guide
An introduction to the highlights of the Île d’Oléron in Charente-Maritime: Fort Boyard, Fort Louvois, the Chassiron lighthouse, along with top activities such as surfing, land yachting and cycling along 130 kilometres of cycle paths. A practical guide for planning a campsite stay in this Bay of Biscay destination.
Île d’Oléron is a favourite destination for a great many tourists and holidaymakers. Located in the heart of the Bay of Biscay, this spot ranks among the most visited places in the Charente-Maritime department. To make the most of your stay, we recommend choosing one of the many cheap campsites located in the region.
Along the same lines, we invite you to take a tour to discover up close the must-see sights and the activities not to miss during your visit to the region.
Here’s a selection of places to visit during your stay in Charente-Maritime.
It’s practically impossible to leave the region without a trip to Fort Boyard. This iconic structure became famous thanks to France 2’s cult TV show of the same name. To get there, several clubs offer boat trips leading right up to the monument’s gates. You can also reach it by helicopter.
Built towards the end of the 17th century, Fort Louvois is a structure inspired by a horseshoe shape. Built to defend the Rochefort naval arsenal, the fortress held strategic importance in the military set-up of the time. Today it welcomes a considerable number of visitors keen to observe these remnants of the past up close.
This structure dates from 1830. Standing 46 metres tall with a staircase of 224 steps, it offers a panoramic view over the whole of Île d’Oléron. It’s the ideal spot for taking authentic photos from Pointe de Chassiron.
Île d’Oléron is a place that lets you try your hand at all kinds of activities. Discover, below, some of the region’s most popular activities.
Île d’Oléron lets surfing enthusiasts pursue their passion all year round. Indeed, several beaches in the region attract a considerable number of water sports fans. Grand Village beach, VertBois beach, Les Huttes beach, and the beaches of Saint-Denis d’Oléron and Saint-Trojan-les-Bains are among the spots most sought after by surfers.
Also known as “the boat of the sands”, sand yachting is a very popular activity on the region’s beaches. This activity, accessible to all ages, has become firmly established among holidaymakers’ habits in recent years. You’re sure to spend a very enjoyable time doing it.
Île d’Oléron lets hikers cross several trails through the forest, the marshes or along the coast. What’s more, several marked trails have been laid out to make these walks easier. These trails also give holidaymakers the chance to go on bike rides across the island’s 130 kilometres of cycle paths.
The cheap campsites on Île d’Oléron are alternatives that offer holidaymakers more choice and comfort. These sites provide their guests with a range of services that make it easier to discover the region’s iconic spots.
Several operators run boat trips out to the fort, made famous by France 2's TV show. It can also be reached by helicopter.
Built in 1830, it stands 46 metres tall and can be climbed via a staircase of 224 steps, offering a panoramic view over the whole island from the Pointe de Chassiron.
Grand Village beach, VertBois beach, Les Huttes beach and the beaches of Saint-Denis-d’Oléron and Saint-Trojan-les-Bains are the most popular spots among surfers.
Yes, the island has 130 kilometres of cycle paths crossing forests, marshes and coastline.
