Enjoy your stay in camping on the island of Oléron, in Charente-Maritime, to visit the Citadel of Castle of Oleron. An emblematic monument of the "Luminous Island", this 17th century military structure is one of the most visited historical sites in theOleron Island.
A bit of history…
Located in the southeast of theOleron Island, just 5 minutes from your vacation rental in Oleron Castle, the citadel is one of the many defensive works built on the Atlantic coast of Charente-Maritime. With its characteristic star shape, the citadel was built between 1630 and 1704, on the orders of Cardinal Richelieu, on the site of an old medieval fortress. Originally intended to protect the southern part of theOleron Island English incursions, the military stronghold later became an essential link in the defensive system of the Rochefort arsenal, with the Saumonards fort (Saint-Georges-d'Oléron) and Fort BoyardIn 1689, the citadel was redesigned by the famous architect Vauban, who added new bastioned towers, a counterguard and covered walkways.
Throughout history, the Vauban citadel served as a training camp for the king's soldiers, as a place of embarkation for troops for New France, and then as a prison during the French Revolution, as well as in 1870 for Prussian soldiers. Listed as a historical monument in 1929, the Oléron citadel was occupied by the Germans in 1940. It was heavily damaged during Allied bombing on the night of April 17, 1945. The military fortress underwent numerous restoration campaigns between 1959 and 1971, with a refurbishment starting in 1988. Today, the citadel has become one of the most visited sites on the island of Oléron.
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What to do this summer at the Château-d'Oléron citadel?
In season, the old stronghold hosts many events for the whole family: guided tour with a guide in period costume and hairstyle, treasure hunt (the lost treasure of Queen Eleanor), discovery of the citadel by Little Train, exhibitions in the old prison, shows and concerts in the arsenal... Also, if you stay at the campsite at Oleron Castle In August, don't miss the Jazz en Feux festival, which has become an unmissable summer event.
Follow the guide (Vauban himself!)
Visitors enjoy a self-guided tour with explanatory panels at each location. But the best way to discover every nook and cranny of the citadel is Oleron Castle, is to opt for a theatrical visit, with a Marquis de Vauban who is larger than life!
Built around 1640, the Royal Gate is the main entrance to the Citadel of Castle of Oleron, organized according to a grid plan around the Place d'Armes. To the east, the Arsenal formerly contained the weapons room, repair workshops, food stores, as well as a chapel. The right wing housed the Governor of theOleron IslandVisitors can also discover the powder magazine and the Saint Nicolas bastion, the Brèche bastion, and the Royal bastion. The tour route is dotted with historical figures sculpted by Alain Nouraud (Rider with a Standard, Marshal Vauban, The Soldiers' Patrol).
Finally, do not leave the citadel of Oleron Castle without having toured the ramparts. You will enjoy a bird's eye view of the ocean, the bridge of theOleron Island and the Antioch strait.
Did you know?
The citadel replaces an old 12th-century fortified castle, owned by the Dukes of Aquitaine. It was home to Duchess Eleanor. For centuries, the stronghold was disputed by French and Anglo-Aquitaine sovereigns. In the 15th century, the fortress (and with it, the entireOleron Island !) definitely passes under the control of the crown of France.
To discover nearby:
On the port of Oleron Castle, discover the old ones oyster huts converted into artists' and craftspeople's workshops. A real little village of creators to discover all year round! The tourist office also offers a heritage trail (3 km) for visit the Château d'Oléron, its historic district and its picturesque alleys.
Practical information
- Address: 17480 Le Château-d'Oléron (less than 2 km from the campsite, 5 min by bike)
- Free visit all year round
- Contact the tourist office for more information on 05 46 47 60 51
photo © Alison BOISSARD / CMT