The Île d’Oléron, in Charente-Maritime, is the second-largest island of metropolitan France after Corsica. Linked to the mainland by a toll-free viaduct, it stretches for about thirty kilometres between fine sandy beaches, pine forests, dunes, marshes and colourful oyster-farming harbours, with a mild, sunny climate.
The oyster farmers’ huts at the port of La Cotinière, the Marennes-Oléron oysters, the Chassiron lighthouse at the northern tip, the citadel of Château-d’Oléron and the Saint-Trojan forest are the highlights. The island has numerous cycle paths, ideal for discovering it by bike, as well as surf and sailing spots.
A short drive from La Rochelle, Rochefort and Royan, Oléron can be explored in a day or a longer stay. It combines easily with Fort Boyard, Brouage and the Île d’Aix for a complete circuit on the Charente coast.