Who would think that behind this small, colorful, postcard-perfect port lies a heavyweight in French fishing? If for many vacationers, the port of La Cotinière is the place for all strolls, it nevertheless remains the first fishing port of Charente-Maritime ! Discovery.
First fishing port in Charente-Maritime
On the west coast of the island, a 20-minute drive from our Camping in Oléron, The Cotiniere is a lively and touristy port which is one of the must-see visits from Oleron.
Under its air of a “small” traditional port, The Cotiniere is the first fishing port of Charente-Maritime and the seventh largest in the country. It is home to a fleet of around a hundred boats, mainly trawlers, but also gillnetters, longliners, and potters.
For years, fishermen from The Cotiniere practice resource- and environmentally friendly fishing. Nearly 5,000 tons of fish from 95 different species are landed on the docks of the Oléron port each year. Noble fish such as sole, monkfish, and line-caught sea bass are caught there. As for shellfish, you'll find all the best the sea has to offer: lobsters, shrimp, and other wriggling langoustines.
To see all this up close, a guided tour of the fish market The Cotiniere Every day during the summer, the tourist office organizes guided tours to discover the behind-the-scenes workings of the fishing port and the journey of the fish, from landing to shipping.
La Cotinière, village side
Enjoy your stay at a 4-star campsite in Oleron Island to discover the atmosphere of the Cotinière By night! As soon as the fine weather arrives, the Oléron port comes alive every evening. It's even one of the liveliest places in Oléron with its many restaurants and shops open at night. The terraces and bars are crowded, and concerts and street shows happily enliven the seafront. The craft market takes up its summer quarters on the quays while the funfair sets up on the port, to the delight of young and old alike. The true taste of vacation at Oleron !
The campsite’s favorites at La Cotinière!
- Watch the boats return before the auction, a colorful spectacle not to be missed!
- Try the famous Oléron fish & chips with potatoes from Oleron Island.
- Stroll through the Victorine market, open all year round from 4 p.m.
- Stock up on fresh fish, glean recipe ideas and preparation tips from the fisheries of The Cotiniere, a family business based in Oleron Island since 1932.