Discover
Between land and sea, the Ile d'Oléron and the Marennes Basin invite you to discover its natural charm !
The Ile d'Oléron and the Marennes Basin is an exceptional territory rich in diversity. The natural setting is remarkable, with numerous and varied beaches, a forest massif, an area of prime marshland and several nature reserves. These are protected areas where flora and fauna coexist in complete tranquillity. From dunes to cliffs, from forests to vineyards, from oyster beds to fish locks: so many different places in the same area! The best thing to do is get on your bike and take advantage of the 130 km of trails dedicated to the "little queen", allowing you to appreciate all these landscapes.
The"luminous" island, as it's often called, is a fantastic playground for young and old alike. With its contrasting beaches, you can enjoy all kinds of water sports. The east coast is gentle and ideal for family bathing, while the wild coast is more exposed to wind and waves. A whole range of activities are available to sea lovers: sailing, windsurfing, surfing, sand yachting, kayaking...
Did you know?With a surface area of 175 km², Oleron is the largest French island after Corsica. Its 3027-meter bridge, opened in 1966, was France's longest bridge until the mid-70s. Today, it ranks 2nd behind the St-Nazaire bridge.
It's also a lively place, where the nourishing sea is present everywhere. Who doesn't know the Marennes-Oléron oysters that are served in the best restaurants ? There's nothing like strolling along the multicolored huts or sampling a few oysters facing the sea. It's so much fun! And not to be missed: the port of La Cotinière, with its sailors unloading fish on the quayside. This small, artisanal port has modernized itself to become the department's No. 1 fishing port.
Last but not least, you'll also find a rich heritage , including the citadels, which are freely accessible and ready to reveal their history... A must: climb the Chassiron lighthouse, which stands proudly at the "end of the world". The panorama of the Ile de Ré, the Antioche lighthouse and the fish locks at low tide is well worth the effort. You can also see the "local star", Fort Boyard.
