The best places to visit on the Ile d’Oléron
Steeped in history, the Ile d’Oléron and surrounding area offers a wealth of architectural discoveries, from picturesque towns and villages to fortresses, fishing ports and yachting harbors, there’s no shortage of sights to see in Charente-Maritime.
The authentic Île d’Oléron will delight you with the diversity of its protected natural sites and heritage.
Top places to visit in Charente-Maritime
From our campsite on the Ile d’Oléron, discover the historical riches of the Charente-Maritime region.
- The route des forts takes you along a unique defensive network that protected Rochefort’s arsenal. The dozen or so bastides tell the story of France’s history, delighting youngsters who dream of pirates and soldiers.
- Close to the Île d’Oléron viaduct, visit Fort Louvois, with its keep, barracks and guardhouse at the foot of the Île d’Oléron bridge. You can get there on foot or by boat, depending on the tides of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Set back a little inland, explore the Citadelle de Brouage, a former seaport, now as if stranded in the middle of the marshes. Between its ramparts steeped in history and its panoramic views over the marshes, discover the food market, the church and the restored cobbled streets.
- La Rochelle is a must-see city, attracting visitors not only for its history and architecture, but also for its constant hustle and bustle. It can be reached by car (less than 1h30) from the La Campière campsite. Or take a boat trip from one of the ports on the Ile d’Oléron. After a 50-minute crossing, you’ll arrive right in the heart of La Rochelle’s old port, at the foot of its two towers. Set aside a day to discover the city’s impressive historical heritage. You can also visit theLa Rochelle aquarium, admire the yachts and splendid ships in the marina, stroll through the old port, admire the clock and the arcades of the pedestrian streets.
- Rochefort, the historic center of Charente-Maritime, is less than an hour from La Campière campsite. Discover its majestic Corderie Royale and its dry docks where the famous Hermione frigate was built. Take the Pont Transbordeur across to the city center and its majestic Place Colbert, typical of 17th-century urban planning. Don’t forget to visit the home of the famous travel writer Pierre Loti, whose extravagant house is now a museum.
- During your vacation at La Campière, be sure to visit one of Europe’s most renowned zoos: Zoo de La Palmyre. This unique site boasts over 1,600animals of 115 different species. As you wind your way through 18 hectares of pine forest, observe and learn about them. You can also take advantage of this excursion to discover the Arvert peninsula , with its wild coastline, Coubre lighthouse and immense forest.
Places not to be missed on the Ile d’Oléron
The heritage of the Ile d’Oléron is particularly rich, offering a wide range of activities, excursions and discoveriesaround Saint-Georges-d’Oléron.
- The Chassiron lighthouse is the highest point on the Ile d’Oléron. Accessible by bike from the La Campière campsite , this landmark opens its doors and 224 steps for a breathtaking view of the island and the sea. Discover its history as you tour its splendid botanical gardens.
- The Ile d’Oléron is historically a land of fishermen, so it’s only natural that you’ll discover many harbors. Discover the marinas of Boyardville, Le Douhet or Saint-Denis-d’Oléron, where you’ll find the typical architecture of the old fishing villages of the Ile d’Oléron. Take time to stroll through the markets and linger in the cafés.
- La Cotinière, Charente Maritime’s leading fishing port, is also a particularly lively tourist destination. Take the time to meet its sailors and enjoy a famous seafood platter. Take the opportunity to visit the fish auction, where freshly caught fish are sold by auction.
- The majestic Citadelle du Château-d’Oléron is a historic landmark in the Charente-Maritime region. Built by Vauban to defend Rochefort’s arsenal, its defensive role continued until the 19th century. As you walk along its ramparts, forged by centuries of military strategy and maritime life, each stone tells a story and lets you see the evolution of the island of Oléron.
- Famous as the setting for the TV show bearing its name, Fort Boyard is a marvel of early 19th-century marine architecture. Set sail from the Ile d’Oléron to discover Fort Boyard. Whether under sail or motor, you’ll enjoy sailing around this impressive fortress, which epitomizes the stronghold developed by Vauban. Don’t miss this not-to-be-missed excursion during your camping vacation.
- The Île d’Oléron is the ideal starting point for discovering the Île d’Aix, classified as a remarkable natural site. This nugget of Charente-Maritime, the last car-free island, is accessible by boat from Boyardville, in the commune of Saint-Georges-d’Oléron. You’ll enjoy touring this 3 km-long island on foot, by bike or in a horse-drawn carriage, discovering its varied landscapes and 360° panorama over the Pertuis d’Antioche. The architectural heritage of this fortified village designed by Vauban is remarkably well preserved around its citadel.
Family visits
Your family vacation at camping La Campière is the ideal time to share authentic family moments. The Ile d’Oléron is brimming with typical sites that will amaze young and old alike.
- Just a 4 km bike ride from the La Campière campsite, the Moulin de la Brée and its museum open their doors to you and let you discover the cereal tradition of Oleron. Let yourself be tempted by a packet of flour ground on site by the force of the wind from cereals grown on the island. Learn more about theisland’s farming history at the Musée de l’Île d’Oléron in Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron.
- Our island is a land of marine culture, where oyster farming and saltworks are still thriving today. Come and discover how these professionals work at two key sites: the Fort Royer oyster-farming site in Saint-Georges-d’Oléron and the Port des Salines in Grand-village.
- When you stay at La Campière campsite, you’re in the heart of the wonderful nature that surrounds us. To meet the birds that will enchant your stay at the campsite, visit the bird marsh. This site, in the heart of the Ile d’Oléron, has an educational vocation and contributes to the preservation of wild fauna. As you make your way around the 10-hectare site, you’ll be able to observe as many of the 130 vertebrate species as possible.
Whether you’re at a market in Saint-Georges-d’Oléron, or exploring the marshes, be sure to discover all the varieties of salt produced on the Ile d’Oléron.
A multitude of local artisans delight your taste buds with their artisanal ice creams, galettes charentaises and a variety of products based on seaweed and aromatic herbs. Lovers oflocal beverages will enjoy the traditional cognac and pineau des Charentes produced on the Ile d’Oléron, as well as a wide variety of locally-produced wines, beers and soft drinks.
Olive oil gastronomy
The Charente-Maritime region is bursting with specialities and delights that gourmets are sure to enjoy during their stay at camping La Campiere.
Oyster farming is well known and ubiquitous on the Ile d’Oléron. Numerous stalls and shacks allow you to sample the Marennes-Oléron oysters grown not far from La Campière campsite. And don’t forget to try the Gambas and Salicorne, increasingly cultivated by oyster farmers.
Your stay on the Ile d’Oléron, with its fishing port of La Cotinière, is the perfect opportunity to savor the many varieties of fish and seafood sold directly at the markets near the La Campière campsite.
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