Weekend in Oléron: 10 unmissable experiences!

Have you always dreamed of discovering the island of Oléron, but you don't really know where to start? Between land and sea, this island jewel of the Charente coast is full of discoveries and adventures, surprises and curiosities! To simplify your visit to the largest French metropolitan island after Corsica, we have compiled a short list of 10 authentic experiences not to be missed under any circumstances. From its impregnable citadel to its long beaches bordered by dunes, passing by its emblematic oyster huts, we have decided to play the change of scenery card to the fullest with this selection of must-sees on the island of Oléron which should allow you to have an idyllic stay here!

Unique experiences on the island of Oléron, in the heart of unspoiled nature

Admire the most beautiful view of the island of Oléron on the famous Fort Boyard from Boyardville Beach in Saint-Georges-d'Oléron, in the northeast of the island. A privileged panorama because the imposing fort built at sea is only a stone's throw from the beach, barely 2km!

Take the children for a train ride, with the little Saint-Trojan train, a real train with a locomotive from the 1930s! The opportunity to admire beautiful landscapes and have fun.

Climb the 224 steps of the Phare de Chassiron for spectacular views! Dominating the northern tip of the island of Oléron, this building 46 meters high, striped in black and white, watches over navigators since 1836. From the top, the panorama on the pertuis, on the island of Ré, Aix, Fort Boyard and the whole island of Oléron are breathtaking. Grand!

Read our report on the Chassiron lighthouse and prepare your climb to this lighthouse which can be visited!

Treat yourself to a bucolic parenthesis in the oyster-farming village of Fort Royer, a picturesque and timeless place, in a setting at the end of the world! During a walk between the oyster huts, the typical landscapes of marshes and channels are revealed in an authentic setting, in the middle of exuberant vegetation and a myriad of seabirds.

Capture the postcard of the island: the famous multicolored bathing cabins of Saint Denis d'Oléron! The pretty beach of La Boirie alone embodies the charm of the island and these historic cabins bear witness to the fashion for sea bathing in the 1900s. Play with the lights, the angles and let yourself be seduced by this picturesque beach!

Organize your holidays on the island of Oléron, between wine and charming accommodation, let yourself be surprised by this colorful island.

Go through centuries of history in the citadel of Château d'Oléron! Stroll along the ramparts of this unmissable fortress, completed in 1700 under the orders of Vauban, and contemplate superb views of the Château d'Oléron, the Pertuis Charentais and the bridge to the Île d'Oléron.

Read our article on the castles to visit in Charente Maritime, immerse yourself in the centuries, the different and always surprising atmospheres.

Charentaise-style cagouilles

Discover local and regional products on the markets of the island of Oléron! On the program: a friendly atmosphere, flavors of the sea, fresh fruit and vegetables, specialties from the Oleron region and Pineau des Charentes! The most important on the island is undoubtedly that of Château d'Oléron under its covered halls.

Enjoy the wild beaches on the Atlantic Ocean! With the changing tides and lights, regardless of the time or the weather, the spectacle is always striking. A stay on the island of Oléron rhymes with walks on the beaches bordered by the dunes, swimming in the turquoise waters, but also with evenings contemplating the setting sun on the ocean...

We present to you the 5-star Les Gros Joncs campsite, on the island of Oléron! For holidays with family or friends well located to discover the island and its treasures. For a very warm and friendly atmosphere, we recommend the 3-star Le Maine campsite near Grand Village plage. And just next to the port of La Cotinière, go on vacation at the Motel île de Lumière, a jewel that overlooks the beach...

Savor the Marennes-Oléron oysters from the producers! Impossible to miss the local gastronomy, largely turned towards the ocean in the first oyster basin in Europe. On the island of Oléron, oyster farmers loudly claim the gustatory excellence of their oysters and welcome you to their charming cabins for a tasting overlooking the marshes!

All the specialties and local products of Charente Maritime are in our article! Let yourself be tempted, don't miss any flavor.

Explore the artist village of Château d'Oléron. Stroll along the channels to discover unique artistic and creative universes , located in the old oyster huts converted into workshops: painting, glassware, sculpture, ceramics, marquetry but also making ukuleles to name but a few.

On the way to visit the Vineyard Vincent, to meet the wine of the island of Oléron, which has everything of a great. It is perfect to accompany all your meals during the holidays!

To visit the fishing port of La Cotinière and stroll along its lively quays is to understand a large part of the local history. Between transmission, know-how and tradition, fishing gives all its character to the island of Oléron. Taste fish and shellfish in one of the specialized restaurants while watching the fishermen untie their nets and the ballet of colorful boats!

In the north of the island, come and go sea kayaking, a unique and exotic experience, to approach these superb landscapes of the Oleron coast up close.

Discover traditional oyster farming by strolling along the Baudissière channel in Dolus d'Oléron. A stop is essential on the route of the “Oyster Route”: the small port of La Baudissière brings together around its channel many artists' studios, oyster establishments and tasting huts in a typical and very photogenic setting!

From golden beaches to preserved villages, from vineyards to marshes teeming with wild life, the beautiful and generous islander exerts a unique power of fascination. As a couple, as a tribe or alone, a stay on the island of Oléron is a beneficial ocean break, rich in natural and cultural discoveries. When you have tasted the charms of the island of Oléron, you always end up coming back!

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Article and photos prepared by Lesley Williamson for the Guide Charente Maritime

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