Camping at Grand-Village-Plage:
Our selection of activities, leisure and outings
Nestled on the southwest coast of the Ile d’Oléron, between marsh and forest, the small seaside resort of Grand-Village-Plage is renowned for its long sandy beach, its surf spot, its two eco-museums and much more. Where to go, what to do, what to see? Follow the guide!
The old village of Grand Village
Located in the heart of the national forest, between Saint-Trojan-les-Bains and Dolus-d’Oléron, Le Grand-Village-Plage has preserved its old-world charm. Its narrow streets overgrown with hollyhocks, its traditional Oléron houses, its wells and fountains are all testimony to its history. At the entrance to the old village, the Saint-Joseph chapel is well worth a visit. The local people are particularly attached to it. The interior is decorated with magnificent frescoes depicting the village, the work of local painter Élie Murat.
The saltworks port
Located in the commune of Grand-Village-Plage, this site dedicated to the salt marshes will introduce you to the salt industry and to Oleron’s salt-growing heritage. In addition to guided tours and boat trips through the channels, an eco-museum retraces the history of salt farming, which has long been one of the island’s economic mainstays. Numerous salt-related activities are offered throughout the season, to help visitors discover the age-old art of salt-making, as well as the flora and fauna of the marshes.
The farmhouse
The Maison éco-paysanne (Eco-Peasant House) offers a museographic tour of past lifestyles, the island’s ecological habitat and Oleron traditions. Videos, audio testimonials and fun activities help you discover the Oleron habitat of yesteryear and the evolution of eco-hamlets in the 21st century. A museum of popular arts and traditions illustrates the daily life of islanders in the late 19th century through a rich collection of objects, including headdresses and costumes. Continue your visit on the grounds, in the garden and around the traditional farmhouse, with its dwelling house, barns and wine storehouse where barrels of wine were kept.
La Giraudière beach
Just 800 m from the village, Plage de la Giraudière is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Ile d’Oléron. This long, fine-sand beach, which stretches for over 3 km, has been awarded the “pavillon bleu” (blue flag) label. Swimming is supervised during the summer. Surfing, kitesurfing and sand yachting are available all year round. The beach is accessible via the boulevard that runs through the Saint-Trojan national forest. Two imposing World War II blockhouses stand at the entrance to the beach. Another vestige of history is the wreck of the “Présidente Viera”, a Uruguayan steamer that ran aground in 1916, right in the middle of the First World War.
Un Piano dans la Pinède” jazz festival
For over ten years, this cultural event has offered a musical interlude in the heart of summer. The “Un Piano dans la Pinède” festival takes place during the third week of August in the gardens of the Maison Paysanne. Each year, it pays homage to a great jazz master: Erroll Garner, Duke Ellington, Billy StrayHorn, Benny Goodman, and so on. A quality often praised by jazzophiles.
Grand Village Plage market
An unmissable event, the market is a highlight of local life in Grand-Village-Plage. You’ll find fruit and vegetables, fish, oysters, bread, cheeses, honey and jams, wine and pineau, crafts and more.
- farmers’ market, every morning in season, under the covered market (Wednesdays out of season).
- night market, every Tuesday evening (July and August), allée des Pins.
- Farmers’ market, Wednesday mornings (April to September), on the port des salines, organized by the association La Cabane Rouge.
Book your camping holiday
To discover this charming village on the island of Oléron, book your stay now at St-Tro’Park, our 4-star campsite on the island of Oléron. Right in the heart of the forest, close to the beach and cycle paths, our human-scale campsite offers spacious, comfortable pitches. Enjoy four types of accommodation: traditional camping pitches, chalets, mobile homes and ecolodge tents.
photo@Anthony MASSET/CC BY 3.0/commons.wikimedia
