All you need to know about the island of Oléron
The island of Oléron
Nature, sea and sun
Between the mouth of the Charente and the Atlantic Ocean, Oléron, the largest island on the French coast (35km long and 12km wide) after Corsica, welcomes you with a multitude of landscapes, beaches, forests, marshes and rocky cliffs in perfect harmony. Its coastline stretches for around a hundred kilometres.
Its exceptional climate, iodised air and local produce are the main ingredients for an unforgettable stay. 22,000 residents live here all year round, spread over 8 communes.
Throughout the 4 seasons, walking, horse-riding and cycling along specially prepared trails will help you discover the region's rich history, flora and fauna. Thanks to its climate and geographical location, the Ile d'Oléron is an ideal site for a wide range of sports combining sea, sun, wind and sand.
The Chassiron lighthouse
At the northern tip of the Ile d'Oleron, the Chassiron lighthouse dominates the waves and the surrounding cliffs. You can follow the coastal path and see the fish locks at low tide (old fisheries that are still in operation), visit the gardens and the exhibition in the room at the bottom of the stairs, which will take you to the very top for a breathtaking view over the whole island and as far as La Rochelle and the Ile de Ré. A superb walk just 25km from the campsite.
Fort Boyard
Stone fortress between the islands of Oléron and Aix
The site of the filming of the famous TV game show, you can take a tour of the island by inter-island speedboat, catamaran or old rigging from the port of Boyardville, 9 km from La Brande campsite.
The port of Cotinière
The port of Cotinière is on the west coast of the Ile d'Oleron, 12 km from the campsite. Very picturesque and lively, this is France's leading shrimp port, and you can visit the afternoon fish auction by registering with one of the island's tourist offices.
La Brande Aigrettes
Birds are king on the Ile d'Oléron. A large nature reserve protects them between Le Château d'Oléron and Boyardville. A resting and wintering area for thousands of shorebirds, including little egrets, barnacle geese, oystercatchers, curlews and plovers. Bring a telephoto lens or binoculars to watch them from the shore just in front of the campsite.
Small oyster ports
The real oyster country!
It's in the Marennes Oleron basin between the island and the mainland that the oysters, worked by oyster farmers, are at their best. Thanks to the tradition of maturing in the oyster beds (former salt marshes), they develop the nutty flavour for which they are famous. All along the oyster route, there are numerous small ports around the La Brande campsite.
Smart: Join Alain on a bike ride to Xavier's oyster farm.
The guide to the island of Oléron contains all the information you need for your stay
In this guide, we select the best restaurants and activities in the area. Everything you need to see and do on the island of Oleron. Not forgetting information on the history of the island and its natural treasures.
The guide is offered to you by camping la Brande and will help you to prepare your holiday on the island of Oléron as well as possible.