What to see and do in Saint Trojan les Bains
Located at the southern tip of the island of Oleron, between the Atlantic Ocean and the coureau d’Oléron, the village of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is a popular summer destination for families. What activities are available in this listed seaside resort? Follow our guide to find out where to go and what to do.
Saint-Trojan-les-Bains was a small village of fishermen and salt-marsh workers until the 19th century. Today, it has become a lively and welcoming seaside resort. This is where you’ll find our
The port of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains
Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is home to a small artisanal fishing port, surrounded by colorful oyster huts and restaurants serving local specialties such as fish, oysters and mussels. Some of the huts have been restored and are now home to artists and art galleries, grouped together under the name “Village d’inspiration des Peintres”: painting, sculpture, floral art, mosaics, ceramics and earthenware. Further information at www.levillagedinspirationdespeintres.com
A guided tour of old Saint-Trojan
Take a stroll through old Saint-Trojan on a guided tour organized by the tourist office. Discover the seaside architecture and Belle Époque villas lining the boulevard de la plage, the Saint-Trojan church and its marine ex-voto, the sundial at the Hôtel de Ville and the narrow streets of low whitewashed houses.
The beaches of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains
Protected by pine forests and dunes, in the southernmost part of the island of Oléron, the beaches of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains offer a safe and pleasant bathing environment. Plage de Gatseau, at the edge of the forest, is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Facing south, it stretches for around 500 meters in a sheltered, gently sloping bay. A first-aid post and toilets are set up on the beach in July and August.
At the entrance to St Trojan, the Grande plage (plage de la Giraudière) is also one of the most popular beaches on the Ile d’Oléron. It stretches for three kilometers from the pointe de Gatseau in the south to the plage du Vert-Bois in the commune of Dolus d’Oléron. There’s a surf school and a sand yacht club.
The small beach at St Trojan les Bains stretches along the boulevard de la plage, close to the town center and the sailing school. Its accessibility makes it a particularly popular beach for families. The ferry leaves for La Tremblade in July and August.
An outing to the Bris marsh
The 37-hectare Marais des Bris lies in the heart of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, between canals, reeds, meadows and groves. This sensitive natural area, a link between sea and forest, is home to several varieties of wild orchid and numerous bird species: grey heron, black-headed warbler, common tern, brant… To make the most of this unspoilt site, footpaths, a fitness trail and children’s play areas have been laid out. Nature outings are regularly organized to discover the local flora and fauna. Le Marais des Bris: 18 rue Saint-André des Bris, 17370 Saint-Trojan-les-Bains.
Le P’tit Train de St Trojan
The P’tit Train touristique de St Trojan, in service since 1963, runs diagonally across the south of the island through the national forest. Departing from Saint-Trojan-les-Bains station, it serves Gatseau beach and the Maumusson inlet on the wild coast (12 km round trip). Open daily from April to early October, without reservation. Accessible to people with reduced mobility. Further information at www.le-ptit-train.com
A walk in the Saint-Trojan forest
A large part of Saint-Trojan ‘s territory is covered by a forest of maritime pines. This is the largest forest on the island, covering some 2,000 hectares. Picnic areas, footpaths and signposted cycle paths allow you to immerse yourself in the Olive grove and discover its wealth of flora and fauna. In summer, ONF guides offer free guided walks to discover the secrets and history of the Saint-Trojan forest.
Mimosa Festival
Every year in February, the Mimosa Festival livens up the streets of Saint-Trojan. Some twenty floats decorated with mimosa parade through the village center, accompanied by brass bands and costumed troupes. The program also includes entertainment in the streets of the town center, with folk music and dance, a flea market and a mimosa ball. Further information at www.lafetedumimosa.com
photo@Mutichou/CC BY-SA 4.0/wikimedia
