Camping Ile d'Oléron

Camping on Île d'Oléron: discover the island's must-see towns

With an area of 174 km², Île d'Oléron is the largest French island after Corsica, and is blessed with a beautiful natural heritage as well as numerous traditional towns, villages and hamlets to discover.

Dolus-d’Oléron

Lying centrally within the island, the town's location is ideal for visiting both the eastern and western shores of on Île d'Oléron. There are many beaches within easy reach of the town, so holidaymakers will have the chance to relax on the sand or enjoy water sports. Many other places around the island are well connected with the town due to numerous cycling paths.

On the oyster route, in the hamlet of Allards, day trippers will find colourful huts that act as symbols of the island's long standing tradition of oyster farming. Some huts are still used for oyster farming while others have been converted to creative workshops, while one is now a dedicated place to discover the history of oyster and salt farming on the island.

Le Château-d’Oléron

A town well known for its artisan craftspeople, Le Château d'Oléron is home to a host of creators, installed in the old oyster huts now adorned with explosive colours. It is also famed for its citadel, a remarkable historical building offer tours and interesting insights. There is so much to discover in this fascinating military structure which hides many stories within its walls.

In the town, visitors can embark on the discovery tour of the 2.5km ramparts which offer breath-taking views of the oyster port, the island of Aix, Fort Louvois and the famous Fort Boyard. Stroll through the alleys that reveal small houses with colourful shutters when you enjoy a stay at Campsite Les Embruns d’Oléron, a 4-star family hotel in a wooded park. In addition to its proximity to the beach, holidaymakers can savour the relaxation and recreation of its fantastic swimming complex.

Saint-Denis-d’Oléron

Located at the northern tip of the island, Saint-Denis-d'Oléron is best known for Chassiron lighthouse, nicknamed "end of the world". Present on the island since 1834, it stretches its black and white stripes 46 meters high and features 224 steps on a twisting spiral staircase. Visitors who climb the lighthouse will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the island and the Atlantic Ocean. For the top of the lighthouse, you may be able to spot another local "curiosity" with a tragic history: the Antioch beacon.

This infamous rock has seen more than one shipwreck, and garnered an unfavourable reputation that prompted the lighthouse to be built. The rock, now secure, houses the wreck of a ship as an eternal reminder of the past. A more colourful, and less tragic reminder of the past can be appreciated at the colourful cabins of Boirie beach, which testify to the long history of this seaside resort.

Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron

The capital of Île d'Oléron, Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron contains beautiful architectural treasures such as its "Counter-Reformation" style church with a hexagonal bell tower and its lantern of the dead, the highest in France.

Nature is abundant in Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron as the town has 1500 hectares of marshes that are home to many wild species of bird and other wildlife. The marshes are by the Perrotine channel which can be followed on foot or by bike for a stroll through old salt-works. Finally, the port of La Cotinière is a must see in the town. Small in size, the port is the leading fishing port in Charente-Maritime and is a hive of activity with boats returning with their catches of the day.

Saint-Georges-d’Oléron

Saint-Georges-d'Oléron is a commune that stretches from one side of the island to the other and is home to many traditional villages and hamlets. From Boyardville beach, visitors can view the famed Fort Boyard, one of Île d'Oléron's most iconic tourist attractions. The best way to enjoy a better view of the fort is by embarking on a boat excursion. The commune also has an 11th century Romanesque church, wooden halls dating from 1864, and fish locks that are unique to the Atlantic coast!

The best place to stay to enjoy all of this is Campsite Domaine d'Oléron, a brilliant resort for family holidays on the island. Set with a 3-hectare estate, the site is located close to Boyardville beach making it the perfect place for all members of the family. As well as enjoying the onsite heated swimming pool with water slides, holidaymakers can try many outdoor activities in the local area such as cycling, walking, windsurfing and plenty of other aquatic activities.