Off the Charentais coast, the island of Oléron is a small tourist paradise bathed by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 6000 inhabitants, Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron is the largest city on the island. Located in the centre of the island territory, its presence on the east and west coasts has made it the administrative and commercial centre of Oléron. The city owes its prosperity to the wine and salt trade with northern European countries. The pedestrian streets of the historic centre are still full of life and house a remarkable architectural heritage, witness to a stormy past.
While in Saint-Pierre, one cannot miss the imposing church that stands in the heart of the city. A fusion of several architectural styles, its construction spanned several eras. Of the first church built in the 12th century, only a few remains remain. Religious wars have considerably damaged the building. Two waves of reconstruction were necessary for it to acquire its present appearance, first in the 17th and then in the 19th century. The most striking element of the church is without hesitation its bell tower, built in 1776. Almost 40 metres high, it served in particular as a bitter point of reference for sailors sailing off Oléron. From its heights, you will discover a striking panorama of the rest of the island as well as the islands of Aix and Ré.
Another unmissable architecture in Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, the Lanterne des morts, a funeral monument typical of western France, surprises by its impressive size. On average, Lanterns are 6 to 10 metres high. The one in Saint-Pierre rises almost 24 metres above the ground. This grandiose Angevin Gothic monument was built in the 12th century and is now an integral part of the city's urban heritage.
If these first visits make you thirsty for history, do not hesitate to visit the Musée de l'Ile d'Oléron. Its permanent collection takes you from the Neolithic Oleron to the present day on a chronological journey full of surprises. From saliculture to fishing to costumes of yesteryear, the traditional activities of the island are highlighted. In addition, the museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that introduce you to other aspects of the island, including works by local artists.
If the Saint-Pierrais could recommend you only one place to visit in the whole city, they would undoubtedly answer you La Cotinière! This small artisanal fishing port is a place of walk full of charm. Its colourful boats bring back every day more than 90 species to discover on the market shelves. One thing is certain, it is good to live on the terraces of the cafés de la Cotinière.
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.
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Villa bleu océan in Vaux sur mer, welcomes you in the studio "cordouan" with independent entrance, on the ground floor, in a quiet place, with trees,...
