Go around Oleron Island on foot, it is possible thanks to the 100 km of coastal paths and trails that run along the coastline. Hike with us for 5 days and breathe the freedom of our authentic, wild and bright island. So, ready for the great escape? Everyone to your backpacks!
GOOD TO KNOW
Off the coast of Charente-Maritime, Oleron Island is the largest metropolitan French island after the Corsica, with an area of 175 km2. Its territory, a long strip of land 30 km long and 8 km wide, totals approximately 90 km of coastline through beaches, forests, marshes and villages of character.
There is no "official" route to go around the whole Oleron Island, many variations are possible. Sometimes you take marked hiking trails, sometimes small roads, forest tracks, sunken paths, sometimes even directly on the beach. Also, an IGN map or a hiking GPS is always useful to find your way around more easily.
Accessible to all hikers, occasional walkers and families with children, the route does not present any insurmountable technical or physical difficulties, nor excessive differences in altitude. However, be sure to adapt the length of the route and the pace of the stages depending on whether you are a good walker or a Sunday stroller.
To help you, we have prepared a great itinerary to go around the entire island in 5 days:
DAY 1 / STAGE 1: Château d'Oléron > Saint Trojan
Located at the southeastern tip of Oleron Island, The Castle of Oléron is a good starting point for touring “la Lumineuse”. Let’s go for a first day of hiking full of discoveries, between salt marshes and oyster farmers’ huts.
The customs path runs along the coast for 2 km from the port of Château to the village of Gold, appreciated by visitors for its colorful cabins transformed into artists' studios and its protected natural sites. The channel of Gold is the longest oyster channel and one of the most beautiful on the island, with a view of the Oleron bridge and the old pier of Gold.
Passing by Grand-Village-Beach, we discover the Port of Salines, a site labeled "Echappées Nature". Away from the tourist flow, a large salt marsh has been developed to introduce the culture of salt to the curious. We leave the salt workers behind us to then reach the pretty seaside resort of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains.
- Distance: 8 km, duration: 1h30
DAY 2 / STAGE 2: Saint Trojan > La Cotinière
Let yourself be guided by the scent of pine trees and sea air! From the village of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, Hikers will enjoy a nature bath in the immense St-Trojan forest before finding the path which leads towards the southern tip of the island and the bay of Cake. Far from roads, cars and parking lots, the site is accessible only on foot or by Little Train of Saint-Trojan. Here we enjoy a panoramic view of the Maumusson Strait, a small arm of the sea which separates Oleron Island from the continent. Be careful, the strong currents make swimming dangerous.
We then go back up the wild coast towards The Cotiniere. The west coast unfolds a long ribbon of wild and preserved beaches shared by bathers, surfers and kitesurfers. Among the most beautiful, we will mention the beach of Green-Wood has Dolus of Oleron, there Remigeasse, There Parrot or even the beach of Matha, south of the port of Cotiniere.
- Distance: ≈ 13 km, duration: 2h30
DAY 3 / STAGE 3: La Cotinière > Saint-Denis d'Oléron
After strolling along the quays of the fishing port of The Cotiniere, then immersed in the atmosphere of the market of Victorine, we tighten our laces and head off towards Saint-Denis d'Oleron. From La Cotinière, allow 4 hours of walking (18 km) to reach the northern tip of the island of Oleron, “the end of the world” as the locals call it.
Throughout the walk, the Côte Sauvage once again reveals wild and unusual landscapes and places that are sometimes unknown to visitors, such as the Pointe de Chaucre and his fish lock, the dunes of the Alone or even the hamlet of Domino, charming coastal village nestled behind its small mountain of sand.
- Distance: ≈ 15 km, duration: 3h
DAY 4 / STAGE 4: Saint-Denis d'Oléron > Boyardville
While the more athletic ones get their breath back by climbing the 224 steps of the lighthouse of Chassiron, Others will continue to explore the northern tip of the island, where the rocky cliffs offer a unique setting. A coastal path descends towards the oyster beds, the bouchots and the old stone fisheries which are revealed at low tide.
The hike continues quietly towards La Bree-les-Bains, the small port of Douhet, has Saint-Georges d'Oleron. After a few kilometers (which we never see go by), we arrive at the edge of the forest of Salmonards, along the coast, between the hamlet of Foulerot, Saint George of Oléron And Boyardville. To cool off, we can't resist the urge to swim in the Saumonards beach , facing Aix Island And Fort Boyard, which one could almost touch with one's fingertips.
- Distance: ≈ 15 km, duration: 3h
DAY 5 / STAGE 5: Boyardville > Château d'Oléron
From the port of Boyardville until the Vauban citadel of Castle of Oleron, we borrow the Oyster Route which runs along the east coast of Oleron IslandAlong the route, five kilometers in the middle of marshes, channels and oyster beds, you will have many opportunities to taste Marennes-Oléron oysters in the tasting huts that occupy the landscape.
On the way, you absolutely must stop at the small port of Baudissiere known for its artists' huts which line the channel and the famous 3Terrasse de Mamelou3, where you can eat the best mussels in Oleron Island. For bird watchers, the oyster farming site of Fort Royer is a must-see. Between dunes, marshes and salt marshes, the nature reserve is a prime spot for observing nesting and migratory birds. Our route then takes us back to the Castle of Oleron. And there you have it, the circle is complete!
- Distance: ≈ 12 km, duration: 2h20
ADVICE FOR HIKERS
When to go around the island of Oléron?
We recommend the months of May and June: the flowers have bloomed again (hollyhock, broom, sea buckthorn, etc.) and the landscapes are lit up with new colors. To discover Oleron In a wilder light, prefer the months of September and October. From then on, the island is emptied of its tourists.
Please note that some trails are only passable at low tide. Find out about tide times and coefficients when you hike along the Oléron coast: www.maree.info
What equipment?
Choose sturdy hiking boots for walking on uneven trails and rocks. In the summer, don't forget your sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Out of season, it's best to have a warm layer of clothing and a waterproof jacket on your back. in case of rain. To know the weather conditions at Oleron Island : meteofrance.com
To put in the backpack
Plan to have something to eat in case you feel a little tired (cereal bars, dried fruit, nuts, almonds, etc.) and to quench your thirst in hot weather (2 to 3 liters of water per day), a mobile phone and a first aid kit in case of emergency.
Good practices for hikers
Use the markings and respect the natural environments you cross, do not disturb the animals, do not trample the vegetation, take all your waste with you... (Consult the Hiker's Charter of the FFRandonnée).
How about the island of Oléron?
By road from Paris: Follow the A10 motorway – Exit La Rochelle / Rochefort, then follow Surgères / Rochefort / Oléron Island. From Nantes: Follow the motorway – Exit La Rochelle, then follow Marans / La Rochelle / Rochefort / Oléron Island. From Bordeaux : Follow the A10 motorway – Exit 25 at Saintes, direction Oleron Island. The bridge of Oleron Island is free.
Where to sleep?
The bivouac at Oleron is difficult to imagine. However, the island offers a wide choice of tourist accommodation: camping, cottage rental, guest rooms, hotels, etc. For a day hike or a tour, our 4 star campsite on Oleron Island welcomes hikers wishing to combine comfort, calm and nature: mobile home, chalet, tent, caravan, bungalow…