It's hot, very hot even...so, head to the beach to cool off! A quick overview of the six beaches that are raising the “Blue Flag” on the island of Oléron.
Giraudière Beach (Grand-Village-Plage)
We'll start with Giraudière Beach, which many campers admit is their favorite. It's superb, immense, unspoiled, and still wild. Families can rest assured that the beach is easy to access and supervised in the summer. On the downside, it's a very popular beach during the summer. Surfing, kitesurfing, and sand yachting are also popular. Just to let you know, the waves here are quite strong. Note that an area north of the beach is reserved for naturism.
Boyardville Beach (Saint-Georges-d'Oléron)
On the Route des Saumonards, Boyardville Beach stretches for nearly 2 km, along the national forest. Sheltered from the wind, with fine sand and a gentle slope, it is a family beach par excellence: supervised in the summer, easy to access for bikes, close to the town center shops... And above all, children love the unique view of Fort Boyard !
La Gautrelle Beach (St-Georges-d’Oléron)
Just above Boyardville, in the northeast of the island, you'll find a pretty beach with velvety-soft sand, a quiet and slightly wild place, but supervised in summer. This won't displease families looking for both peace and security. On the agenda: swimming, relaxing, and sandcastles... with the Fort Boyard once again, and the island of Aix which can be seen in the blue of the horizon.
Plaisance Beach (Saint Georges d'Oléron)
North of Saint Georges d'Oléron, Plage de Plaisance (or Plage du Douhet) will satisfy all your desires for the open sea and unspoiled nature. Lying on the sand, you can watch the sailboats go by, or observe the jet skis and kitesurfers challenging the waves. In July and August, lifeguards ensure the safety of the beach, making it perfect for relaxing!
After swimming, take the opportunity to stroll around the small port of Douhet, very lively and animated on summer evenings (bars, restaurants, discotheque, etc.).
The Sables Vignier Beach (St Georges d'Oléron)
Another beautiful, fine-sand beach that never ceases to delight holidaymakers! On the west coast of the Île d'Oléron, Plage des Sables Vignier is a delight for everyone. Kids can let off steam at the Mickey Mouse club or play on the sand while parents sunbathe. At low tide, the sea reveals the rocky foreshore, which becomes a hunting ground for shore fishermen.
Gatseau Beach (Saint-Trojan-les-Bains)
Looking for a south-facing beach, sheltered from the wind and shaded by pine trees? Let your flip-flops guide you to Gatseau Beach, south of theOleron Island ! Bordered by the great forest of Saint Trojan, here is an authentic and wild place which does not detract from its Blue Flag.
Sheltered at the bottom of a bay, the beach stretches for half a kilometer between the sea and the forest. In summer, swimming is supervised and slopes gently to ensure nothing is spoiled. Getting there couldn't be easier. Just hop aboard the little St-Trojan Train, in service since 1963. It serves Gatseau Beach throughout the summer season!