From beaches to villages, from ports to oyster huts, theOleron Island offers great opportunities for discovery and leisure. A quick overview of what you absolutely must visit in Oleron during your camping holiday!
One island, a thousand and one pleasures
Located in Charente-Maritime, off the coast of Rochefort, Oleron Island is the largest metropolitan French island after the Corsica. With an area of 174 km2, the Charente island stretches over 30 km long and 8 km at its widest point. Here are the best things to do and see on theOleron Island, nicknamed “the mimosa island” because of its mild oceanic climate – the sunniest in France – which allows the mimosas to bloom there in winter!
The beaches of the island of Oléron
Known for its long, fine sandy beaches, theOleron Island is an ideal destination for spending an unforgettable camping holiday by the sea. Among the most beautiful beaches of Oléron we can cite the beach of Green Wood of Dolus of Oleron, the beach of Cake, the beach of Salmonards, the beach of Chaucre or even the beach of BoyardvilleOn the holiday program: swimming, sandcastles, water sports, fishing on foot…
The Chassiron lighthouse
Dressed in a beautiful black and white striped sailor shirt, the Chassiron lighthouse was built in 1834. It is the oldest lighthouse in France still active after that of CordouanFrom the top of its 43 meters (224 steps), the Oléron lighthouse offers a breathtaking view of the northern part of the island, La Rochelle and theisland of re neighbor. A must-do during your camping vacation!
The Port of La Cotinière
On the west coast of theOleron Island, THE port of La Cotinière is the first fishing port of Charente-MaritimeThe boats with their multi-colored hulls and flags returning to port make it a highly touristic and cultural stopover. Come and buy your fish, oysters and shellfish at the Victorine market, just opposite the fish market. The Cotiniere.
The Citadel of Château-d'Oléron
Located at the entrance ofOleron, there Citadel of Château-d'Oléron is a must-see during your camping holiday. A symbol of the island's rich heritage and history, the citadel was built in 1630 by Vauban on the orders of Richelieu. In season, guided tours are available with a guide in period costume and headdress. Much better than a history book!
The village of Fort-Royer
South of Boyardville, on the right bank of the channel of The Perrotine, set off to discover the oyster huts of theOleron IslandNestled in the heart of a nature reserve, facing the oyster parks, the village of Fort-Royer is an authentic century-old oyster-farming village, still in operation, with its colorful huts. A real postcard landscape, with the key to a tasting of Marennes-Oléron oysters as part of the village's activities.
Also read: everything you need to know about the markets on the island of Oléron
The port of Salines
HAS Grand-Village-Beach, THE port of Salines invites you to discover the history of Oléron salt production and the salt-making profession. On the program: visit to the ecomuseum, guided walks, workshops for children, boat trip to discover the fauna and flora of the marsh... An escape into nature to listen, touch, see, smell and understand salt while having fun! At the end of the visit, a short visit to the Salorge will allow you to buy coarse salt and fleur de sel from theOléron Island.
The Bird Marsh
Right in the center of theOleron Island, in the municipalities of Dolus-d'Oleron and of Saint-Pierre-d'Oleron, THE Bird Marsh extends over a hundred hectares of deciduous woods and former salt marshes dedicated to wild and domestic fauna. It is also a bird park and a wildlife rescue center, where sick or injured animals are treated. A very beautiful walk to do with the family in Oleron with the children!
The Boirie Gardens
In the heart of theOleron Island, there is an oasis where the poetry of flowers reigns supreme. The Boirie, typical village of Saint Pierre d'Oléron, THE Boirie Gardens are a very pretty floral park of English and Asian inspiration, straight from the imagination of Thierry Lecêtre, passionate about rare and exotic plants. Classified as a “Remarkable Garden”, this unique botanical garden on the island of Oléron features a vast collection of sages, perennials, and tropical flowers. A beautiful garden in the middle of nowhere!
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photo © Elsa COEFFE / CMT