Discover the Ile d’Oléron: “La lumineuse”
Discover the wonderful, multi-faceted island of Oléron. Fine sandy beaches, unspoilt wilderness, the emblematic Fort Boyard , the Chassiron lighthouse, an exceptional signature at the tip open to the open sea, a colorful oyster-farming region and many other surprises to discover…
The proximity of the ocean reveals different landscapes depending on the tide: sporting activities on the Ile d’Oléron at high tide and fishing at low tide, with a beach just 2.5 km away. The charming village of Saint-Denis-d’Oléron and its daily local market (April to September) offer authentic local produce to enjoy.
When you stay at our Saint-Denis-d’Oléron campsite, you’re ideally placed to explore the Ile d’Oléron, on foot or by bike, and enjoy its treasures, between ocean and salt marshes.
Visit the village of Saint-Denis-d’Oléron
Saint-Denis-d’Oléron is a pretty village on the natural, unspoilt tip of the Ile d’Oléron.
This small seaside resort offers all the activities you could wish for during your stay:
- a magnificent jetty with a view of Fort Boyard,Ile d’Aix and neighboringIle de Ré
- a splendid marina with over 700 boats and a multitude of shops
- a lively, authentic village
- exceptional seashores and beaches
- numerous bicycle paths
- a remarkable heritage
- wild, unspoilt nature
- water sports and activities
- Festive and cultural events
Find all the practical information and diary for the town at theSaint-Denis-d’Oléron tourist office !
Fort Boyard
It’s hard to visit Charente-Maritime without mentioning Fort Boyard.
Fort Boyard is a fortification built on the Boyard shoreline between the islands of Aix and Oléron, southeast of the Pertuis d’Antioche. It is one of Charente-Maritime’s most emblematic monuments, and is owned by the Conseil Général.
Dimensions: 68 m long, 31 m wide, 20 m high.
Based on plans by Vauban, who in his day told Louis XIV:
“Sire, it would be easier to grasp the Moon with your teeth than to attempt such a task in this place.”
The fort wasn’t actually built until the 19th century, under the reign of Bonaparte, and was completed during the reign of Louis Philippe, 176 years after the Rochefort arsenal was built.
Fort Boyard was built to protect the harbor, as there was too much distance between the Fort des Saumonards on Oléron and the one on the Ile d’Aix, and enemy ships could, before its construction, pass out of range of the cannons. It also protected the mouth of the Charente, the port and the great arsenal of Rochefort. It was converted into a prison just a few years after completion. Today, Fort Boyard is best known for the game show filmed on the site.
Fort Boyard is an integral part of theRochefort Arsenal Maritime , which stretches along the Charente estuary.
Today, you can embark on various boats departing from Saint-Denis-d’Oléron, among other places.
Campsite near Chassiron lighthouse
Just 1.8 km from Le Sabia, the Chassiron lighthouse watches over the Atlantic Ocean.
Located at the extreme tip of the Ile d’Oléron, just 1.8 km (1 nautical mile) away, it is the second most visited lighthouse in France, and also the oldest lighthouse in France still in operation after Cordouan (at the mouth of the Gironde). It was commissioned in 1836!
46 metres high, it supports an eight-beam lens forming a 10-second white flash, with a sea range of 52 km (28 nautical miles).
Originally all white, it was later clad with 3 black stripes, each 6 meters high, to distinguish it from the neighboring Baleines lighthouse on the Ile de Ré.
After climbing the 224 steps, you’ll arrive at the rotunda, from where you can admire the splendid view out to sea, as well as the various fish locks, including the Grand Sabia, the Ile de Ré, La Rochelle, the Sabia campsite, the port of Saint-Denis, Fort Boyard and the various beaches at the tip of the island.
At its foot, you can stroll through the remarkable compass rose garden (free access), visit the museum and perhaps hear tales of the pirate Lazor (information at the Saint-Denis-d’Oléron tourist office).
Ironically, after its construction, as military equipment became more powerful in terms of range, Fort Boyard no longer served any defensive purpose, so it was transformed into a prison.
Explore the Oleron coastline
The Ile d’Oléron is a land of gentle adventures. Safe cycle paths , dune walks, nature outings in the marshes or lazing on the beaches… Here, everything invites you to explore the Oleron coast at your own pace. You can go fishing on foot at Saint-Denis-d’Oléron, paddle or sail, or try your hand at shellfish farming, the island’s emblematic activity. All in an unspoilt natural environment that’s perfect for unwinding.
Charente-Maritime: heritage and historic architecture
In addition to the island of Oléron, the Charente-Maritime region abounds in architectural and heritage treasures: Rochefort and its Corderie Royale, the naval arsenal, Saintes and its Gallo-Roman remains, Brouage, an ancient fortified town… Take advantage of your stay with us to discover the cultural nuggets of the region, less than an hour’s drive from the island.
Discover the different
opinions, services and our pool
