What to see and do in Saint-Pierre d’Oléron? Follow the guide!
Saint-Pierre d’Oléron is the geographical and economic capital of the island of Oléron, occupying the central part of the island. Its location allows you to take full advantage of both the town and the seaside, all in a friendly, family atmosphere.
Heritage, in the heart of Saint Pierre d’Oléron’s historic district
With a population of 6,700, the small town of Oléron has preserved its historic, partly pedestrianized center, with its picturesque lanes, shady alleyways and squares, and its bandstand where musical events are held in summer. From its rich historical past, Saint Pierre d’Oléron has preserved a number of emblematic monuments that are well worth a visit.
Saint-Pierre church and its observatory bell tower
Located in the heart of the pedestrian district, Saint-Pierre church was rebuilt on the site of a 12th-century Romanesque church. The 40-metre-high bell tower offers a breathtaking view of the island. Inside, you’ll find a replica of the recumbent statue of England’s Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, the original of which is at Fontevraud Abbey.
The Lantern of the Dead
Built in the 12th century, the lantern of the dead in Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron is a funerary monument where a lamp is lit to mark the location of the cemetery. Very few monuments of this type have survived. The one at Saint-Pierre-d’Ol éron is the tallest in France (25 metres).
Pierre Loti’s Aïeules house
As a child, writer Pierre Loti vacationed on the island of Oleron. As an adult, he bought his childhood home in
Oleron Island Museum
Housed in an 18th-century building in Saint Pierre d’Oléron, the Musée de l’île d’Oléron presents a comprehensive overview of the island’s history, from prehistory to the present day. Various themes (viticulture, saliculture, gemmage, oyster farming, fishing…), interactive exhibits and free admission for children under 6.
A stroll around the port of La Cotinière
On the coast, the port of La Cotinière is well worth a visit, one of the most typical spots on the island of Oléron. With more than 4,500 tons of fish landed each year, La Cotinière is Charente-Maritime ‘s 1st artisanal fishing port , specializing in noble fish (sole, sea bass, sea bream, monkfish…), not to mention the shrimp and langoustines that tourists snap up. Whatever the season, the quays are always bustling with activity, with numerous boutiques and a wide choice of bars, ice-cream parlors and restaurants attracting crowds of visitors. Fish and chips are a must!
Market days in Saint Pierre d’Oléron
There are three markets in Saint Pierre d’Oléron. The largest is held on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday mornings under the covered market halls in the town center. The La Cotinière market is held every morning in July and August near the port. The Victorine market, also in La Cotinière, is devoted to seafood products (in season, daily mornings and afternoons after 3:30pm).
Camping favourites :
- Fort-Royer: a century-old village of wooden oyster huts dotted around the oyster beds where the famous Marennes-Oléron oysters are matured.
- Le Marais des Oiseaux: between the communes of St-Pierre-d’Oléron and Dolus, discover an ornithological reserve and wildlife rescue center.
- Stand-up paddle in the Saint-Pierre marshes, a NATURA 2000 listed area and refuge for migratory birds (Montagu’s harrier, white stork, hobo falcon, belon’s shelduck, elegant avocet).
- Château de Bonnemie: a former Seigneurial residence, this 14th-century château stands in the middle of a lovely park, ideal for strolling and daydreaming.
- The Eldorado cinema: a wide choice of films to suit all tastes. Perfect when it’s raining on the Ile d’Oléron or when it’s hot, with open-air screenings in summer!
photo@Kokin/CC BY-SA 3.0/wikimedia
