5 places not to be missed in the’island of’Oleron
You wish to spend your next holidays in vacation on the island of Oleron
Let’s discover together 5 must-see sites of this charming island of Charente-Maritime.
Must-see places to visit in the country’island of’Oleron
The point and the lighthouse of Chassiron
The ocean is a permanent spectacle ! The sea is obviously omnipresent in Oleron, but the place where many Oleronians and tourists prefer to walk to admire it is surely the tip of Chassiron
We never tire of long walks along the cliffs accompanied by the sound of the swell. In bad weather the show can be magnificent (to be avoided or consumed with precaution by strong storm).
On this northern point, stands a lighthouse recognizable by its black and white stripes which has made this place one of the most emblematic places of Oleron. The Chassiron lighthouse , The 46 meters high tower can be visited all year round and from the top, a magnificent view is offered to you. You will see a good part of the island of Oleron, the “pertuis d’Antioche”, the Rochelaise coast and the islands of Ré and Aix.
The lighthouse houses a museum with a “show tour” in the former warden’s quarters, the theme of which is “The people of the coast between land and sea”. You can finish your walk by the garden arranged on the theme of the 4 winds.
The port of Cotinière
This artisanal fishing port is the most important of the Charente-Maritime, it occupies a privileged place in the economy and in the life of Oléron. Its renowned fish market on the Atlantic coast offers fishmongers a wide variety of products, including noble species such as langoustines, sole, sea bass and tuna..
You can buy these products in front of the port on the Victorine market or to the the fish market of Pêcheries de la Cotinière , but also on the numerous markets and fish shops of the island of Oleron. These fish and shellfish, as well as the famous oysters of Marennes Oléron are favored dishes in many restaurants in Oleron.
La Cotinière is a typical place on the island of Oleron. You will be able to stroll on the waterfront animated by the many bars and shops, have a drink, enjoy an ice cream or a “fish and chips”, facing the ocean, accompanied by the cries of seagulls. In summer, this site is very busy and animated.
The oyster farming site of Fort Royer
The typical oyster farming sites and marsh areas are numerous on the island of Oleron. You can choose Fort Royer to go for a walk in the country of the traditional oyster farming of Oléron.
This mudflat between maritime pines and dunes was developed around 1920 to practice oyster farming. A long and laborious work has given this site of basins to refine oysters and colorful huts, a unique charm that you can discover with your family.
The association of Oyster farming and natural site of Fort-Royer , created at the beginning of the 90’s, works to preserve this heritage which could have disappeared and to make it known. It offers you visits on different nature or oyster farming themes, many educational workshops for children and tastings: oysters and local products. This site is part of the nature reserve of Moëze-Oléron.
The Citadel and the Port of Château d’Oléron
The Château d’Oléron is one of the tourist highlights of the island of Oleron. A long work of restoration, conservation and enhancement of the heritage impelled by the municipality has made this site unmissable.
You should take your time and start your visit at the Citadel, a fortification built by Vauban in the shape of a star. From the top of the ramparts, the view extends over the Coureau (the arm of the sea between the Marennes basin and Oleron), the viaduct and the old port.
A footbridge leads to the harbor where oyster boats, some rehabilitated old sailing ships and pleasure boats can be found.
Continue westward and you will discover a typical area of oyster farmer’s huts around a body of water called the Pate, named after a small fort that it surrounds. Many oyster farms were abandoned, they were put at the disposal of the creators who practice their art there. They have made this place a warm and colorful place where you can stroll until late in the evening in summer.
Some art craftsmen or artists work on site all year long and open their doors to you.
From Gatseau to Maumusson
A change of scenery is guaranteed for this part of the Oleron world between Coureau and the wild coast.
Spend the magical calm of the beach of Gatseau from where you can admire the mainland just opposite (Ronce-les-Bains and the Coubre forest), to the noisy (but dangerous) waves of the oceanic wild beach of Maumusson , reachable on foot or by small train.
About 2 kilometers of walking along the sea and in the forest, you can choose your itinerary. The Zen walk to do in any season !
If you don’t want to walk too much and/or if you want to please your children, you can take a walk on the beach the famous “p’tit train , From the village of St-Trojan, which will lead you to the beach of Maumusson through the forest and along the beach of Gatseau (from April to end of September).
What to see and visit around the’island of’Oleron ?
Set sail for the island of Aix
The island of Aix is relatively small compared to that of Oleron. With its three kilometers of coastline, it is possible to go around it in a few hours. However, it is home to a charming agglomeration with a minimum of traffic.
Indeed, the locals like to travel by bicycle or even on foot.
To get there, you have to take a boat from Saint Denis d’Oléron. This is the perfect opportunity for a little cruise. Once you arrive at your destination, history lovers will love to visit the Liédot and Rade forts.
For those who prefer a beach vacation, the island is full of beaches and coves. However, some areas are not suitable for swimming.
Also, if you have time, make a stop at Fort Enet. You will have the possibility to visit it between spring and autumn.
Explore Brouage, the city of salt
Initially, the town of Brouage is known for its salt market. Trade was at its peak in the 17th century and gave way to a new city militarized by Richelieu. This is how the popularity of the city was built.
Today, guided tours are the main tourist attraction. You can also visit the church of Saint-Pierre which stands out from the crowd with its two-tone architecture. For this reason, repairs had to be made to the entrance.
If you are a birdwatcher at heart, go downtown. You will have the opportunity to observe many species of birds at the nature reserve.
Discover the beauty of Charente-Maritime on the island of Ré
Coming just after the island of Oleron in terms of surface area, the island of Ré is a popular destination for holidaymakers. To enjoy the view of its picturesque landscape, start by visiting the Phare des Baleines. This one also has a museum for the passionate.
You can also take a cruise around the island for other perspectives.
For photography enthusiasts, the nature reserve of Lilleau des Niges is the best place. Migratory birds, including endemic species, can be seen at their most beautiful from spring to autumn. For the children, it is possible to make a ride on a donkey.
Prepare your stay in a campsite
To enjoy the most beautiful treasures of the island, we advise you to prepare your vacation or a stay by booking a camping in Oleron . A wide range of campsites of all categories are available and welcome you for unforgettable and emotional vacations.
This is the best way to take the time to visit the most important places on the island !