Are you going to visit Oleron Island? Discover in this article the 8 things to do during your stay!
Oléron is an island belonging to the department of Charente-Maritime. The largest French island in the Atlantic Coast, it is famous for its authentic charm, its typical small villages and the richness of its maritime heritage.
Here are the 8 things to do on site, to visit the island of Oleo under all its seams and enjoy a good bowl of marine air!
1. Discover the Fort Boyard
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Francois BOIZOT
The Fort Boyard has been famous for several years thanks to the cult show of the same name. You knew Father Fouras and his enigmas, but did you know that it was possible to visit the edges of the Fort? How to rekindle your childhood memories!
Several companies offer guided sea walks, allowing you to observe the Fort as close as possible. For a visit not like others, know that it is possible to discover the Fort... seen from heaven! Come on. a helicopter which will take you over La Rochelle, Aix Island, Fort Lupin and the unmissable Fort Boyard. An exceptional moment between heaven and sea...
2. Make a boat trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Tero Hakala
Visiting Oleron Island is also enjoying its coastline. Indeed, very nice excursions are to be made by boat.
For example, these allow you to reach the island Re , the island of Aix or the Estuary of the Gironde. It would be a shame not to rent a boat on the island of Oleron and thus miss the idyllic framework offered by the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Visit the Citadelle du Château d’Oléron
Photo credit: Shutterstock – navarro raphael
Citadelle du Château d’Oléron is a must-see military work on the island of Oleron. Its construction was ordered by Richelieu in 1630 on the vestiges of the old medieval castle.
Modified, expanded and rehabilitated in history, it now houses exhibition rooms and hosts cultural events. As a family, friends or as a couple, go to discover this incredible citadel!
4. Upstairs the Chassiron lighthouse
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Begir
Located on the point of Chassiron In Saint Denis d’Oléron, this lighthouse was built in the 1830s.
The highest point of the island, it has a staircase of 224 steps for a height of 46 meters. Originally painted in white, 3 black horizontal strips were added in 1926 to better distinguish it in noisy time and differentiate it from that of the island of Re. At the top of this lighthouse, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Oléron, Re Island, on the continental coast and of course the ocean.
5. Getting to Fort Louvois
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alexandre G. ROSA
The Fort Louvois is a maritime fortification in the form of horse-riding dating from 1694 and located in Bourcefranc-Le-Chapus. Built on a rock between the island of Oleron and the basin of Marennes, its role was to be able to cross the gunfire with those of the Citadel of Oleron to defend the maritime arsenal of Rochefort. With a central dungeon, a levis bridge and a dove, Fort evokes the medieval castles.
Climb to the top of the tower, and, thanks to the orientation tables, admire the panoramic view of the Oléron... Your visit will be punctuated with a track game to discover the secrets of the fort in a playful way. A few days in the summer, Fort Louvois also turned into Espape Game, tell them to solve puzzles in the family!
6. Try the Thalasso at Saint Trojan les Bains
Photo credit: Facebook – Novotel Thalassa Oleron St Trojan
Oleron Island is ideal if you need a relaxing break, in love or with friends! In Saint-Trojan-les-Bains in particular, one thalassotherapy center offers all the services dedicated to your well-being: heated seawater swimming pool, sauna, marine course, steam bath... And of course, you will have the opportunity to book a tailor-made care, inspired by the marine benefits (or not).
- Book your thalasso break in Saint Trojan les Bains
7. Take a surf course
Photo credit: Shutterstock – William.Vaccaro
What to do on the island of Oleron when you have a sporting spirit? Surfing, of course! The island is known to be one of the few spots on the Atlantic coast where surfing is practiced almost in all seasons. You will find several surf schools, accessible for all levels. Here are the best beaches to practice:
- Saint-Trojan-les-Bains (South of the island)
- La Plage de Grand-Village (South-West)
- La Plage de Vert-Bois (South-West)
- The beaches of Saint-Denis d’Oléron and more precisely the tip of the Boulassiers
- La Plage des Huttes (Northwest)
8. Browse the Route des Huîtres
Photo credit: Shutterstock – gdela
Are you a gourmet type? Go to the discovery of the Route of oysters , located between the Château d’Oléron and Boyardville! The local oyster is the “Marennes”, typical of the region of Charente-Maritime.
On foot, by car or by bike, enjoy the ride to take a tasting break directly from the producers... And treat yourself!
How do I go to Oleron Island?
If you go to the island by car, why not try carpooling? The community of the island has created a Facebook group “ Carpool IO "to file or consult the route announcements, without a commission. As the Marennes basin is not served by the train, you can combine a train + bus trip from Aquitaine: lines connect some cities (La Rochelle, Rochefort, Royan...) to the island.
When on flights, they are numerous in France towards La Rochelle (count about 1h30 flight from Paris). The Island of Oleron does not have an airport, so you will have to opt for the many means of transport available (boat, bus, car and even bike!) to reach it. To find an airline ticket at the best price, consider taking a look at our partner’s website and comparator Ulysses .
How do I travel on Oleron Island?
If it is possible to visit the many small islands on the Atlantic side by bike, you will have to be shy to attack Oléron in its entirety in two-wheels. However, there is a free shuttle throughout the summer (July and August) allowing you to connect the main cities of the island such as La Cotinière, Le Château d’Oléron or Saint-Trojan-les-Bains. If you don't want to depend on bus schedules, you can also opt for it car rental to explore the roads of the island.
Where to stay on Oleron Island?
Many hotels, bed and breakfast but also campsites will welcome you during your stay on the island of Oleron. It's up to you to see if you prefer an outdoor or more luxurious accommodation. Consult this Compare hotels to find your happiness and do not hesitate to take a look at our article dedicated to villages where to stay on Oleron Island !
Small bonus : on Airbnb , owners sometimes offer to rent their boat... If you are looking for unusual accommodation, then this is the opportunity!
You can now visit Oleron Island in the best way!
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