Aytré brings together coastal scenery, salt marsh history and wetlands: Plage d’Aytré is a 3.5-kilometre-long sandy beach, while two discovery trails offer different routes and heritage themes. There are also paths by the sea, Marais Doux and Église Saint-Étienne, with its long history.

Beach and seaside paths

Between two limestone headlands, Plage d’Aytré forms the shallow, wide Anse de Godechaud. Swimming there has been prohibited by mayoral decree until further notice because of inadequate water quality. Before planning to swim, check whether the ban is still in effect. The seaside paths in Aytré are suitable for both walking and cycling and run along a cycle route classified as part of the “Vélodyssée” between Roscoff and Biarritz. As routes may change, check the current route before setting out. This gives you a choice between enjoying the beach scenery and getting around on foot or by bike.

Discovery trails through the salt marsh landscape

The five-kilometre “Le Marais de Tasdon, l’héritage des Salines” discovery trail runs through Marais de Tasdon-La Moulinette. The ten-kilometre “Des Salines … à aujourd’hui” trail in Aytré features twelve information panels about local heritage. The trail lengths offer a direct comparison: five versus ten kilometres. The themes also differ: one trail passes through the named marshland, while heritage panels accompany the other.

Another walk at Lac d’argile gradually leads away from the town and closer to the sea. Its description sets out the direction from the town towards the coast, giving you another way to factor the route into your plans alongside the two discovery trails.

Marais Doux and wetland wildlife

Marais Doux is easily accessible from Aytré town centre and covers approximately 80 hectares. It is home to wetland wildlife such as birds, otters and coypu. If you would like to include nature and scenery in your stay, this offers a different focus from the designated discovery trails: the emphasis is on the extensive wetland and its wildlife.

Church, villa and local history

Église Saint-Étienne has a history spanning almost a thousand years and was built in the 10th century. During the Siege of La Rochelle (1627–1628), Louis XIII and Richelieu converted it into a royal chapel. After several months of work, the church reopened on 5 and 6 December 2025. Check current visiting arrangements before your visit.

Local history also includes the Gallo-Roman villa of Bongraine, which was in use from the 1st to the 5th century AD, and Le Cheval d’Aytré, a work created by sculptor Christian Renonciat in 1989. They point to different periods: the villa’s use in the distant past and a dated work from the late 20th century.

Oysters and Charentais tradition

A culinary discovery can also round out your stay: near Plage du Platin, visitors can sample oysters at oyster farmers’ huts on Chemin de la Gigas. The farmers uphold the Charentais tradition of oyster farming. Availability at individual huts may vary; check whether tastings are available before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Villars-les-Bois, Saint-Augustin, Péré, Marans, Chambon, Saint-Palais-De-Phiolin, Les Mathes, Foulerot

For the broader travel guide: Charente-Maritime.