Discovering the designer cabins of Château d’Oléron
In Château-d’Oléron, which has been awarded the “Ville et métiers d’art” label, the old oyster huts have been renovated and repainted in a variety of colors to welcome artists and craftspeople. A must-see!
An Oleron village that lives to the rhythm of craftsmanship
Located at the southeastern tip of the island of Oléron, Le Château-d’Oléron is famous for its multicolored cabins. Some are still used by oyster farmers, while others have been refurbished and repainted in green, blue, yellow or red to welcome artists and craftsmen.
This village of artists, better known as “Couleurs Cabanes”, has become a tourist attraction in its own right, and the center of a thriving artistic production on the island of Oleron. Since 1999, some 30 artists and craftsmen have set up their studio-boutique in the former oyster-farming huts on the avenue du port, on the discovery trail and along the Chenal d’Ors, the longest oyster-farming channel on the island.
– Four signposted artistic walks enable you to discover an anthology of artistic expressions and meet the creators.
A feast for the eyes
Looking for an original souvenir to bring back from your camping holiday on the Ile d’Oléron? The cabanes du Château-d’Oléron open their doors for you to discover passionate artists who handcraft unique creations. Whether you’re a fan of painting, sculpture, ceramics, handcrafted jewelry or glass-blown objects, you’ll find something to satisfy your curiosity.
The village offers a real immersion in craftsmanship, with huts dedicated to trades as varied as embroidery, leatherwork, basketry, cutlery and illumination. There’s even a luthier specializing in ukulele making. Each artist’s hut is a unique opportunity to discover new talents and take home an original piece.
– Throughout the year, the Couleurs Cabanes association also organizes a wide range of events to showcase regional talent, including designer markets, Christmas markets, sightseeing tours and temporary exhibitions.
A treat for the taste buds
In addition to the artists and craftspeople, food lovers will be delighted by the restaurants set up among the colorful huts. Enjoy oysters, fish and seafood right on the harbor.
For a gourmet break, head to the Cabane Du Sans Souci, where you can enjoy delicious seafood on a stilted terrace. Further afield, Les Vagabonds, a restaurant nestled in a typical cabane, is a good address for brunch in the middle of the designer village. La Cabane du Pêcheur is another restaurant worth discovering, as much for the freshness of its produce as for the owner’s warm welcome.
