La Cotinière, a must-see village on the west coast of the island of Oleron
Located on the west coast of the Ile d’Oléron, La Cotinière is a charming fishing village renowned for its lively port, beaches and authentic atmosphere. Staying at a campsite on the Ile d’Oléron means you can make the most of its walks, gourmet discoveries and maritime riches.
Tourism in La Cotinière: visits, discoveries and maritime flavours
Fifteen kilometers from the campsite, or around 30 minutes by car, discover this must-see seaside resort on Oléron. Part of the commune of Saint Pierre d’Oléron, La Cotinière is best known for its
At the Victorine market and in the many shops, you can treat yourself to prawns, langoustines, crab, spiders, clams, etc., not forgetting the famous Marennes Oléron oysters collected just a few kilometres away. If you love fresh fish, you’ll find it all here: sea bass, cuttlefish, monkfish, skate, sole, etc. And if you don’t feel like cooking, treat yourself to a seafood platter overlooking the ocean or fish prepared in one of the many restaurants in this very touristy Oleron village.
An active Oleron village with a rich heritage
La Cotinière is not just a fishing port. It’s also a large village with narrow streets and typical fishermen’s houses, where it’s great to stroll and enjoy the wind and climate of the Ile d’Oléron. Very lively in summer, everything is done to ensure you have a great time. Dozens of shops selling food, local produce, home decoration and well-being products. In the evening, from 6pm, you’ll find a night market on the port with local craftsmen, souvenir sellers, unusual products and it’s not unusual to find street entertainment to liven up your holiday at the campsite in Oléron.
On the beach side, La Cotinière is the best-known, because it’s the only one in the village. Its orientation protects it from the strong currents of the west coast of the Ile d’Oléron. This beach has also become a spot for “skimboarding” , a sliding sport in which the principle is to surf on the small waves of the seashore, in other words, to slide on the wet sand at low tide.
For more beaches, go south to Plage de Matha and north to Plage de La Biroire.
And don’t forget to make a detour to the Notre Dame et Saint Nicolas church in the center of the village, recognizable by its tall, modern bell tower. Dating from 1966, and therefore a product of the XXᵉ century, it features
