Oleron Island

Oleron Island is 30 kilometers long and 8 kilometers wide. It is the 2nd largest French Island after Corsica. With its 100 kilometers of coastline that remain natural, it offers a varied landscape.

What is there to do on the île d’Oléron?

Leaving the hotel:

By car: By riding North on the coastal road you will enjoy the different aspects of the island. Park your car on one of the many free parking lots and enjoy walking on the coast to discover the natural side of the island.

By bike: The island has more than 130 kilometers of bike paths. Cycling is the best way of discovering the different sceneries that the island has to offer. But we advise you to stay on the cycling tracks for more savety. If you go North, you will enjoy the wild parts of the island and its majestic lighthouse Chassiron. By going South will lead you to the long sandy beaches through the marsh of the island.

On foot : During the summer, you can discover the island on foot or take the beaches shuttles which is the best way to go around without constraints. These shuttles will allow you to access the most beautiful beaches and villages of the Island.

Visit La Cotinère… 

Charming little fishing port, it is the 5th national port, and the first French port of Langoustine production. Facing the West, you can walk along the waterfront, watch the boats return from fishing, drink coffee in front of the harbor, or go shopping in its shopping streets. It is a very alive, typical and authentic Western port which makes it a place to be discovered.

Between the hotel and La Cotinière, you will find “La Pérroche” beach and its sailing school “Le Wind surf club”, ideal for teaching children the joys of water sports (windsurfing / canoeing / catamaran / sailing …).

Visit le phare de Chassiron… 

Located at the tip of the Island, in the north, the lighthouse is the emblem of the Island. Facing the sea, exposed to the spray, it can be seen as the guardian of the Island and the protector of the sailors … You can admire its garden, stroll through its museum or climb its 224 steps and admire the most beautiful panorama of the Island …

The small village of Saint Denis is one of the most beautiful villages of the Island. It is alive and welcoming with its shops, its market … Not far from this village is La-Brée-Les-Bains, which has kept the authenticity of the small fishing villages of France.

In Saint Denis, you will have the opportunity to discover its marina which counts about 300 boats. Its restaurants, shops and bars facing the port make it a magical place where it is good to land and to lull facing the ocean, enjoying the sea panorama worthy of postcards.

Visit Saint Georges…

Located in the middle of the Island, in the northern part, this village will charm you with its singular stone houses and its market.

Visit Saint-Pierre… 

Located in the center, Saint-Pierre is the largest village and is considered the capital of the island. In its city center you will find a beautiful covered market, many shops but also a multitude of restaurants, bars and activities (cinema, museum…)

Visit Boyardville… 

Facing the famous “Fort Boyard”, it is the ideal place to go for a boat trip to discover the Fort, the Isle of Aix, the Ile de Ré or even La Rochelle. Its beach: at the edge of the forest: the sandy beach of Saumonards is beautiful. It has a wonderful view of the mainland and Fort Boyard. It is a small port where sinners, boaters, oyster farmers and pleasure boats meet.

Visit Le Château…

Le Château d’Oléron is considered as the historic village of the Island. There, you can visit the “castle citadel” or the “Vauban fortresses” for culture, but also walk in the covered market. Its city center is very lively, and there is the port with its oyster farmers’ cabins that have been converted into crafts. It is a magical and essential place to visit.

Visit Saint-Trojan… 

Saint Trojan is an art deco seaside town with houses dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. Its promenade on the ocean is pleasant. You will enjoy its town center on the edge of the channel, and of course the Gatseau Beach : one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Go there by bike or by the small train: change of scenery guaranteed.

Visit Grand Village…

Small charming village with its shops, beach and waves. This is the favorite place of surfers. There, you will find schools to learn to surf safely. And when there is wind, this is the perfect place to go sailing …

Visit Dolus d’Oléron…

It’s a village that lives year-round. Located in the center of the island, it is very functional thanks to all its shops. You will find many activities such as the Bowling, or the Aquatic center, Ileo. It is a village where life is good and enjoyable.

Where to swim on the island of Oléron?

With its 100 kilometers of coast, the island of Oleron is lucky enough to offer many natural beaches. Whatever the weather is, you can enjoy the beach without much discomfort.  If the wind arrives West side, privilege a beach on the East of the island, that way the wind will not bother you …

* Gatseau Beach The Château d’Oléron

* Grand Village Beach

* Plage de la Rémigeasse (next to the hotel)

* The huts Beaches

* Beach of Saint Denis

* Saumonard Beach in Boyardville

Do not forget a must on the island: the Marshes!

It is a sweet and calm place, even in the summer season. You can get there by bike or car. In the marshes, you will be able to see migratory birds that come to breed in summer, (there are more than 60 species of birds) all at liberty. We advise you to go near a water point: if possible with a pair of binoculars … Peaceful moments await you !