Ile d’Oléron markets: everything you need to know at a glance!
This wild beach in the south of the island of Oléron will make you forget all the others! Between pine forests and fine sand, a little corner of paradise awaits you: Gatseau beach!
Oleron’s most beautiful market, its biggest, the one on Sundays or the one that livens up warm summer evenings… In this little guide, we give you a jumble of practical information on Oleron’s markets.
On the Ile d’Oléron, markets are much more than just places to buy groceries. They’re a veritable meeting place where local flavors, a friendly atmosphere and island traditions come together. Here are the answers to the questions you may (or may not) have about the markets on the Ile d’Oléron!
What’s the biggest market on the island of Oleron?
If you’re looking for the biggest and liveliest market in the Oléron region, head for Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron. With over 200 stallholders in and outside the market halls, it’s the benchmark market. Seafood, oysters, cheeses, charcuterie and early produce are abundant. You’ll also find a large number of hawkers selling clothes, jewelry, accessories, handicrafts, etc.
- Where? Place de l’Europe, Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron
- When to visit? School vacations, July and August: every morning. April, May, June, September: every morning except Monday. Winter: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
What’s the most beautiful market on the island of Oleron?
It’s hard to say, but the Château-d’Oléron market has its own special charm. Located in the heart of the historic town center, the covered market halls are among the oldest in Charente-Maritime. Fishmongers, cheesemongers, market gardeners, butchers, oyster farmers and other producers sell the fruits of their labor.
- Why go there? For its historic setting, featuring a richly sculpted Renaissance-style fountain.
- When do we do it? In season, every morning. Off-season, every morning except Monday.
Where to find a Sunday market on the Ile d’Oléron?
If you’re looking for a Sunday morning stroll, there are a number of Sunday rendezvous to choose from:
- Saint-Denis-d’Oléron: a family market in the heart of the village, with great local produce.
- Saint-Georges-d’Oléron: in the heart of the town center, a small market next to the 11th-century Romanesque church.
- Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron: this very large market, mentioned above, is a Sunday stroll not to be missed.
- La Cotinière (Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron): next to the fishing port, a fish market worth a visit for its stalls and picturesque atmosphere.
- Le Château-d’Oléron: a dynamic downtown market that attracts many locals and tourists.
- Saint-Trojan-les-Bains: a pleasant little covered market where you’ll find everything you need to fill your basket around the Place des Filles de la Sagesse.
What day is the market in La Cotinière?
Just a stone’s throw from the fishing port and next door to the Tourist Office, the market in La Cotinière (commune of Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron) is held every day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., from April to the end of September. The rest of the year: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Market gardeners, greengrocers, cheesemakers, butchers, bakers… you’ll find it all here.
The Victorine market, an institution if ever there was one, is the island’s fish market. Fresh sea bass, sole, sea bream, langoustines, monkfish and hake are sold on the quays of Charente’s leading fishing port. In season (April to November): mornings, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; afternoons, after 3:30 p.m. Rest of the year: Tuesday to Sunday.
Is there a night market on the island of Oleron?
Yes, and not just one! Here are the locations and times of the night markets scheduled throughout the summer on the Ile d’Oléron:
- Grand-Village-Plage: every Tuesday evening in July and August, allée des Pins.
- Boyardville: every evening in July and August, from 5.30pm to midnight, on the Place du Marché.
- Saint-Trojan-les-Bains: every Thursday from 5.30pm to midnight, July and August.
- La Cotinière (Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron): every Tuesday in July and August, from 5:30pm to 11:30pm. Concert and entertainment at 9 p.m.
- Dolus-d’Oléron: every Monday in July and August, from 7pm to midnight. Over 70 exhibitors, food trucks and live music in the town center.
- Chéray (Saint-Georges-d’Oléron): every Tuesday in July and August, 6 pm to midnight. Gourmet village and musical entertainment.
Also read: Local specialities to sample at markets on the Ile d’Oléron
