Our must-see sites and activities for your stay in Charente-Maritime
Discover our selection of must-see activities and visits to make the most of your camping holiday on the Ile d’Oléron. From historic sites to sandy beaches, local markets and water sports, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure or gastronomic discoveries, get ready to experience unique moments in the heart of Charente-Maritime, between unspoilt nature and authentic heritage.
Discovering the island of Oléron
Sites to visit so you don’t miss a thing
Among the must-see tourist attractions on the island of Oléron, don’t miss the Château-d’Oléron citadel, a jewel of Vauban-style defensive architecture built in 1630. The site hosts numerous cultural events and exhibitions.
At the far end of the island, the Chassiron lighthouse challenges you with its 224 steps. At the top, a spectacular view of the ocean and marshes rewards you for your effort. But that’s not all: in his garden, follow the compass rose to discover all its facets and anecdotes.
Discover the produce of the northern tip of Oléron. Learn more about the maritime domain, marine species and the foreshore. Solve the riddles of the Chassiron lighthouse and immerse yourself in its history. With the help of information kiosks, turntables, sight glasses, an audio kiosk in 3 languages (French, English, German) and an embossed map (in Braille), make your stroll through the lighthouse’s contemporary gardens fun and enjoyable.
Finally, between the island and the mainland, Fort Louvois can be visited on foot at low tide (400-meter paved walkway) and by boat at high tide (from the port of Chapus, 10-minute crossing with rotations every 15 minutes).
This 17ᵉ century maritime fortification, built on a rock submerged at high tide, was originally intended to cross cannon fire with the citadel of Oléron. With a central keep protected by a drawbridge and moat, it is reminiscent of medieval castles.
The most beautiful beaches near the campsite
Enjoy the most beautiful beaches on the island during your holiday at a campsite in Oléron! On the west coast, from Vert Bois to Saint-Trojan and from Les Huttes to Chaucre, surf enthusiasts will find some of the most famous spots in the Charente. The rocky foreshores around Chassiron are a delight for those who love to fish on foot. For safe, calm family bathing, head for Oléron and the mainland, at the foot of the citadel or on the beautiful Gatseau beach!
Local markets to savour local gastronomy
Make your holiday on the Ile d’Oléron a gourmet getaway by visiting the traditional and local markets! In Dolus-d’Oléron, the market takes place every day in the town center in summer.
Other events, such as the fish market in the port of La Cotinière, await you in all the towns of Oleron. An opportunity to discover and taste local specialties such as oysters, pineau and cognac,mussel éclade, bière des naufrageurs and galette charentaise.
Our selection of exceptional places to visit near the campsite
As well as the island’s emblematic monuments, such as the Chassiron lighthouse and the Vauban citadel, there are many exceptional places to discover during your stay at Le Héron campsite. Take the family on a guided cruise to the famous Fort Boyard! Plan a day at La Palmyre zoo on the mainland, as well as a visit to the fun-filled Oyster City in Marennes. Situated along the Cayenne channel, between marshes and oyster-farmers’ huts, the Cité de l’Huître opens the doors to the world of oyster farming and takes you to the heart of an exceptional profession, territory and natural environment.
Over two hours of touring, including two discovery areas: the oyster hut and theoyster adventure, to find out all about oysters, their history, culture and gastronomy.
Right next to your campsite, the port of La Cotinière is an iconic site, now the leading fishing port in the department.
Our top activities to enjoy Oleron solo, with friends or family
An aquatic and aqualudic center to recharge your batteries at Dolus-d’Oléron
If your campsite’s heated swimming pool has whetted your appetite with its pleasant massaging jets, you may want to take advantage of a complete balneotherapy and water play area. At the Iléo aquatic center in Dolus-d’Oléron, just 3.8 km from the campsite, young and old alike will discover a sports pool for swimming, a fun pool, a giant slide, a wellness area, as well as a heated river and a surfing area in its exceptional outdoor aquatic area.
Water sports on the island of Oleron
Tourism on Oleron is all about living to the rhythm of an island. A region that’s all about the ocean, where water sports are king! Sea fishing, shore fishing, surfing, sailing and sand yachting– there’s no shortage of activities on or around the water. Near the campsite, there are several water sports centres where you can try your hand at everything from jet skiing and wing foiling to catamarans and paddleboats.
Family activities for young and old
While on vacation at Le Héron campsite on the Ile d’Oléron, take a ride on the Saint-Trojan little train to admire the wild landscapes of the Pertuis de Maumusson! This is theonly tourist railway on the island of Oleron, in service since 1963. The longest forest network in France, with a 0.60 m track (6 km), runs diagonally across the south of the island, through the national forest, along Gatseau Bay, to the wildest beach on Oléron, Maumusson (5 km long with no road access). Open every day from early April to late October, the Saint-Trojan little train is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Numerous other family outings await you, focusing on animals and nature, such as the Palmyre zoo, one of Charente-Maritime’s most popular tourist sites, and the myocastor park, as well as the Prés Valet park. It lies to the south of the town of Saint-Georges-d’Oléron and to the east of the village of Chéray. Primarily a leisure park (rowing boats, pedalos, ping-pong table, skate park, multisport equipment, fitness trail, children’s playground, etc.), it will also delight nature lovers with its wooded park, themed trail and relaxing lake.
Hiking trails and coastal paths
A paradise for outdoor activities, the Ile d’Oléron is an area to discover on foot, by bike or on horseback. Hiking and walking trails take you through a variety of landscapes. In the marshes of the Seudre, between the oyster huts of Château-d’Oléron, on the wave-beaten coastal paths around Chassiron, or on the shady forest paths of Saint-Trojan.
