Summer holidays frequently mean swimming and outdoor activities
Whether a couple, a family or a group of friends, it’s difficult to resist getting out the rackets, going for a canoe trip or having a swim. Vals de Saintonge has all the facilities you’ll need for relaxation: leisure centres or pools. Here are our suggestions for having fun, cooling down or a bit of exertion!
Swimming on the programme
How about an afternoon at the countryside lake in Thors with its sandy beaches? Lay out your towels and everyone gets on with whatever they want to do. The swimming area is supervised in summer.
And of course, the pools … Summer season pools in Loulay, Aulnay-de- Saintonge, Matha, Saint-Hilaire-de-Villefranche, Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente (Le Mung) or Tonnay-Boutonne have a variety of pools including paddling pools; slides, pentagliss, aquagym lessons for a change!
At the Atlantys water centre in Saint-Jean-d’Angély, swimmers can enjoy the high diving board or the sensations of the counter-current river while those seeking to relax will appreciate the hammam, sauna and jacuzzi.
Leisure bases for all
Whether it’s playing or relaxing, benefit fully from all the activities on offer. Our non-exhaustive list includes mini-golf, ping-pong, fitness trails, skate park, games areas, inflatable structures, boulodrome… In summer, don’t forget that activities are regularly organised in the evenings at the Antezant-la-Chapelle base.
And at places like the quayside at Taillebourg, many leisure bases also offer boats for hire. L’Ile de la Grenouillette on the Charente, is home to the delightfully named Le Port Miniature
Immediate boarding!
At the miniature port of Saint-Savinien-sur-Charente children swop their summer cap for one of the captain of a trawler, a Mississippi steamboat or a ferry. Nearly 20 scale model boats await your offspring who will love going for a cruise and identify a lighthouse, bridges, tidal mill… An original theme park and a must for families!
In Vals de Saintonge, getting away is also by paddle-power! There are several points along the Charente and Boutonne where you can hire canoes or kayaks.
And not far from the Vals de Saintonge, the Marais Poitevin offers punting trips from the base at Port du Montfaucon along the canals.