Visit the island of Oléron
What to see on Ile d’Oléron
Welcome to Ile d’Oléron, the ideal destination for your stay in Charente-Maritime.
Nicknamed “la lumineuse” for its beauty and sunshine, the island of Oléron is an exceptional destination on France’s Atlantic coast. Whether you’re a history buff, a water sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing break on golden beaches, the island has it all.
From your two-star campsite, cycle along 130 km of cycle paths. Cycling routes take you through varied landscapes, from salt marshes to pine forests, picturesque villages and golden sandy beaches. One of the most popular itineraries is the loop around the island, offering spectacular panoramic views of the ocean and coastline. Whether you prefer a leisurely family ride, a sporty mountain bike tour, or even a guided excursion to learn more about the island’s history, the island of Oleron has a bike route to suit all levels of cyclist. It’s an ideal way to discover this open-air destination at your own pace, while enjoying the sea air and the island’s natural charm.
During your stay, take a stroll around the port of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, located 1.7 km from our Monplaisir campsite. Nestled on the island’s coast, discover a place that embodies the authenticity and beauty of the Atlantic coast. This port is a must for visitors looking for a unique maritime experience. Stroll along its lively quays, where colorful fishing boats sway gently to the rhythm of the tides. The port is the ideal starting point for a sea excursion to discover the surrounding area, whether for fishing, sailing or exploring the nearby island of Aix. The restaurants lining the harbor invite you to sample fresh se afood while enjoying panoramic ocean views.
Things to do in Oléron
The Ile d’Oléron is an ideal location for your activities. Make the most of your stay in a mobile home or bare pitch at the campsite to discover the wide range of activities on offer, particularly on the wildlife of the Oléron region. It starts with donkey-related activities. Meet these endearing animals on a walk around the citadel or at the ferme aux Ânes (donkey farm), a self-guided tour of the farm.
The equines also invite you to visit several stablesand enjoy carriage rides. The island’s natural landscapes and beaches are ideal for horseback riding, especially at Saint-Trojan-les-Bains.
Meet the beavers at Parc Myocastors, where you can feed, photograph and observe these tireless builders!
Oléron also invites you to visit the “Marais aux Oiseaux”, a large ornithological park located at Les Grissotières, in the commune of Dolus d’Oléron in the heart of the island. More than 320 different species can be observed here.
On foot, by bike or by boat, discover the rich natural and cultural heritage of the Ile d’Oléron during your seaside getaway.
Spectacular nature
A veritable jewel on the Atlantic coast, the Ile d’Oléron is a haven of unspoilt nature that is sure to delight campers. Its varied landscapes range from golden sandy beaches and salt marshes to fragrant pine forests and wetlands rich in biodiversity. Nature lovers will be delighted to explore the hiking trails that criss-cross the island and reveal its exceptional flora and fauna. You can observe a wide variety of birds in the island’s nature reserves.
With its vast natural expanses, pristine beaches and soothing ambience, the island offers a relaxing interlude in the heart of nature, perfect for recharging your batteries and getting away from it all during your seaside camping holiday.
Must-sees on the island of Oleron
The island of Oleron is packed with must-sees that promise an experience rich in discovery. During your stay, treat yourself to a variety of cultural, historical and natural experiences that will leave an indelible mark on your campers’ hearts:
- Discover Fort Boyard, a centuries-old fort perched on a rocky islet and the jewel in the crown of the Charente-Maritime region. Famous for being the setting for the TV show of the same name, the fort is not open to the public, but the nearby island of Aix offers boat trips around the fort to satisfy visitors’ curiosity.
- Relax, swim and sunbathe on the island’s many beaches with their golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Take a trip to Boyardville beach, with its stunning panoramic views of Fort Boyard and Ile d’Aix, Gatseau beach, lined with pine trees, or Petite plage, a 10-minute walk from your campsite.
- Visit the markets of Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, Saint-Trojan-les-Bains and Saint-George-d’Oléron to sample local produce such as oysters, goat’s cheese, seafood and wine.
- Explore the Marennes Basin, a rich and diverse ecosystem. The region’s main attraction is its vast salt marshes, which stretch as far as the eye can see and are home to the famous Marennes-Oléron oysters. Sparkling water, seabirds and local wildlife make this area a true paradise for nature lovers. Stroll or cycle through the salt marshes to appreciate the beauty of this unique environment.
- Stroll through the narrow streets of the Citadelle de Château-d’Oléron, an emblematic historic site on the island of Oleron. Also known as “Fort Louvois”, this imposing maritime fortress built under the direction of Vauban in the 17th century will immerse you in a medieval atmosphere.
- The Port des Salines salt marshes reveal the ancestral art of salt harvesting, an age-old tradition that must be preserved. A visit to this emblematic site gives you an insight into the salt production process. Also a haven for local flora and fauna, with many species of bird making their home here, it’s a place where nature and culture meet in harmony.
