Saint-Trojan-les-Bains
Nature and well-being are the hallmarks of this village, classified as a seaside resort since 1898. With its seafront reminiscent of the charm of yesteryear, its Belle Epoque villas still bear witness to the beginnings of holiday resorts and the first sea baths. Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is also a place where flora and fauna are well represented. On foot, by bike or in the little train, you'll discover its national forest. And don't forget the annual mimosa festival, held in early February, which perfumes the whole island.
Beaches...
Situated at thesouthern tip of the island of Oléron, between the Atlantic Ocean and the coureau d'Oléron, protected from storms by a magnificent 2,000-hectare forest, the island offers visitors a wide variety of beaches:
- La petite plage: Sheltered on the shore of the coureau, lined with"Belle Epoque" villas, this beach is frequented by regulars who come together for the charm and tranquility of a sheltered site. Nearby, the Centre Nautique du Coureau d'Oléron (CNCO) offers a wide range of water sports for all ages. A ferry boat also operates between Saint-Trojan and La Tremblade.
- La plage du soleil :Situated along the promenade Manson, opposite Ronce les Bains, facing south-east, the plage du soleil deserves its name. It's ideal for children and parents alike.
- Plage de Gatseau: A large, south-facing beach, sheltered from the wind and waves, this beach is very popular with families. A supervised beach in summer, it is accessible to the disabled. It is served by the"P'tit train de Saint-Trojan", which ventures into a wild and charming site.
- La grande plage: On the west coast, facing the Atlantic Ocean, over a length of 3km, beyond the forest and dunes, this is Oleron's best-known and most popular beach. Access is via a footpath, which can be reached either via the forest road or the cycle path at the entrance to the village. A supervised beach in summer, its size and wilderness make it a favorite with surfers and bodyboarders. Many activities are practiced here: surfing, kitesurfing, sand yachting...
A village of inspiration
Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is one of the world's most distinctive seaside resorts, thanks in part to its oyster-farming port, lined with colorful wooden huts that are a sight to behold on every stroll. Today, some of these huts are still used by working oyster farmers. Production is sold either for shipment or on local markets.
Other huts have been restored to accommodate the artists of the village who are the inspiration for the painters. Granted to the commune by former oyster farmers, they were extensively renovated in 1997. Painters, artists of all stripes and galleries have now taken up residence in these authentic heritage sites. So if you appreciate painting, art and diversity of expression... Saint-Trojan-les-Bains and its artists are ready to welcome you.
Ah, the good old days...
In addition to its beaches, Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is also known for its numerousseaside villasfrom the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At the end of the 19th century, with the introduction of the first steamboat links, the opening of the railroad and the advent of the first sea baths, Saint-Trojan saw its first unprecedented influx of tourists. The shelter afforded by the forest, combined with a very favorable climate, made the village a very popular summer resort. Today, the presence of numerous Belle Epoque villas testifies to this glorious period, with their various regionalist inspirations and evocations of travel: English cottage, Basque villa, neo-Gothic castel... . They give an idea of what a popular and "posh" seaside resort it may have been at the time. Some of them are listed buildings. Note the diversity of building materials: rubble stone, ashlar, brick, wood, mechanical tiles, slate...
The Mimosa Festival...
Every year in February, Saint-Trojan-les-Bains welcomes thousands of people to celebrate the Mimosa. The mimosa, which blooms just once a year, has been a fixture on the island of Oleron since the late 19th century. Its establishment is the result of a surprising story. A young couple on a holiday on the Côte d'Azur brought back this famous fragrant plant with its golden balls. The mild climate did the rest. Today, the mimosa has proliferated all over the island, covering many gardens.
When the event, then known as " Mimosa Day ", was created on February 8, 1959, some 2,000 vehicles took the ferry to the Ile d'Oléron to attend the festivities and admire the first "Queen of the Mimosa", Colette Coussy. Over the years, the Fête du Mimosa has welcomed more and more lovers of the golden-flowered tree, and more and more curious onlookers, attracted by the heady fragrance emanating from the village. Today, more than 20,000 people cross the viaduct at each Fête du Mimosa, strolling through the streets of Saint-Trojan to enjoy the parade of floral floats and dance to the rhythm of bandas and more traditional music.