Les Mathes and La Palmyre, Charente Maritime

Description:

Geography and Transport

Les Mathes-La Palmyre is a commune situated on the Arvert Peninsula on the Atlantic coast of Charente Maritime. The commune covers an area of 34.38km².  La Palmyre is situated on the coastal side of the St Augustin-les-Mathes Forest, and Les Mathes on the opposite side.  The D25 works its way around the peninsula, giving access to both sides of this commune.  If followed south, the D25 will take you to Royan, which is the nearest railway link.  The nearest commercial airport offering flights to the UK is at La Rochelle (83km).
See also:  La Tremblade, Mornac sur Seudre

Climate

The maritime climate here keeps winters mild and summers warm (but not too hot) and is within an area that receives over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.  Average daytime summer temperatures here are a few degrees cooler than neighbouring Royan, with 20C to 23C (15C to 17C night).  Winter daytime temperatures are 9C to 10C (6C to 7C night).  The wettest month is November (62mm), and March and May to August are the driest months with between 24 and 29mm.  September is normally warmer than June, with 21C daytime, and 16C night. 

Tourism

Les Mathes-La Palmyre is a seaside resort of two villages situated in the middle of 8000 acres of pine forest, with 30km of sandy beaches on the Arvert Peninsula.  To the north is the La Coubre Forest, which backs-on to the beaches of the protected Cote Sauvage.  There are a variety of beaches along this 20km stretch of coastline, including three which are nudist zones.  The Atlantic swell means that surfing is very popular, but the sheer size of the beaches and sand-dunes mean that it doesn't feel crowded even in the height of the season.  There are life-guarded beaches at La Coubre Lighthouse, La Bouverie, Pointe Espagnol, Les Pins de Cordouan and Clapet.  The Coubre Lighthouse stands 64m high, and at the top of its 300 steps you can get panoramic views along the coast.  The lighthouse is also home to an Eco-Museum.

The Zoo at La Palmyre is a major tourist attraction, where you can see around 1600 animals across a 15ha site, in spacious and well kept enclosures.  Luna Parc opens every evening in summer from 8pm, and offers fairground attractions, including big wheel and rollercoaster.  Nearby the Parcours Aventure - Evolution2 is a forest adventure playground, with rope bridges, climbing and swings.  There is also a park for infants (Youpiland) that opens from Easter to October. 

Facilities

The pine forest here was planted in the 19^th century, and is home to paths ideal for walking, cycling or horse-riding.  There is a 35km stretch of cycle path along an old disused tramway, from La Tremblade to St Palais sur Mer, and many water sports such as surfing and jet skiing along the beaches.  The Port at La Palmyre offers the chance to rent boats and jetskis, and away from water there is the Hippodrome de Royan La Palmyre that offers horse racing between Apr and Aug.  Also available is karting, crazy golf, quad bikes, tennis and a small tourist train.

Economy

The economy here is undoubtedly based on tourism and commerce.  Les Mathes /La Palmyre is part of the Saintonge Maritime economic zone which has an unemployment rate of 11.4%, compared against the regional rate of 8.6% and the national rate of 9.1% (INSEE 2006). 

Education

There is a state nursery and primary school in Les Mathes, but for secondary schools, La Tremblade is 9km away.  For college (Lycee) the nearest option is Royan (15km).     

Key Stats

A staggering 82.6% of the properties in Les Mathes and La Palmyre are second homes, with 16.5% classed as main residences.  There are more people aged 60 or over than the national average (29.3% vs 21.3%), and the number of retired people is also higher (24.2% vs 18.2%).  19.1% of the local population are under 19 years of age.  There are fewer males than females resident here (49.6% vs 50.4%).

Key Facilities and Services: