Oleron Island
Ile d’Oléron, a must-see island on the Atlantic coast
It’s the largest of the French Atlantic islands, also known as theCharente archipelago. It is 30 km long and 8 km wide. Long renowned for its oysters, sea salt and vineyards of Pineau des CharentesThanks to its beautiful beaches and 2400 hours of sunshine a year, it has been able to develop its tourism. “Oleron, the luminous one and, of course, all the nautical activities and its beloved Fort Boyard off the coast.
Add to this a high-quality market garden based on a sandy soil that provides its inhabitants with magnificent fruit and vegetables, and you’ve already got some very good reasons to come and discover the Ile d’Oléron for your next vacation!
What to see and do on the island of Oleron?
Discover the must-see activities on the island of Oleron!
Discover local produce at markets on the Ile d’Oléron
The Sables Vignier campsite in Saint-Georges-d’Oléron is 1.2 km from a large market selling fresh local produce, at Domino, so you can fill up on vitamins and goodness during your stay. There’s also a grocery store on the campsite. Every village here has its own market, and we’ll give you a list when you arrive, not forgetting the night markets!
For pick-your-own family enthusiastsWe have several addresses of producers where you can organize your harvest of tasty “Maras des bois” strawberries, melting and juicy sun-drenched field tomatoes, the famous sweet Charentes melon, thirst-quenching watermelons, crunchy salads, peppers of all colors, zucchinis, eggplants, green beans to die for, aromatic herbs, flowers….
In spring, come and taste the violet asparagus of the sands, grenailles d’Oléron, carrots, peas… It’s not only on the beach that you can enjoy the benefits of the Atlantic’s golden sands.
Wine tourism
Our Charente-Maritime island is also home to vineyards producing Pineau des Charentes, cognac and the dashing, colorful vins de pays that go so well with the local cuisine. Cellar and winery tours for wine lovers. Good addresses to suggest at reception, of course.
Stroll around the island’s ports
A little to the south of Les Sables Vignier is the port of La Cotinière. It is home to the colorful trawlers of the island’s professional fishermen. In fact, it’s France’s leading langoustine fishing port. Come and discover it during the auction at the end of the day, around 5pm.
Seafood (prawns and shrimps, whelks, scampi, clams and prawns, cockles and mussels, scallops, crabs…), fish of all shapes and sizes, extra fresh: nature is prolific, and it’s a feast for the eyes… before it’s a feast for the taste buds! Go to the “Pêcheries de la Cotinière”, where you’ll find good advice and a warm welcome.
Visit the oyster beds
A little further south, the oyster beds where Oléron oysters are grown and matured. There’s also an oyster museum in Marennes. It’s very well done and will appeal to young and old alike.
Visit the salt marshes
And also, an ancestral crop brought back into production in the island’s marshes: sea salt. Grand Village offers an excellent discovery trail: the port of Les Salines, the eco-museum, and a visit to the salt marshes, where you can meet the island’s salt workers. Don’t forget to pack some fleur de sel in your luggage, as it will enhance all your dishes and prolong the good mood of your stay with us at camping Oléron!
