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New Aquitaine
La Rochelle

Croix-Chapeau

Attractions and Places To See around Croix-Chapeau - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Croix-Chapeau include historical sites, natural viewpoints, and coastal features. This commune in Charente-Maritime is notable as the highest point in the Aunis region, offering extensive views of the Atlantic coastline. Visitors can explore local landmarks and enjoy the tranquil rural atmosphere. Its proximity to larger towns provides access to a wider array of attractions.

Best attractions and places to see around Croix-Chapeau

  • The most popular attractions is Châtelaillon Beach, a beach known…

Last updated: May 26, 2026

Châtelaillon Beach

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Long beach of fine sand such as is seldom seen on the Atlantic coast.

The slope of the beach is gentle and the waves are small to ensure safe swimming. …

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Casino JOA de Châtelaillon

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Grand turn of the century casino of the Golden age, spreading along the central part of the town beach

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Angoulins

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Angoulins-sur-Mer is a small coastal village located about ten kilometers south of La Rochelle. It benefits from pretty beaches and a bay well protected by the Chay point.

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Lake Aytré

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Lake Aytré was initially a clay quarry. Little known, this lake has remained quite wild and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

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Church of Our Lady of the Assumption

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La première des choses que l’on voit, lorsqu'on arrive à proximité du village, est cette espèce de donjon carré surmonté d’une construction octogonale se terminant par un toit d’ardoise. Si …

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Jean FOURMIES
September 27, 2025, Plage de Châtelaillon

pretty seaside resort, very charming where life is good 🚶🏻‍♀️🚶‍♂️😍☀️🏊‍♀️🏊‍♂️

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I love the atmosphere of a casino—the excitement, the glowing screens, the feeling that luck is within reach. I used to go to brick-and-mortar gyms, but due to work and other things, I didn't have enough time. I spent a lot of time searching for a regular site until I found https://www.11croco.com/de. I liked the simple interface and the really large selection of slots. Now, whenever I have a free minute, I go there—the thrill is almost like being in a real casino, only without the dress code and waiting lines.

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Pussy et Gégé
November 7, 2024, Angoulins

Angoulins-sur-Mer is a small coastal village located about ten kilometers south of La Rochelle. It benefits from pretty beaches and a bay well protected by the Chay point. In terms of cultural and natural heritage, Angoulins is not to be outdone. Its fortified church from the 10th century, which was restored in the 15th century, is a church listed as a Historic Monument. The Seignette castle, where the town hall is now located, is also a very beautiful heritage element. The coral limestone cliffs are exceptional. Angoulins is now very well known for oyster farming... so why not come and taste the region's famous oysters? The town also offers many leisure activities since it has a water sports center, tennis courts and a football stadium. The new indoor leisure park "Trop cool" allows children to have fun in complete safety! And for nature lovers who are a little nostalgic for times gone by, a fishing trip with a carrelet is a must!! It's simple, managed by an association, the educational carrelet of Angoulins is available for rental and can accommodate school groups or individuals. • For the carrelet of Angoulins, you must book on the website http://carrelet-angoulins.over-blog.com/pages/Les_demarches_de_A_a_Z-791420.html Rate for renting a carrelet: €50 (€45 for residents of the La Rochelle area).

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With less than 2000 inhabitants, Thairé is one of the least populated rural towns in France. A must see, the medieval church built in the 14th and 15th centuries. It is a true masterpiece of the Middle Ages.

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Here is a small, park-like area with a nice view of the water (or mud flats, depending on the tide). There are some kiosks and colorful beach furniture that invite you to linger.

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Long beach of fine sand such as is seldom seen on the Atlantic coast. The slope of the beach is gentle and the waves are small to ensure safe swimming. In addition, the beach is supervised in high season. In low season, it is possible to practice sand yachting, canoeing and kite flying: this beach is lively all year round!

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Lake Aytré was initially a clay quarry. Little known, this lake has remained quite wild and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

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La première des choses que l’on voit, lorsqu'on arrive à proximité du village, est cette espèce de donjon carré surmonté d’une construction octogonale se terminant par un toit d’ardoise. Si l’on s’approche, on s’aperçoit qu’il s’agit du clocher porche du village. Jusqu’à la révolution de 1789, plusieurs seigneuries se partagent la paroisse : la commanderie des Templiers qui possède les trois quarts de la superficie et la majeure partie du village alors que la seigneurie de Dirac est le prieuré de la Fondelay qui occupe le reste. Au début du XIVe siècle, l’église romane est pillée et détruite. Une nouvelle église est construite et un donjon est érigé pour servir de tour de guet. Au XIIIe siècle la paroisse possédait une église romane qui fût détruite pendant la guerre de 100 ans. En 1318 l’évêque de Saintes invitait le clergé et les fidèles de son diocèse a contribuer à la reconstruction de cette église et de son clocher. Ce dernier vit le jour au cours du XIVe siècle pour s’achever le siècle suivant. Le clocher se présente comme un puissant massif carré, pourvu d’énormes contreforts d’angles. Côté sud ouest il contient la vis d’escalier. L’intérieur, plutôt obscur, est partagé par 2 piliers modernes. La plate-forme a 13,5 m et contient les défenses : un double mâchicoulis sur corbeau au nord, le flanc au sud défendu par une tourelle de gay, et une échauguette accessible depuis l’octogone. Ainsi conçu pour la défense ce clocher donjon est un bel édifice d’architecture militaire du XIVe siècle. Dans cette sévère bâtisse les seuls éléments sculptés sont le portail ouest et le sommet de l’escalier où un chapiteau représente deux monstres dévorant les oreilles d’un masque humain Aux XVIe et XVIIe siècle, le village a beaucoup souffert du conflit entre catholiques et protestants. Le quartier de l’hôpital possession des hospitaliers de Saint-Jean de Jérusalem, héritier des templiers, a été entièrement détruit. L’église a été brûlée et le culte catholique a été célébré pendant de nombreuses années sous le porche du donjon. Peu de vestiges subsistent du passé : les moulins et les fours de la commanderie, Les Halles, le lavoir, la Fontaine, les ruines du château médiéval, ont disparu. Seuls restent le donjon du XIVe siècle, le baloir du XVe siècle, à Dirac l’escalier monumental du château. Les armoiries de la commune rappellent que le village a appartenu aux Chevaliers de Malté et aux Templiers jusqu’à la Révolution.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features and scenic viewpoints can I find around Croix-Chapeau?

Croix-Chapeau is notable for being the highest point in the Aunis region, offering extensive views of the Atlantic coastline. A distinctive Table d'orientation near the Espace Jean-Gauvin provides unparalleled panoramic views stretching from the Marais Poitevin to the towers of La Rochelle, Fort Boyard, the Citadel of Brouage, the Rochefort Transporter Bridge, and the Vauban fortifications of Saint-Martin-de-Ré. This table is particularly remarkable as it becomes luminous at night. Additionally, Lake Aytré, originally a clay quarry, is a wild area supporting diverse flora and fauna, offering a beautiful natural setting.

Are there any historical landmarks or cultural sites in Croix-Chapeau itself?

Yes, within Croix-Chapeau, you can visit the Église de l'Annonciation, a significant Romanesque-style church. There is also the Parcours Québec, an interpretive trail around the Espace Jean-Gauvin, which commemorates the historical connection of Croix-Chapeau to New France and the pioneer Jean Gauvin who departed for Quebec in 1662.

What coastal attractions or beaches are near Croix-Chapeau?

Just 8 km away, you'll find Châtelaillon Beach, known for its long stretch of fine sand and gentle slope, making it suitable for swimming. The nearby coastal village of Angoulins also offers pretty beaches and a bay protected by the Chay point.

Are there family-friendly activities or attractions suitable for children?

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Châtelaillon Beach is ideal for safe swimming with its gentle slope and supervised areas in high season. Lake Aytré has a bike trail around its waters, perfect for a family ride. The village of Angoulins offers a water sports center and an indoor leisure park called 'Trop cool' for children.

What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, can I do near Croix-Chapeau?

The area around Croix-Chapeau offers various outdoor activities. For cycling, the Vélodyssée bike trail winds around Lake Aytré. You can also explore numerous routes for mountain biking, road cycling, running, and walking. For detailed routes, check out the MTB Trails around Croix-Chapeau, Road Cycling Routes around Croix-Chapeau, and Running Trails around Croix-Chapeau guides.

What other towns or cities are easily accessible for a day trip from Croix-Chapeau?

Croix-Chapeau's location makes it a great base for exploring nearby towns. La Rochelle (13 km) offers a historic port, aquarium, and museums. Châtelaillon-Plage (8 km) is a lively seaside resort. Rochefort (19 km) is known for its 18th-century architecture and historic corderie. You can also visit the extensive marshlands of Marais Poitevin (36 km) or the charming Île-d'Aix (17 km) by ferry.

Are there any easy or short walking routes suitable for beginners or quick strolls?

While specific easy walking routes directly in Croix-Chapeau are not detailed, the rural setting provides tranquil environments for strolls. The bike trail around Lake Aytré offers a firm, fine gravel surface suitable for easy walks. For more structured options, the Running Trails around Croix-Chapeau guide includes routes as short as 5.8 km, which can be adapted for walking.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Croix-Chapeau?

Visitors particularly appreciate the long, soft sand of Châtelaillon Beach, noting its suitability for safe swimming and year-round activity. The wild and diverse flora and fauna around Lake Aytré are also highly regarded for their natural beauty. The coastal village of Angoulins is praised for its pretty beaches, protected bay, and cultural heritage, including its fortified church and oyster farming.

Where can I find local markets near Croix-Chapeau?

Several nearby towns host vibrant markets on different days, offering local produce and goods. These include Châtelaillon-Plage, Aytre, La Rochelle, Fouras, Rochefort, and Surgeres. These markets are a great way to experience local culture and cuisine.

What is the significance of Croix-Chapeau's elevation?

Croix-Chapeau holds the distinction of being the highest point in the Aunis region. This elevated position provides open landscapes and rare, extensive views of the entire Atlantic coastline from its natural heights, contributing to its scenic appeal and the panoramic views from the Table d'orientation.

Are there any specific cycling routes for mountain biking or road cycling?

Yes, there are dedicated routes for both mountain biking and road cycling. For mountain biking, you can explore routes like the 'Marshes near the coast – Châtelaillon-Plage Beach loop' (37.9 km, moderate) or the 'Saint-Léonard Tunnel loop' (29.3 km, easy). Road cyclists can enjoy longer routes such as the 'Yves loop' (68.5 km, moderate) or the 'Old Port of La Rochelle – Esnandes loop' (69.1 km, moderate). You can find more details in the MTB Trails around Croix-Chapeau and Road Cycling Routes around Croix-Chapeau guides.

Can I find any historical sites related to the Knights Templar or other medieval history nearby?

The nearby Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Thairé, though not in Croix-Chapeau itself, has a rich medieval history. It features a 14th-century bell tower designed for defense, with elements like machicolations and a watchtower. The commune's coat of arms recalls its past belonging to the Knights of Malta and the Templars until the Revolution.

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