As night falls, the central square in Châtelaillon-Plage lights up with the thousand colours of the huge Christmas tree. In an enchanting atmosphere, a mother and child admire the illuminated decorations at the Christmas market, a symbol of the seaside resort's friendly winter atmosphere. Situated by the sea near La Rochelle, Châtelaillon-Plage offers an enchanting setting every winter, where families come to enjoy the entertainment, gourmet chalets and illuminations that are so typical of the Charente-Maritime region.
Under the warm lights of the Christmas market in Châtelaillon-Plage, visitors will discover a magical atmosphere in the heart of Charente-Maritime. Between the copper cauldrons, the typical decorations and the spicy aromas of the hot drinks, the magic of Christmas comes to the Atlantic coast. Every winter, Châtelaillon-Plage offers a friendly and festive setting, ideal for sharing time with family and friends by the sea, near La Rochelle.Just a few minutes from La Rochelle, Châtelaillon-Plage is decked out in lights for Christmas! On the Place Jean-Moulin, the Christmas market brings together local craftsmen and producers to offer gift ideas and delicacies. Then climb on the giant fir merry-go-round to admire the sparkling lights in the heart of the town.
In the park, the Magic Forest transports young and old into the magical world of Mélimelon the elf, with his tales and Christmas secrets.
On the church forecourt, the living cot amazes visitors, with more than 80 volunteers re-enacting the Nativity in a sumptuous setting.
And to end the year on a frosty note, join us on Sunday 28 December 2025 at 11am for the famous Baignade des Banquisards!
2026 PROGRAMME TO COME
From 29 November to 31 December 2025, the magic of Christmas in Châtelaillon-Plage awaits you, just a few minutes from La Rochelle!
Under the lights of the Christmas market, discover 30 chalets filled with delicacies and gift ideas.
? Rides & Father Christmas
Guaranteed thrills with Santa’s toboggan, carousel and Little Train!
And for a unique experience, climb aboard the giant Christmas tree merry-go-round: 13 metres of magic above the village.
Santa awaits you on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 6pm.
✨ La Fabrique à souvenirs: A magical space for families
Christmas stories on Wednesdays (11am & 3pm) / Creative workshops at 4.30pm / Christmas concerts every Friday at 6pm.
? Christmas Market opening times
Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 8pm
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 10pm
Closed on 25 December and 1 January
Entrance to the Châtelaillon-Plage Christmas market
Under the lights of the Christmas market in Châtelaillon-Plage, two children share an unforgettable moment in the company of Father Christmas. Between laughter, photos and wonder, the magic of Christmas takes hold on the Atlantic coast. Every winter, the seaside resort of Charente-Maritime, near La Rochelle, offers a warm and friendly Christmas market, ideal for families looking for excitement and festive traditions by the sea.I love Christmas in Châtelaillon-Plage! I saw Father Christmas, ate a waffle and took the little magic train. It was so much fun!
Living CrecheIt’s become a not-to-be-missed feature of the festive season in Châtelaillon-Plage.
A few days before Christmas, more than 80 volunteers don costumes and lights to bring the beautiful story of the Nativity to life on the church forecourt.
Kings, shepherds, angels and live animals come to life in a moving spectacle of song, dance and light.
A unique moment when the whole of Châtelaillon shares in the spirit of Christmas.
From 20 to 23 December at 7pm – Church forecourt
❄️ Ready to shiver?
It’s the frosty event that Châtelaillon residents look forward to every year: the Baignade des Banquisards!
On Sunday 28 December 2025 at 11am, the beach at Châtelaillon-Plage, near La Rochelle, becomes the playground for hundreds of brave souls.
More than 500 participants in fancy dress dive into the Atlantic Ocean to celebrate the end of the year in good spirits!
It’s a fun, crazy and supportive event to enjoy with family and friends.
Join the adventure and show your heart’s content!
?️ Bracelets available from 1 December
→ at the town hall, Casino and Hyper U Beaulieu reception desks
? Event in aid of charity
Every winter, Châtelaillon-Plage celebrates the Baignade des Banquisards, an unusual and festive event that brings together hundreds of participants to dive into the Atlantic Ocean in good spirits. Disguised as cheerleaders, Father Christmas or sailors, the swimmers brave the cold waters in a joyous and friendly atmosphere. This emblematic Charente-Maritime tradition perfectly embodies the warm and quirky spirit of the seaside resort, located by the sea near La Rochelle.A not-to-be-missed event during your stay in Châtelaillon-Plage!Every year, the Baignade des Banquisards is my dose of madness and good humour! It’s impossible to end the year without taking an icy plunge at Châtelaillon-Plage.
By train, Châtelaillon-Plage station is served by TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine lines. From Nantes or Bordeaux, or from near La Rochelle or Rochefort, come by train and stop at Châtelaillon-Plage station. It’s easy, just download the TER Nouvelle Aquitaine application and off you go!
By car: located just 10km south of La Rochelle, the seaside resort is easily accessible by car via the A10 motorway and the N137 trunk road.
The Châtelaillon-Plage Christmas Festivities take place from 29 November 2025 to 5 January 2026 in the heart of the seaside resort.
The Christmas Village is open every day from 11am to 8pm, and until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays to make the most of the illuminations.
? Closed on 25 December and 1 January.
Yes, access to the Christmas Festivities at Châtelaillon-Plage is completely free. The Christmas Village, the living cot, the Sainte-Lucie and the Magic Forest are all open to the public, so that everyone can enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Only certain activities are subject to a charge, such as the merry-go-rounds, tobogganing and a number of specific activities on offer during the period.
Châtelaillon-Plage is ideally located 15 minutes south of La Rochelle and 20 minutes north of Rochefort, making it the perfect destination for a family Christmas outing.
? By train
The Châtelaillon-Plage TER station is just a 5-minute walk from the Christmas Village.
An ideal choice for visitors coming from La Rochelle, Rochefort or Surgères.
? By car
From La Rochelle: take the N137 motorway, exit at Châtelaillon-Plage.
From Rochefort: head towards La Rochelle, take the Châtelaillon-Plage exit.
On arrival, you’ll find free car parks at the entrance to the town, making it easy to get to Place Jean Moulin – the heart of the festivities – in less than 10 minutes on foot.
These car parks are recommended if you want to avoid traffic in the town centre and get to the Christmas Village quickly and easily.
The Baignade des Banquisards is Châtelaillon-Plage’s not-to-be-missed winter festive event!
Every year, hundreds of participants plunge into the Atlantic Ocean in a joyous and friendly atmosphere.
? Date 2025: 28 December at 11am on the beach, opposite the Casino
How to take part :
Bracelets available from December 1 at the reception desks of the Town Hall, the Casino and Hyper U Beaulieu.
Meet on the beach a few minutes before the big dive
Enjoy a unique moment hosted by the organising team
The living nativity scene at Châtelaillon-Plage is on display from 20 to 23 December, every evening at 7pm, on the church forecourt.
Châtelaillon-Plage offers a full programme designed for families in Charente-Maritime. Not to be missed!
All the activities are in the town centre, within easy reach of La Rochelle (15 mins) and Rochefort (20 mins).
