Chef de Baie
Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France: Excellent water quality
Chef De Baie is a beach on the French coast with a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open seasonally, and it's worth checking local conditions before you go. April through…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Chef de Baie
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Chef de Baie?
Chef De Baie is a beach on the French coast with a Blue Flag award, which means it meets strict standards for water quality, environmental management, and visitor safety. The beach is open seasonally, and it's worth checking local conditions before you go.
April through June are the best months to visit. The Blue Flag certification comes from the Foundation for Environmental Education, so you can trust the water quality and facilities here.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Nouvelle-Aquitaine, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout France certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Chef de Baie faces south toward Bay of Biscay. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7°C | 12°C | Low |
| Feb | 8°C | 12°C | Low |
| Mar | 10°C | 12°C | Low |
| Apr | 12°C | 13°C | Med |
| May | 15°C | 15°C | Med |
| Jun | 19°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jul | 21°C | 21°C | High |
| Aug | 21°C | 21°C | High |
| Sep | 18°C | 20°C | Med |
| Oct | 15°C | 18°C | Low |
| Nov | 11°C | 16°C | Low |
| Dec | 8°C | 14°C | Low |
When is the best time to visit Chef de Baie?
The best time to visit Chef de Baie is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 20.8°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 20.5°C in July.
How crowded does Chef de Baie get?
Like most Blue Flag beaches in France, Chef de Baie sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Chef de Baie open year-round?
The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Chef de Baie
Is Chef de Baie safe to swim?
Chef de Baie is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Water quality
Excellent (2025)
Earlier seasons: 2024 Excellent, 2023 Excellent, 2022 Excellent.
Excellent is the top class under the EU Bathing Water Directive. Recent samples stayed inside the strictest limits for bacteria.
Source: European Environment Agency
What is the water temperature at Chef de Baie?
Peak water temperature at Chef de Baie reaches around 20.5°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 7.1°C.
What is the beach like at Chef de Baie?
Chef de Baie on the Nouvelle-Aquitaine coast of France. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Chef de Baie sits on the Bay of Biscay: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Chef de Baie
How do I get to Chef de Baie by car?
Chef de Baie is approximately 4.71 km from La Rochelle. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Chef de Baie?
The nearest airport is La Rochelle Île de Ré Airport (LRH), approximately 3.7 km away.
Can I get to Chef de Baie by public transport?
Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to La Rochelle. The nearest recorded bus stop is 284 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Chef de Baie?
Chef de Baie lists La Rochelle - Porte Dauphine as the nearest railway station, 5.0 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Chef de Baie
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Chef de Baie. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Chef de Baie
- Plage de Chef de Baie Public toilets 122 m
Bus near Chef de Baie
- Agrocéan Bus stop 284 m
- Plage Chef de Baie Bus stop 418 m
- Plage Chef de Baie Bus stop 460 m
Cafés near Chef de Baie
- Bar de La Plage Café 116 m
- La Gueule du Loup Restaurant 491 m
Parking near Chef de Baie
- Parking Parking 149 m
- Parking Parking 189 m
- Parking Parking 229 m
- Parking Parking 263 m
- Parking Parking 444 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
On the beach
Facilities at Chef de Baie
- Toilets
- Yes
- Showers
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Parking
- Available nearby (surface parking). 131 m away
- Surface
- Sand
These details can change. Check on arrival.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Official Season | June – October |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Nearest supermarket | 1.6 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 284 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 46.1479°N, 1.2103°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (2025) (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), France |
Frequently Asked Questions
Chef de Baie FAQ
Is Chef de Baie suitable for children?
Chef de Baie has a child-friendly score of 4/10. It is Blue Flag certified in France. Families should still check what is open on the day.
Is Chef de Baie free to access?
An entry fee is not listed for Chef de Baie. Check with the beach operator before you travel. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Chef de Baie?
The best time to visit Chef de Baie is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best.
Peak water temperature reaches around 20.5°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Chef de Baie?
Chef de Baie is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. The latest official class is Excellent (2025).
Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Chef de Baie?
Chef de Baie is located in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France. It is approximately 4.71 km from La Rochelle. The nearest airport is La Rochelle Île de Ré Airport (LRH), 3.7 km away.
By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Chef de Baie?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Chef de Baie, including Plage de Chef de Baie (122 m).
Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Chef de Baie?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 284 m from Chef de Baie (Agrocéan), plus 2 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Chef de Baie?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 2 cafés or restaurants near Chef de Baie, including Bar de La Plage (116 m) and La Gueule du Loup (491 m).
Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Chef de Baie?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 149 m from Chef de Baie, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in France, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
What the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Chef de Baie
- FEE France (Pavillon Bleu)
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.