Camping La Tour des Prises

Camping La Tour des Prises in La Couarde-sur-Mer focuses on affordable rates in the heart of the Île de Ré: pitches from €19 a night for 2 people, unusual Coco Sweet tents from €265 a week, Standard mobile homes from €330/week. A campsite ACSI-listed and ANCV-approved — a rare combination of a 4-star stay on a tight budget.

The included water area (heated indoor pool + outdoor pool + paddling pool) avoids the cost of access to municipal pools. Just 500 m from Les Prises beach, you also avoid the car thanks to the Île de Ré cycle paths, which start right at the campsite.

On the budget accommodation side: 9 mobile home models (from the 4-person Standard to the 8-person Premium XXL), original Coco Sweet tents for an unusual stay on a small budget, and shaded 100 m² pitches for tents/caravans/motorhomes. The on-site restaurant-pizzeria and grocery shop mean you can eat without going anywhere.

To compare with other Atlantic bargains: Camping de l’Île Blanche in La Flotte-en-Ré, Camping Le Fief Melin on Île d’Oléron. Also see our guide What to do on Île d’Oléron.

Camping La Tour des Prises includes all the free essential services in your stay’s rate: wifi at reception, access to the water area, a children’s play area, a TV room, a games room, a multi-sports pitch, modern washrooms with hot water.

Tight budget requires: motorhome service area included, fridge rental at a low price, linen rental at a modest price (ideal for travelling light), a launderette with washing machine and tumble dryer at a reasonable extra cost. The on-site shop avoids car trips to the supermarket, and the restaurant-pizzeria offers takeaway meals at affordable prices.

The on-site bike hire is a real bargain: no need for a car to enjoy the Île de Ré, the cycle paths cover the whole island. Pets welcome (dogs on a lead), baby kit on request.

For other cheap campsites on the Atlantic: Camping Plages des Tonnelles in the Vendée, Camping Flower Les Biches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, or Camping La Ferme.

The Île de Ré is a paradise for free or low-cost activities. Just 500 m from the campsite, Les Prises beach offers supervised free swimming in summer (free), shellfish gathering (free at low tide), beach games and sunbathing. The Blue Flag beaches of La Couarde-sur-Mer cost nothing.

By bike (hired on site at gentle prices), the Île de Ré cycle paths let you visit the whole island for free: Saint-Martin-de-Ré and its Vauban fortifications, Ars-en-Ré, Le Phare des Baleines lighthouse (paid visit €3-5), the Lilleau des Niges nature reserve (free access, birdwatching), the salt marshes (free access to the paths).

On site: free entertainment at the pool in season, kids’ shows, themed evenings, a multi-sports pitch, pétanque, table tennis, a games room. The children are never bored.

For the neighbouring Île d’Oléron or the Vendée Atlantic coast, check out our guides: What to do on Île d’Oléron and What to do in the Vendée. Also see our campsites on the Atlantic Ocean.