Article summary: Camping holidays on Île d’Oléron, France’s second largest island (175 km²). Île d’Oléron has 130 km of cycle paths and 100 km of beaches. Forty percent of the island is covered by marshes classified as a Natura 2000 area, home to 250 species of birds. Its speciality is the Fine de Clair AOC oyster. Campsites in Charente-Maritime, with more than two-thirds of pitches for caravans, vans or motorhomes, make it easy to visit the island.
On the shores of Charente-Maritime, in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, the Ile d’Oléron awaits you. This island is the largest in France after Corsica. Its 175 km² are essentially made up of natural areas. In fact, a large part of the island is classified as a nature reserve. From your CAMPING SUR L’ILE D’OLERON, set off to discover this island of alternating beaches, marshes and forests.
The marshes of the Ile d’Oléron
You arrive on the Ile d’Oléron via a bridge. Built in the 1960s, it was once France’s longest bridge at 3 kilometers long. The Saint Nazaire bridge took first place in 1974. Today, it remains the third-longest bridge in France (behind the Ile de Ré bridge). Crossing the bridge is free of charge. It can be crossed by car, of course, but also on foot or by bike, thanks to a cycle path linked to a network of 130 km of cycle paths criss-crossing the island.
As soon as you arrive on the island, you’ll discover a typical landscape: the marshes. The island of Oleron boasts one of the largest wetlands in France. Around 40% of the island is covered by marshes! For a long time, these marshes were dedicated to salt production. Since the 18th century, they have been used to produce the island’s famous Fine de Claire oysters. In the marshes of the Ile d’Oléron, you’ll find a number of oyster huts where you can taste these oysters, which are protected by an AOC (protected designation of origin). The Port des Salines, with its “Echappées Nature” label, invites you to learn more about salt production on the Ile d’Oléron, with tours, tastings and workshops for children.
As well as producing oysters and salt, the marshes of the Ile d’Oléron are a paradise for migratory birds, especially waterfowl such as geese and small wading birds. Most of the marshes on the Ile d’Oléron are preserved today. They are classified as Natura 2000 Protected Natural Areas. Be sure to take a stroll through them during your camping vacation on the Ile d’Oléron to appreciate the richness of its flora and fauna. In all, there are over 250 species of birds on the island and 140 species of plants! In the south of the island, the Marais des Bris is best explored on foot. You can visit it on your own or in the company of a nature guide. Depending on the season, the guide will show you the many orchids that bloom there.
The beaches of Ile d’Oléron
One of the main reasons to come to the island of Oleron is, of course, the beaches. The island boasts 100 kilometers of coastline, most of which is made up of beaches. In many parts of the island, you’ll find long sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing and water sports, as well as smaller beaches sheltered from the ocean or bordered by forest. There’s something for everyone. One of the most popular is Boyardville beach, with its breathtaking view of the famous Fort Boyard. Surfing and board sports enthusiasts will find the Plage des Huttes, in the north of the island, to their liking.
Ile d’Oléron heritage
- Fort Boyard: famous maritime fortification, visible during cruises. This stone vessel was part of a defensive network to protect the mouth of the Charente and the Rochefort arsenal, even though it proved to be largely useless. After serving as a prison for several years, it was abandoned before finding a second lease of life thanks to the eponymous television game show. This fort was intended to complement the island’s other military constructions: the citadel of Château d’Oléron and the stronghold of Brouage, built by Vauban, as well as Fort Louvois between the island and the mainland.
- Chassiron Lighthouse: 224 steps, panoramic view of La Rochelle and Île de Ré
- Citadel of Château d’Oléron and Fort Louvois (constructions by Vauban)
- La Cotinière: authentic fishing port (west coast). This charming fishing port nestles on the west coast of the island. Don’t miss the spectacle of the boats returning from fishing to unload sea bass, sole and langoustines.
Our campsites for tents, caravans and motorhomes near Ile d’Oléron
Our campsites on and around the Ile d’Oléron offer a minimum of two-thirds bare pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, and a maximum of one-third rental pitches. Ideal for campers who love authentic campsites.
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