Oléron Island: Between nature, sea and sun
Between the mouth of the Charente and the Atlantic Ocean, Oléron, the largest island on the French coast after Corsica, awaits you, offering a multitude of landscapes, beaches, forests, marshes, rocky cliffs in perfect harmony. Its coastline extends over a hundred kilometers.
The island of Oléron benefits from an exceptional climate, its salty air and its oysters are the main guarantees of an unforgettable stay. 20,000 residents live there year-round, spread over eight municipalities and a community of municipalities.
Economic and tourist development, the enhancement of an exceptional environment, arouse a particular interest for the Oléronais. Throughout the four seasons, walks on foot, on horseback from our equestrian center or by bike on developed routes will allow you to discover the historical riches, the fauna and flora without forgetting the maritime landscapes evolving with the high or low tides. Yes, the island of Oléron is indeed on the Atlantic coast.
Thanks to its climate and its geographical location, the island of Oléron is a privileged site for the practice of numerous sports combining sea, sun, wind and sand.
As you come down from the bridge on the south-east coast of the island, the Château d'Oléron awaits you under a festival of colours: the huts and the oyster fleet, the beach, the lake and the many shops.
This city, fortified in the 17th century by Richelieu and Vauban, has kept a magnificent citadel and ramparts that are worth visiting. Come and discover them through the cycle routes.
Oyster farming has long been the Château's primary activity. It includes two sites, the Ors channel and the port at the foot of the ramparts; 250 family businesses work there.
The land part of the island of Oléron looks like a giant puzzle, 35 km long and 12 km wide. At the bend of each road a new landscape emerges. The very rich land benefits from a variety of agriculture: livestock farming, market gardening and especially viticulture. There is a real terroir to discover during the holidays.
The salt marshes created by man many years ago for the salt trade have been gradually converted for the refining of oysters, we now speak of "claires". There are still salt marshes in operation that you can discover at the port of Salines, at La Brée-les-Bains or at Douhet.
The fauna and flora also benefit from these exceptional conditions. Multiple species of birds and mammals populate the island. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded. Hollyhocks, tamarisks, mimosas, maritime pines are now the symbols of Oléron.
The tide is the periodic movement of the sea level which rises and falls twice a day at regular intervals. The ocean, alternately calm or agitated, perpetually modifies the contours of its coasts.
The west coast with its vast wild expanses allows the practice of nautical activities (sailing, windsurfing, surfing, sand yachting, etc.). The fine sandy beaches are ideal for swimming and relaxing.
The east coast, meanwhile, is populated by oyster farmers. At low tide, you can see the oyster beds that give it its typical landscape. Every day, fishermen go looking for the finest species of fish and shellfish (sole, sea bass, langoustines, shrimp, etc.)
Benefiting from an exceptional environment, suitable weather conditions and centuries-old know-how, the Marennes-Oléron oyster is the ambassador of local gastronomy.
Of very high quality, the Marennes-Oléron oyster is the only one in France to have the Red Label.
Oyster farming takes place over at least four years. The first year, after collecting the spat, they are left to develop at sea, the following year the small oysters are separated (the oysters are separated from the collectors). The mollusc is then returned to the sea in the farming parks. During this period, the oyster farmer moves his oysters several times depending on the currents and tides so that they can grow in the best conditions. Once mature, the oyster then undergoes its final preparation phase: refining in the claire. Placed in these former marshes where fresh and salt water mix, it will stay for between one and three months. This is where it will acquire its much-loved local flavour and obtain this specific green colour, thanks to the presence of a microscopic algae, the blue navicula.
Different fishing techniques are practiced on the island of Oléron.
Typical fishing with the fish locks located in the north of the island: They consist of a huge stone wall built in an arc to retain the water when the sea retreats and trap the fish.
Sea fishing: Several fishing ports line the Oléron coastline but the most important is that of La Cotinière (12th national port, 80 fishing boats). Every day, they go out to cast their nets or haul up their traps. This is how the most noble species of fish and shellfish are brought back to the quay. The restaurant of the Airotel Les Embruns d'Oléron campsite will take advantage of this to make some suggestions depending on the arrivals.
The Oléron vineyard now covers 800 hectares. The main grape variety is Ugni Blanc for the distillation wine destined for Cognac. Other grape varieties are now planted: Sauvignon, Colombard, Cabernet and Merlot. These different qualities contribute to the production of Pineau des Charentes, rosé and white wine which go perfectly with oysters.
The campsite "The sea spray of Oléron" is part of the Airotel group of high-end campsites. Airotel campsites remain independent and are all driven by the search for excellence in outdoor hospitality in Charente Maritime and in France.
