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Off the coast of the Charente, the island of Oléron, a sunny gem of the Atlantic Ocean, is a coveted destination combining history, nature, sport and relaxation. Connected to the mainland via a road bridge since 1966, many holidaymakers flock to its eight towns every year. It must be said that Oléron has everything to please : golden beaches, an extraordinary architectural heritage and a great diversity of natural sites.
The turbulent history of the island has greatly marked its urban landscape. The geographical position of Oléron has made it a privileged zone for the defense of the coasts, so several military constructions have been raised for centuries on the island. Fort Boyard, it's a name you've certainly heard about. This immense stone ship made famous by the television program was built to protect the Rochefort arsenal in the 19th century. An ambitious project for the time, the fort rises on the tether of Boyard, situated between the islands of Oléron and Aix. From the beach of Boyardville to Saint-Georges-d'Oléron, you can see it in the distance, proudly dominating the sea. Although it is not accessible to the public, you will find in Oleron many ways to approach this imposing giant Of stone : catamaran, jet-ski or sail, you choose !
Lovers of history and architecture can not miss the impressive citadel of Oleron's Castle. Partly built by the illustrious Vauban, military engineer of Louis XIV, it replaced the old castle of the dukes of Aquitaine, destroyed during the wars of religion. It was a large fortified complex, the construction of which was ordered by Richelieu in 1630. It was enlarged several times during the following centuries in order to strengthen it. Today, it regularly hosts exhibitions that will delight anyone who craves history and knowledge.
Oléron is also an indomitable nature in all its forms. From golden dunes to verdant forests, from limestone cliffs to marshes, the island offers a wide variety of landscapes, all as sumptuous as each other. Coasts are obviously one of the highlights of the island. Its vast beaches of fine sand make it possible to enjoy the mild climate. Each municipality has its own beaches, many of which benefit from the eco-label Pavillon Bleu. Bathing and lazing, are on the program ! The waves of the Atlantic Ocean are ideal to learn water sports : kitesurfing, stand up paddle, sailing... The schools of Oléron welcome you with open arms regardless of your level.
The trade of salt is a great tradition of Oléron which grew considerably from the Middle Ages. The activity has lost a lot of momentum in favor of oyster culture since the 20th century but the salt marshes are still visible on the island. Some are still active, and the salt workers will share with you, with pleasure, their trade during a visit. Others have been converted into natural areas with abundant fauna and flora.
The island of Oléron is also a very rich gastronomy taking advantage of the natural resources of the island territory ! The seafood is obviously at the heart of the oléronese cuisine, fishermen bringing every night close to 90 species of their outings at sea. The wine growing is also one of the oldest activities of the island which gives a wine of country renowned for its fruity taste. To discover all the flavors of the island, visit the beautiful terraces of the Oléronese restaurants.
Dolus d'Oléron
Daniel
09/09/2020
Don't miss a trip to the island of Aix.
Patrick
18/07/2020
Ageable stay
Elodie
07/09/2019
Chassiron lighthouse: not to be missed.
Aurelie
20/07/2019
The "La Galicrêpe" creperie: we eat very well there and the bosses and staff are very nice! Don't forget to book!
Remy
22/06/2019
Restaurant "Chez Marina" in Boyardville.
Saint Denis d'Oléron
Francoise
05/06/2021
Everything is to be visited on the island of Oleron but our favorites are : the little train of St Trojan which brings us to the wild south end of the island, the Port des Salines and Château d'Oléron. a great restaurant in St Denis d'Oléron : the Quai 17 and not to be missed, the aiglade (mussels cooked in pine thorns) at the Testaud's in Dolus, very nice oyster farmers. original dish to discover. And to see for the beauty and freshness: the marsh to the birds in Dolus and the jardi des Boieries in St Pierre d'oleron.
Mirella
04/06/2021
We discovered the Parc aux Oiseaux in Dolus d'Oléron, very beautiful, with trees, a visit in the shade very pleasant for the family, and beautiful birds.
Emile
27/03/2021
Unfortunately no restaurants because of the health crisis but lots of wonderful places to see. For the restaurants, some make dishes, even menus, to take away : it's good while waiting for the reopening...
Hélène
27/03/2021
Not to be missed: the lighthouse of Chassiron and the citadel of Château d'Oléron which remain open in spite of the confinement, but we regretted not being able to visit the marshes with the birds in Dolus d'Oléron which did not have the authorization to open! (1km and a half of walking in the middle of nature where is the danger ?)
Gérard
13/03/2021
Stay in March 2021, restaurants and all animations closed! Do not miss the market of Chéray (every morning).
Herve
18/10/2020
Visit of the citadel: great... From the Chassignon lighthouse... Visit by boat of the Fort Boyard and the island of Aix... Crossing by boat to visit La Rochelle... All this has been great.
Joel
17/10/2020
Saint Denis market: quality products and friendly traders.
Monique
03/10/2020
Restaurant "La Coquille" on the port of Doute.
Gérard
26/09/2020
Visit the coast of Chassiron and the port of Bigard Ville.
Patrick
05/09/2020
A restaurant (the only one) that allows you to eat an éclade (mussels cooked in a pine needle fire): "Chez Mamelou" (attention: reservation necessary at least 72 hours before). It is located on the oyster road from the town of Château d'Oléron.
Josette
29/08/2020
Nice outing to Château d'Oléron (small train and boat trip - cheap).
Henri
01/08/2020
For restaurants: go to the port of Saint Denis and the surrounding area (in season, it is highly recommended to book 2 to 3 days in advance).
Jean-louis.motte
18/07/2020
Good plan: rent a bike.
Rosario Antonio
13/06/2020
I've known the island for 11 years: everything is to be seen and discovered...
Marc
23/06/2019
Bicycle paths are not well indicated.
Laurence
20/04/2019
Sweet creperie sanded at the port of st Denis d'Oleron. Tourist chassiron lighthouse but not to be missed. Beach specific to Dt Denis.
Saint Georges d'Oléron
Agnes
15/07/2023
Le café de la plage boyardville
Sabrina
24/06/2023
The port of Douhet, Chassiron lighthouse, La Bree les Pins
Jean Noël
03/06/2023
Tour of l'ile de ré by bike. Free parking before the ile de ré bridge. Great bike rides, top-notch bike paths. On oleron, visit fort royer and la mare aux oiseaux.
Corinne
27/05/2023
A very family-friendly market in La Bree les bains, well-stocked even out of season (May/June).
Martine
06/05/2023
The little train of Saint Trojean les bains leave in the morning and plan a lunch on the beach
Sylvie
29/04/2023
Boyarville and Fort Boyard Tours
Françoise
08/04/2023
Restaurant la Grange in Boyard city. Super nice home cooking very good. Waitress hyper nice. I recommend +++++++
Alain
13/08/2022
Restaurant at the cotiniere very good
Mélanie
22/05/2021
Artist's huts in château d'olerons Point and lighthouse of Chassiron
Julie
17/10/2020
Walks on a stretch of beach as far as the eye can see. At low tide, shells can be collected on the island's beaches.
Aurelie
17/10/2020
Sail around Fort Boyard on a catamaran.
Gerard
03/10/2020
Good tables on the port of La Cotinière, beautiful walks all over the island (both on foot and by bike), markets in St Pierre, St Georges very good (a Leclerc 10mn by car very good also. Great stay.
Salvatore
19/09/2020
In addition to all the villages, visit the bird marsh, go to the island of Aix and, on the other side of the viaduct, go to Marennes and Bourcefranc.
Michele
12/09/2020
Super creperie in Saint Denis d'Oléron which is simply called "La Crêperie".
Olivier
12/09/2020
It is necessary to visit the area on the east side of the island where it is wilder (on the west side campsites grow like mushrooms).
Marie Josee
05/09/2020
A very good table at Château d'Oléron: the restaurant "Comme Une Evidence", really a very refined cuisine and a good value for money.
Karine
08/08/2020
Bicycles, walks, beaches... There is a lack of bars, restaurants and shops in St Georges. La Cotinière is more attractive (town centre and port).
Hervé
25/07/2020
We liked the charm of the cabins of the Château d'Ors. Very nice restaurant and good table in St Georges d'Oléron ": Le Bistro de la Grange" (facing the harbour).
Josette
21/09/2019
Oysters and mussels from Nadeau: excellent.
Evelyne
07/09/2019
La Salorge (Le Grand-Village-Plage): flower of salt, discovery of the profession of saunier...
Michel
31/08/2019
A very good restaurant in terms of welcome, service and quality price: "La Gaité" on the port of La Cotinière (Ile d'Oléron).
Carole
17/08/2019
Île d'Oleron is nice (especially by bike). Good food nearby: restaurant "La Guitoune".
Nicolas
10/08/2019
Sailboat "La Marcelle" (sea trips).
Jean Paul
03/08/2019
Restaurant "l'Ecailler" in La Cotinière: very good table and good service.
Dominique
26/07/2019
In Saint Pierre d'Oleron, a very pleasant bar with a friendly welcome and a choice: "Le Zing". Interior decorated with taste and originality and exterior terrace.
Vanessa
30/05/2019
"Dream Pony": the children loved a pony ride around the farm. Pleasant welcome.
Daniel
18/05/2019
We recommend that you buy oysters at the Domino market (St Georges d'Oléron).
Odile
11/05/2019
To recommend: the restaurant "La Courtine" in Château d'Oléron.
Michelle
11/05/2019
I recommend the restaurant "Le Relais des Salines" in Grand Village, fisherman's hut, excellent table, beautiful environment, view of the marshes. And of course: the seafood restaurant "La Roue Tourne", the livewells of the Saurine (Boyardville road), for the table but especially for the atmosphere.
Dominique
27/04/2019
The restaurant "La Gaieté" at La Cotinière: very good. Otherwise "La Criée" for fresh fish in the same place and especially of quality and cheap.
Christelle
27/04/2019
We have to do the strong boyard with the Marcelle boat.
Fabrice
20/04/2019
restaurant from the captain's plate to the cotiniere
Sabrina
13/04/2019
Resto on quay 17 in Saint Denis d'Oleron.
Saint Pierre d'Oléron
Pascal
19/12/2020
You have to like going there in winter... like us.
Philippe
18/07/2020
Generally speaking, the island of Oleron is seriously lacking in animation. To be recommended for families with young children. For those who love oysters and langoustines, it is absolutely necessary to go to the market of La Cotinière (chez Nadeau"), where you can taste top-of-the-range products on the spot, much better and at half price than in the restaurants of the surroundings!
Consuelo
21/09/2019
Very rainy and windy week, no way out.... maybe next time!
Florence
24/08/2019
Bicycles can be hired nearby for pleasant family outings.
Saint Trojan les Bains
Francette
14/09/2019
Little train, natural escapade and authentic landscapes. Restaurant "Le Jardin Romain" in Saint Trojan: very good value for money.
Laetita
24/08/2019
Activities: Carbet Stables and Jet Island Watersports.
Corinne
03/08/2019
You can buy bicycles for 20 or 30€ instead of renting them. Look at the Boncoin. Then sell the bike to your salesman for 5 and 10€.
The water park ILEO (Dolus)
In July/August: Water park (geysers and whirlpools, waterfalls, giant slides, pentagliss, lagoon...); all year round: new generation sports and leisure pool (state-of-the-art facilities) and a Fitness and Spa Area. It is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility.
The beaches
Supervised beaches, naturist or surfing-friendly, the twenty or so beaches of Ile d'Oléron will delight all visitors! The European blue flags or the nautical activities arranged on some beaches will give a certain comfort to your holidays!
Oysters
Thanks to an exceptional environment, adapted weather conditions and centuries-old know-how, the Marennes-Oléron oyster is the ambassador of local gastronomy.
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DOLUS d''Oléron (17) - Vert Bois Apartment T2 - 32 m² - up to 4 people Apartment on the upper ground floor (a few steps) comprising an entrance...
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A beautiful vacation close to the sea, on the Ile d'Oléron. That's what the Fief Melin offers. It's located at Château d'Oléron, in a natural...
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A beautiful vacation close to the sea, on the Ile d'Oléron. That's what the Fief Melin offers. It's located at Château d'Oléron, in a natural...
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Le Château d'Oléron - Ors 4-room house - 95 m² - sleeps up to 6 Pleasant, tastefully renovated house in the heart of the Oléronnais marshes,...
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