Located at the mouth of the Seudre River, Ronce-les-Bains is a coastal neighbourhood in the French town of La Tremblade. It was purpose-built as a resort in the 1860s and offers easy access to the beaches of Charente-Maritime and is a famous oyster growing region.
Things to do in Ronce-les-Bains
Stretching along the front of Ronce-les-Bains is the Plage de la Cèpe, a dune-backed swimming beach overlooking the Pertuis of Maumusson. It extends from the mouth of the Seudre River to the edge of the Coubre State Forest, one of the most important pine forests in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Coincide your visit with the high tide if you want to swim or go fossicking on the muddy flats at low tide.
A short drive south of Ronce-les-Bains is the seaside resort of La Palmyre where you’ll find family-friendly beaches and a zoo where endangered orangutans, scimitar oryx and golden lion tamarins are exhibited. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Phare de la Coubre, an early-20th-century, red-and-white lighthouse that offers magnificent views across the Atlantic Ocean.
Between Ronce-les-Bains and La Palmyre is Luna Park, which is home to thrilling rides, a miniature golf course and a variety of popular Disney characters. Brave the House of Horror or launch yourself from the famous Cannonball before feasting at one of the fast-food eateries. Fireworks displays regularly take place in the summer months.
Getting around Ronce-les-Bains
Ronce-les-Bains is around five minutes’ drive from the centre of La Tremblade and an hour from La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect to Ronce-les-Bains while renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring the region.