The most beautiful beaches on the island of Oléron
Among the most beautiful beaches in the Charente-Maritime region, there’s no doubt that the fine sandy beaches of the Ile d’Oléron, hidden behind the dunes and forests, are a must. Holidaymakers are not mistaken. The Ile d’Oléron “La lumineuse” lives up to its name. From the north to the south of the island, your
Stretches of fine sand as far as the eye can see
Wild, bordered by dunes, numerous sandy beaches await you. Facing the ocean on the west side, between the Chassiron lighthouse and Domino, the beaches are subject to the elements. Battered by the wind, sometimes with strong rollers, they can be dangerous. So it’s best to take to the water in areas supervised by firefighters and lifeguards. But when the weather is calm, the waters are crystal-clear. This bay, between Plage des Huttes and Plage de Chaucre, is also a favorite spot for surfing and kite-surfing. For the more romantic, this is where the sun sets in the ocean. You’ll see magnificent colors. In the communes of Vert-Bois, Grand-Village and Saint-Trojan, to the south-west, close to your campsite, an immense beach of fine sand stretches to the end of the island. Plage de la Rémigeasse is also a paradise for sand yachting, surfing and kite-surfing. Finally, on the east coast, facing the mainland, between Boyardville and the Chassiron lighthouse, beautiful sandy beaches stretch from the Saumonards forest to Saint-Denis-d’Oléron. Family-friendly thanks to their calm waters, they offer superb panoramic views of Fort-Boyard, La Rochelle, Ile d’Aix and Ile de Ré.
Lazing in the sun or fishing on foot
The beaches in the central-western part of the Ile d’Oléron are much less populated, and can therefore be enjoyed in a different way in summer. The reason for this is that the rocks are quickly present as soon as the tide goes out. This is also one of the island’s main attractions, as you can fish or sunbathe to your heart’s content. Sometimes, small boats are left at anchor. A delightful landscape. Like the beaches of La Cotinière, La Perroche, La Biroire, La Menounière and Les Sables-Vigniers.
Salt marshes and oyster maturing basins
On the eastern side, facing the mainland, between the Oléron bridge and Boyardville, the coastline is divided and mainly dedicated to the cultivation of Oléron oysters. Apart from Château-d’Oléron, where there are a few pleasant beaches, the coast is lined with salt marshes, oyster maturing basins and the famous oyster beds. At low tide, the seabed is rather muddy and unwelcoming. But this is the richness of the landscapes on the Ile d’Oléron. Nature is very present here. With the marshes forming a nature reserve, many birds fly overhead. Now’s your chance to visit the bird marsh!
Photo: La Grande Plage de Saint-Trojan (Credit: Isabel)
