Located where the Gironde Estuary meets the Atlantic Ocean, Saint-Georges-de-Didonne is a laid-back seaside resort on France’s Côte de Beauté. It boasts an atmospheric historic core and a wide expanse of sand backed by a forest of maritime pines and holm oaks.
Things to do in Saint-Georges-de-Didonne
Spend your days relaxing on the wide sands of Plage Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, which stretches for more than two kilometres along the Atlantic Ocean. Nestled between two limestone cliffs, its shallow waters are ideal for families and it offers magnificent views across the mouth of the Gironde Estuary. At the southern end of the beach is an adventure park where you’ll find challenging tree-top ropes courses.
Dominating the other end of the beach is the Phare de Vallieres, a square, stone lighthouse that was constructed at the turn of the 20th century. It was partially rebuilt following damage during World War II and is topped by a lookout platform that is reached by climbing the tower’s 144 stairs. From here, you’ll find sweeping views across the Côte de Beauté and the vineyards of the Médoc.
Away from the sand, you can admire the seaside villas and traditional Charentais houses that line the narrow streets of Saint-Georges-de-Didonne or relax with a drink in the atmospheric Place de Verdun. The square is watched over by the Eglise Saint Georges, an elegant Neo-Romanesque church that dates back to the 12th century.
Getting around Saint-Georges-de-Didonne
Saint-Georges-de-Didonne is just over an hour’s drive from La Rochelle and La Rochelle – Île de Re Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Bordeaux is around 1.5 hours away. Trains connect to the nearby Royan railway station and buses travel through Saint-Georges-de-Didonne.