakness: the tuna tartare. One night, glass of Charentais white wine in hand at the Belle Epoque bar, we watched the sunset and agreed that life, at that very moment, was pretty much perfect.
But we didn’t just stay poolside the whole time. Our trip was also about exploring Charente-Maritime, a region rich in history, scenery, and food (did I mention the oysters?).
Here’s how our week unfolded.
Day 1: La Rochelle - A Perfect Start
Our first excursion was to La Rochelle, a seaside city with just the right mix of medieval charm and laid-back cool. We wandered through the Vieux Port, where colorful boats bob in the water, and snapped photos by the iconic towers guarding the harbor. The Porte de la Grosse-Horloge and the Hôtel de Ville made us feel like we had time-traveled back to the Middle Ages, except with better shoes.
After a delicious seafood lunch (scenic terrace included, of course), we meandered through the artsy Saint-Nicolas neighborhood before hopping on a boat bus through Europe’s largest marina. Watching the masts sway while the sun set? Magical.
Day 2: Cordouan Lighthouse & Royan - History and 50s Glam
On day two, we set out to see the Phare de Cordouan, the oldest operating lighthouse in France and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s been standing proudly since 1611, and climbing its 301 steps was no joke, but the view from the top was worth every panting moment. Standing there, with the Atlantic stretching to infinity, we felt like queens of the sea.
After our lighthouse adventure, we headed to Royan, a town that’s part Belle Époque elegance and part 1950s retro revival. We strolled along the Boulevard Garnier, ogling the seaside villas. A perfect mix of past and present.
Day 3: Meschers-sur-Gironde & Talmont - Cliffs, Caves, and Cobblestones
We started the day in Meschers-sur-Gironde, where the cliffs hide troglodyte caves that once sheltered pirates and Protestants. Exploring the Regulus Caves, carved right into the limestone, gave us goosebumps—in the best way.
Next, we visited Talmont-sur-Gironde, hands-down one of the most beautiful villages in France. Flower-filled alleys, ancient stone houses, and the stunning Sainte-Radegonde Church perched above the estuary—it felt like walking through a postcard. We lingered, of course, snapping way too many photos and chatting with locals.
Day 4: Île d’Oléron - Oysters and Art
If you love seafood, you’ll love Île d’Oléron. We started at the Cité de l'Huître, where we learned all about oyster farming (spoiler: it’s way more interesting than you’d think). And yes, we tasted oysters, fresh from the beds. Salty, briny, perfection.
Then we wandered through Couleurs Cabanes, a village of brightly painted artists' huts that used to house oyster farmers. Now, they’re home to painters, sculptors, and knife-makers, all adding a creative splash to this seaside community. We left with handmade souvenirs—and a full camera roll.
Day 5: Cognac & Saintes - History Meets Happy Hour
This day combined ancient Roman ruins with liquid gold, aka Cognac. We started in Saintes, exploring the 1st-century Arc of Germanicus, a Roman amphitheater, and the Abbey of Ladies. Wandering through its narrow streets and along the Charente River felt like discovering a hidden gem.
Then it was time for Cognac (literally). We visited a local winegrower to taste Cognac and Pineau des Charentes, followed by a tour of the Baron Otard house, where King Francis I was born. Let’s just say the tour ended with us feeling a little extra royal, and a little extra giggly.
Day 6: Rochefort - Maritime Marvels
Our last sightseeing day took us to Rochefort, a town originally built as a place of refuge and supply for the French Navy. We visited the Corderie Royale, an enormous rope-making factory that looks like a palace and checked out the dry dock where the Hermione replica was built—a ship that once carried Lafayette to America.
At the Maritime Museum, we learned about sailors, ships, and ropemaking (which is apparently more fascinating than we expected). It was a perfect way to wrap up our cultural deep dive before heading back to the all-inclusive Club Med La Palmyre Atlantique for one final evening of cocktails and laughs.
Back at the Resort: Sunset Vibes and Zen Moments
After a day of exploring, coming back to the all-inclusive Club Med La Palmyre felt like returning home, except better, because someone else was making the beds and mixing the drinks.
Evenings were for live music, DJ sets, and the occasional spontaneous dance party. Sometimes we’d chill at the Wine Bar, chatting with the sommelier about rare bottles. Other nights, we just kicked back under the pines at Le Phare bar, sipping local beer and breathing in the seaside air.
A Week We’ll Never Forget
Looking back, this trip was the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, culture, and culinary delight. Charente-Maritime is one of those regions that somehow manages to stay under the radar yet offers some of France’s richest experiences.
And the Club Med La Palmyre? It gave us the luxury of doing everything—or nothing—whenever we wanted.
If you’re dreaming of a sun getaway where friendship, fun, and discovery take center stage, this slice of the French Atlantic coast delivers in every way.
We came home with sun-kissed skin, full hearts, and a whole lot of inside jokes. And maybe—just maybe—a plan to do it all over again next year.
Ready for your own getaway? Contact Travelbootik—they’ll take care of everything for you.
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