The forest from Oleron is an inexhaustible source of walks, where the sea is never far away. On foot, by bike, on horseback or even with a stroller, set off to discover the forest of Saint-Trojan, the Saumonards and Domino, far from the crowds and noise of the city.
The largest forest on the Atlantic coast
The national forest of Oleron Island is the largest forest of all the islands on the Atlantic coast. It occupies most of the southwest of the island and covers nearly 2,900 hectares, or 10% of the island's territory in the municipalities of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, Le Grand-Village-Plage and Dolus from Oléron.
A forest classified as Natura 2000
During your stay in camping on the island of Oléron, explore the world of the coast and the forest where extraordinary flora and fauna are hidden.
Planted between the 16th and 19th centuries to fix the shifting dunes and combat the silting up of the surrounding villages, the forest from Oleron is mainly dotted with maritime pines and holm oaks, with some scattered broom. Other conifers such as the umbrella pine and the Aleppo pine give it the air of a Landes forest.
The wooded dunes are home to a diverse flora, including dune pink, sand toadflax, coastal borage, blue thistles, sea lilies, and several varieties of orchids such as the Loesel's twayblade.
In terms of wildlife, walkers may encounter deer, hares, squirrels and even a few red foxes. The forest from Oleron also welcomes many birds such as the Scops Owl, the Common Buzzard, the Eurasian Jay and the Common Shelduck.
The forest of Saint-Trojan
A walk in the forest by the beach! Connected to the surrounding villages by a continuous network of cycle paths, the national forest of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is the largest forest in Oleron IslandThis large coastal forest, 8 km long, extends over 2,000 hectares of maritime pines and holm oaks, from the village of Rémigeasse to the tip of Cake.
Did you know?
The pine forest was long exploited for the harvest of pine resin, an important economic resource for Oleron Island at the end of the 19th century. A first generation of tappers from the Landes then began to exploit the Oléron forest. The closure of the La Tremblade distillery marked the end of the activity of the resin collectors of the forest of Saint-Trojan in the early 1970s.
The Saumonards Forest
Located on the edge of a beach, facing the Fort Boyard, the Saumonards state forest covers 645 hectares in the commune of Saint-Georges-d'Oleron. 90% of its surface area is classified as a "protected forest". This forest massif steeped in history is home to several forts built by Vauban, then under Napoleon, to defend the port of Rochefort and the Charente estuary. A cycle route crosses the Saumonards forest.
Domino Forest
Smaller than its neighbors Saint-Trojan and Salmonards, the Domino forest extends over 160 hectares around Saint-Georges-d'Oleron. Behind one of the highest dunes on the island, the small forest remains a lovely haven of peace and nature, perfect for discovering the local flora and fauna. It's also an opportunity to visit the village of Domino, with its alleyways, its houses with steps, and its wells adorned with hollyhocks.
Ideas for outings around the forest
Several paths and hiking trails allow you to explore the natural and cultural heritage of Oleron Island. Shaded picnic areas for snacks, rest and contemplation of nature are available to walkers. There are also horse rest areas (harness bars) for riders and their mounts, as well as a fitness trail at Green-Wood, in the municipality of Dolus-d'Oleron.
For a total immersion, the guides of the ONF (National Forestry Office) invite you to (re)discover the hidden faces of the forest, its ecological riches and its astonishing biodiversity. Do not hesitate to inquire at the campsite reception or at the tourist offices of Oleron Island.
Things to see and do: a guided walk at dusk in the forest of Saint-Trojan with the association Les Sorties de la Renarde. Departure at 5:30 p.m. Duration: 3 hours. Reservations on the website www.ile-oleron-marennes.com, or by phone at 06 19 40 86 75. Meet at the Marais des Bris car park.