A hotel on the beach in île d'Oléron

Ile d'Oléron is a small paradise for all the family: sea, fine sandy beaches, beach

foraging and nautical activities... It is an ideal place to spend a great holiday!

Over the few days, we discovered the Cotinière, the harbour, the beaches and we

stayed at the Motel Ile de Lumière (“Luminous Island Hotel”), which is perfectly

named! Follow us for a taste of your next family holiday...

A stay on the beach

It is 4pm and it is ice-cream time! We arrived at the Port de la Cotinière for

teatime... "Where are we going tonight?". We are staying in very nice

accommodation around the corner, overlooking a sunny bay, far from the buzz for

a relaxing family stay.

Accommodation at the foot of the dunes

It was during a trip to the US that the creator of our motel discovered the delight

of bungalows, where each entrance is individualised and served by an outdoor

path, giving the feeling of living in a small house. 48 years ago, it was a really new

concept in France! The accommodations are on the dune side, hiding a secret

beach... A very preserved natural bay surrounded by vegetation. The 43

bedrooms of the hotel are arranged around the swimming pool, the

bay and facing the Atlantic Ocean.

Small houses with individual entrance

A beautiful heated swimming pool

Here, there is everything you need for a holiday on the beach (besides the hotel is

part of the chain "Les Pieds Dans l'Eau” which means literally “the feet into the water”

a label that certifies a direct access to water, sea or lake): the sea is just round the

corner, less than a minutes walk from the bedrooms and we can go with bare feet!

There is also a beautiful heated swimming pool, we are in May and the water is 28

degrees! Along the beach, BBQs are available, with everything the hosts may need

for a gathering and a friendly diner. I am told that the summer, is a moment of

celebration that everybody waits for... A tennis court is also available for the

sports lovers, as well as a sauna and a tennis table room. The flower

and landscaping enthusiasts will enjoy talking to François, who looks after the

grounds with passion and originality.

Terrace of the tennis table room and tennis court

Evening relaxation, on a sun lounger in front of the swimming pool or the Atlantic Ocean

Collective BBQ for friendly and convivial evenings on the edges of the dunes

Beautiful colourful flowers everywhere!

Some beautiful developments for plants and animals

Our bedroom has a very large bright room with a very comfy bed, a bathroom with

a bathtub (which my son enjoyed), a large cupboard and an independent

toilet. The area for a third person is situated on the mezzanine, with easily

accessible stairs and "it is fun to sleep high up", for the children! There are

bedrooms for 2, 3 or even 4 persons. This last is the 2 interconnected double

bedrooms, linked by a door and with 2 bathrooms. Each one can get ready at its

own pace... Some of the bedrooms located close to the swimming pool are suitable

for disabled people.

The rooms have high ceilings and some have mezzanines.

Bright and pleasant

Bedrooms suitable for disabled people

Each bedroom has a small alcove, offering the comfort of a fridge (for shopping or

fresh drinks), as well as a table and stools. The continental breakfast is included,

(other options available with a supplement) and is served from 8am to 10am, in a

room in front of the swimming pool, directly in your bedroom, or on the

terrace! Facing the Ocean or the swimming pool, could it be a more appropriate to

start the day?

Breakfast is the best time of the morning

Bedroom with alcove with fridge and table

2 person bedroom on the swimming pool side with a connecting door to another double bedroom

A seaside double bedroom

So close to the entertainment but  yet so peaceful

The Motel île de Lumière is open from 1st April to 30th September. It is located only

800 metres from the Port de la Cotinière, which is one of the most lively and

busiest places of the island. During summer, the fun fair brings a touch of

unparalleled cheerfulness to the harbour, restaurants serve seafood platters and

fish straight from the trawlers and the holidaymakers enjoy the bars. On the West

Coast, in the heart of the island, the commune of Saint-Pierre d'Oléron is ideally

located to explore a different place every day and come back to the motel at night. It

is a bright island but also quiet, as we leave the noises and celebrations at the

roadside.

The entrance of the harbour and the fishing boats with seabirds

Quiet and peaceful family time

Have a stroll on the small beach just below the motel. Appreciate its wild character

and the bordering rocks. Head towards the far away bunkers, controversial ruins

and legacy of the WW2 Atlantic Wall. Just nearby is a beach with rocks allowing the

pleasures of beach foraging (to be practiced with respect to the natural

environment). Get closer to observe periwinkles, prawns, small crabs...

Walk on the crest of the dune

The bunkers, of the Atlantic wall

Beach foraging

Between sea, sun and swimming pool, what to choose?

Some relaxing time on a beach towel or sun lounge? Or a bike ride to discover

the coast? Do not forget your trainers for an early morning run on the beach!

Dream holidays, alternating discovery, relaxation and great wild spaces. Ile

d'Oléron is all of this! See you soon at Motel île de Lumière !

for futher information

• Go to the hotel listing 
• Visit the website Motel île de Lumière 
•  The tourist office of  Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron

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