Off the coast of France in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, there are two remarkable islands: Île de Ré and Île d’Oléron. The smaller Île de Ré is a favorite among many, but Île d’Oléron certainly holds its own against its neighbor. With an area of 175 km², Île d’Oléron is the second-largest French island (after Corsica). Since the 1960s, the island has been accessible via a more than 3-kilometer-long bridge, making it ideal for a day trip or a longer stay. What can you do and see on this beautiful French island with its vast sandy beaches, dense forests and picturesque villages? You’ll find the answer in this article packed with Île d’Oléron sights and tips.
Explore Île d’Oléron by bike
With over 160 kilometers of cycling paths, Île d’Oléron is the perfect destination to explore by bike. On two wheels, you can visit almost every corner of the island. The bike paths are well-maintained and take you to historic towns, through dense forests, along beautiful coastlines, across marshlands, past oyster farms, vineyards and expansive landscapes. There are plenty of rental shops on the island where you can rent a bike. During the high season, it’s advisable to book a bike in advance.
Climb Phare de Chassiron, the iconic lighthouse of Île d’Oléron
Phare de Chassiron is one of the major attractions on Île d’Oléron. The 43-meter-high lighthouse was built in 1836 and is one of the oldest lighthouses in France. It stands at the northernmost point of the island, near the town of Saint-Denis-d’Oléron. Around the lighthouse, you’ll find restaurants and shops; especially during the high season, it can get quite crowded. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, you can easily find a quieter spot along the coast to enjoy a beautiful view of Phare de Chassiron from a distance. For a panoramic view of the entire island, you can climb the lighthouse itself.
Photograph the colorful beach huts at Plage de la Boirie
At the charming beach Plage de la Boirie in the town of Saint-Denis-d’Oléron, dozens of colorful beach huts stand proudly. These huts are mainly used for storing beach items and here and there, you’ll spot people sitting on beach chairs just in front of the doorways. Handy, right? Everything is within reach! Be sure to take a look at these colorful huts and definitely snap a photo, they’re just too charming!
Learn all about salt production at Port des Salines
Both Île de Ré and Île d’Oléron produce salt. Whether you’re touring Île d’Oléron by car or bike, you can’t miss the salt marshes. Want to learn more about this salt production? Visit Port des Salines, an eco-museum where salt is still being harvested today. In addition to learning all about salt production on Île d’Oléron, you can also enjoy the rich flora and fauna. You can explore on foot or even by rowboat. It’s a place you shouldn’t miss if you want to know more about the island’s culture.
Visit historical heritage: forts, churches and more
Île d’Oléron has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. There’s plenty of historical heritage to explore, including forts and military structures like Fort Boyard, Fort Louvois, Citadelle de Brouage and Citadelle du Château-d’Oléron. Lovers of ancient religious buildings will also be in their element. Église de St Georges d’Oléron and Église de St Denis d’Oléron both date back to the 12th century and are among the oldest churches on Île d’Oléron. If you love diving into history, this island is the perfect place for you.
Enjoy the rugged coastline of Île d’Oléron
On Île d’Oléron, you’ll find long stretches of sandy beaches, but also more rugged coastlines. I appreciate both, but I’m always drawn a bit more to the wilder version. It’s often wonderfully quiet here, making it the perfect spot to fully enjoy nature and completely immerse yourself in photography!
Enjoy the Buzz of a Harbour
On Île d’Oléron, you’ll find several marinas where you can leisurely stroll and admire the beautiful boats. Most marinas also have lovely, cozy restaurants. Enjoying two things at once: delicious food and boat watching. What more could you ask for on holiday?
Eat fresh oysters at an oyster farm
While salt production is well-known, Île d’Oléron is perhaps even more famous for its oyster farming. The island is home to many oyster farms and at several of these farms, you can taste the oysters directly from the claires (water basins).
Discover charming villages and towns on Île d’Oléron
Île d’Oléron is full of charming villages and towns that are well worth a visit. Whether you’re buying local delicacies at the weekly market in St. Pierre d’Oléron, exploring the old harbor in Saint-Trojan-les-Bains or walking along the fortifications of the Citadel in Le Château d’Oléron, each place offers a glimpse into the true “island life” experience.
Stroll along the colorful Couleurs Cabanes in Le Château-d’Oléron
A charming and especially colorful spot can be found in Le Château-d’Oléron, near Citadelle du Château-d’Oléron: Couleurs Cabanes. In nearly 40 former oyster huts, artists and craftsmen are at work. The colorful huts are located on docks along canals that fill up at high tide and almost dry up at low tide. During the day, you can see the creatives hard at work here. But even in the evening, when the oyster huts are closed, this is a lively neighborhood. Bars with music, terraces by the water and shops with cute trinkets… this is the place to be at the end of the day!
Eat mussels, preferably Éclade de Moules
When you’re on Île d’Oléron and having mussels, it has to be Éclade de Moules: mussels cooked under a fire fueled by pine needles. That is, if you can find a restaurant that prepares them this way… unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for us. So, we settled for mussels prepared differently. But we’re definitely coming back to Île d’Oléron for the famous Éclade de Moules!
Relax on one of the beautiful beaches
If you love the beach, head to one of the beaches on the western side of Île d’Oléron. The island is dotted with lovely beaches on this side and with the frequent wind and waves, it’s perfect for various water sports (such as kitesurfing and windsurfing). On the eastern side of the island, you’ll find quieter beaches like Plage de la Boirie, Plage des Saumonards and Plage de Boyardville.
