The Château d'Oléron is a dynamic village in the summer with its concerts, festivals, night markets, festivities around oysters, mussels and pineau... Take advantage of your camping holiday on the island of Oléron at Château-d'Oléron to discover the citadel, the picturesque streets of the historic district, without forgetting the oyster port and its many colorful huts, some of which have become the workshops of Oléron designers, craftsmen and artists.
Listed as a historical monument in 1929, the citadel is open to the public. Guided tours are offered all year round and, in season, theatrical night tours with a guide in period costume! After passing through the Royal Gate, you will discover the main enclosure and its stronghold, the governor's accommodation, the old arsenal, the food stores, the old powder room and the chapel. The Oléron citadel also hosts major cultural and festive events such as the Sites en Scène festival which takes over the esplanade in August.
The citadel was built on the foundations of the old medieval castle of the Dukes of Aquitaine in 1630 on the orders of Richelieu. At the end of the 17th century, the fortress was enlarged and remodeled by Vauban to integrate the defensive system of the Royal Arsenal of Rochefort. Partially destroyed on April 17, 1945 during an Allied bombing, the citadel underwent numerous restoration campaigns in the 20th century.
While strolling through the historic centre of Château d'Oléron, campers staying at the Airotel Les Embruns d'Oléron campsite can linger around the market halls, whose origins date back to the 18th century. A few steps away is a beautiful Renaissance fountain richly worked in a 17th century style with its twisted columns and sculpted dolphins. Continuing the visit, you will discover the small streets lined with traditional houses, the oldest dating from the 17th century. You will also enjoy taking the Chemin des Remparts and following a 2.5 km circuit and discovering the many elements of the fortification line: footbridges, bridges, moats, bastions and redans. The key is beautiful views of the oyster port, but also the island of Aix, Fort Louvois and Fort Boyard!
The oyster port of Château d'Oléron is one of the most exotic places to walk on the island of Oléron. Although there are more and more boaters on the port of Château-d'Oléron, the oyster farming activity remains very lively. To the delight of holidaymakers, many old huts, which once served as sheds for oyster farmers, now house artists' and craftsmen's workshops, small shops, oyster bars and restaurants. You can take a short break there while waiting for the oyster farmers' tide to return with their arms full of oyster bags. This is definitely the best time to soak up the real atmosphere of the port!
Imposing neo-Roman building, whose bell tower rises almost 40 m above the ground.
The longest and most beautiful oyster channel on the island of Oléron (1.5 km) where the traditional multi-coloured huts stand.
The last local testimony to wooden shipbuilding on the island of Oléron, where old boats are restored before the eyes of visitors.
To practice your favorite water sport: catamaran, windsurfing, sea kayaking, etc.
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.
