An unusual and fun walk on île d'oléron

Let’s go together for an unusual and fun walk, on île d'Oléron. Have a tour on a REAL tourist little train, with tracks and a locomotive dating from the 1930s! A Change of scene is guaranteed between the pine tree forest and a secret beach...

Go to Saint-Trojan

Pass over the bridge to enter île d'Oléron. Take the first turning on the left and go to the only non-through commune of the island (as it is located behind the bridge, all the other communes are on the main road which does the tour): Saint-Trojan-les- Bains. A lovely seaside resort in a real green setting: 90% of the commune is covered by forest.

1,500 inhabitants live here during the year and enjoy the naturel assets offered by the environment: in Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, we often move around by bike or on foot. As indicated in its name we also bathe (“bains” mean bath in French). The beaches are beautiful and in general less busy than other beaches on the island, as the access is less easy.

There are so many pine trees in Saint-Trojan and on the island in general to keep the dunes at bay, the habitations were regularly buried by sand in the past. The commune thrived on the salt trade; the boats passed regularly near the reputedly difficult coast. One of the beaches is called “Maumusson” (Mau = bad, Musse = path) or Gatseau (Gat=spoil, SEAU=salt, because the sandbanks made the boats capsize): a really beautiful beach to discover during your train tour.

Here, we eat well (there are many oyster farms), enjoy the lovely bars and cafe along the channel, go to see the colourful cabins of the local artists; put simply, we spend great holidays!

The Little train of Saint-Trojan

Since 1963, The Little Train of Saint-Trojan pleases all. It is a REAL train on the unique railway of the island. This charming choochoo is operated by diesel locomotives, which have a large number of kilometres on their counters! Since 1930, they have done over 4 millions kilometres... They were used to provision the soldiers of the fortification bunkers of the Maginot line. Today, they live a softer second life: they make the children very happy!

Take your ticket at the Saint-Trojan station, then take a seat in the comfortable open wagons. Please stand clear for departure, choo choooooo ... The diesel locomotive awakens and slowly gathers pace. Ready for 30 minutes ride in the forest: we pass in front of the mimosas; the oak trees and then we enter amongst the pine trees. Look, the ground has changed, now it’s sand!

The locomotive slowly moves (you cannot be scared, it is not a ride for thrills) but it is quick enough to provide a pleasant wind on your face and shirt... We feel good here! I recommend for those who are noise sensitive to take a seat in the back wagons, as the locomotive is an old noisy lady. The children love that; it is what gives all the atmosphere of this REAL train!

Arriving on Maumusson Beach station: Terminus, everybody got out! You can come back into the train one once the conductor has turned the locomotive to return in the opposite direction. You also have the possibility to enjoy the beach, have a walk, admire the waves ... Bring your picnic and stay for the day! The ticket is valid for a return trip and for the day.

If you did not take your picnic, have lunch or your tea break at the Buffet de la Gare, located nearby the platform. In the heart of the pine tress, with the lovely noise of cicadas, enjoy a good meal. 

In July/August, enjoy a sunset ride with the little train, for a stunning spectacle on the Maumusson Beach. A bar wagon and musical entertainment are waiting for, it is lovely!

Further information 

• The website of the P'tit Train de Saint-Trojan.
• The little train of Saint-Trojan on Guide Charente Maritime
• Do not miss the Mimosa Fair in Saint-Trojan in February
• Have a go at the sand yachting and Kite surfing, go horse-riding on the beach and do not forget to go in a tree climbing adventure park!

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