On the east coast of theOleron Island, fifteen minutes from our campsite, Boyardville is a peaceful seaside village attached to the commune of Saint-Georges-d'Oleron. What is the connection with Fort Boyard ? What to see and what to do in Boyardville ? We tell you everything!
Once upon a time there was Boyarville and Fort Boyard
As its name suggests, Boyardville tells a story closely linked to that of the famous Fort Boyard, located a few kilometers off the coast ofOleron Island. In fact, during the construction of the Fort Boyard, the small Oléron village was chosen to become the base camp for the workers who would work on the construction site of the fortress from 1804 to 1858. All the materials needed to build the fort were stored here, then transported by barges on the "longe de Boyard". From 1803, barracks were built to house the workers and the "construction site town" received the official name of Boyardville.
At the end of the 19th century, there was a change of scenery and atmosphere for Boyardville, with the rise of seaside tourism. Bathing suits and parasols replaced the overalls and hammers of stonemasons. Sea bathing became fashionable and the small Oléron town, bordered by beaches and dunes, became a renowned seaside resort that attracted the bourgeoisie of Rochefort and La Rochelle, then Bordeaux and Paris.
Boyardville beach to touch Fort Boyard with your finger!
At the edge of the national forest of Salmonards, the beach of Boyardville is one of the most famous beaches of theOleron Island. And for good reason, it offers a breathtaking view of Fort Boyard. It is even the best place for see Fort Boyard and admire the stone ship from the mainland. You could almost see Father Fouras in his lookout. It stretches two kilometers long, from the port of Boyardville to the tip of the Salmonards to the northwest. Swimming is supervised in summer and there is a small hut where you can eat. At low tide, you swap your swimsuit for boots. The beach becomes a playground for lovers of fishing on foot in Oléron.
The port and channel of La Perrotine
Boyardville is also known for its marina. The port of The Perrotine has 200 moorings for boaters stopping over or in their home port. Oyster and mussel farming activities are also very present, alongside a few fishing boats. To discover the profession of fisherman, embark on board the Little Julia, a 12-metre multi-purpose trawler, and sail in the Coureau d’Oléron, not far from Fort Boyard.
Kayak and paddle enthusiast? Since Saint-Pierre-d'Oleron, we can go down with the current to the ocean, at the exit of the channel of the Perrotine. From the site of The Nouette, along the forest of Salmonards, The Moulin channel crosses meadows and marshes, then joins the channel of the Perrotine for an arrival on the beach of Boyardville.
Read on the campsite blog: A stone's throw from Boyardville, discover the oyster and natural site of Fort-Royer!
Boyardville, city side
It is in the village of Boyardville where most of the shops and restaurants are concentrated Saint-Georges-d'Oleron. There is plenty to do there to spend an entire day without getting bored. From April to September, also take advantage of the daily market to discover the specialties of theOleron Island (night market every evening in July and August).
Good restaurants in Boyardville:
- Jules et Julie restaurant: a seafood bistro with truly excellent oysters and mussels. Must try: the fresh fish tartare. Address: 183 Rue du 158e Ri, 17190 Boyardville.
- Bord à Bord: a good restaurant to eat a real mussel eclair and succulent hot oysters. Address: Boyardville-Sauzelle road.
- La Roue Tourne: here too the éclade is a real treat and the langoustines flambéed with cognac are amazing. Address: Route de Boyardville (opposite Les Viviers de La Saurine).
Sea cruise and tour of Fort Boyard
If you are wondering where to take the boat to Fort Boyard Since Oleron ? Direction Boyardville, embarkation point for sea excursions around the most famous military fort in France.
Several options to choose from: guided tour of the Fort Boyard, sea trip around the Charente islands, discovery cruise with day on theAix Island.
Sea link BOyardville/Oleron Island – La Rochelle : one-way or round trip day (crossing in 50 min, bicycle transport possible). More information on the Inter-island Cruises website.