île d'oléron, france

Just 12 miles long, the Île d'Oléron benefits from a number of beautiful beaches, picturesque ports and daily outdoor markets.

The island sits off the south-west coast of France an hour and a half south of La Rochelle, an hour and a half north of Bordeaux and is famous for its Oyster industry.

Île d'Oléron is popular with the French themselves and enjoys its own micro-climate providing clement temperatures from April right through to October. 

The island is joined to mainland France via a free 3km viaduct and is easily accessible by car or plane.

For a bijou, exclusive island, the Île d'Oléron certainly has plenty to keep you occupied for the length of your stay.

Le Chateau is well worth a visit and the guided tour on 'Le Petit Train' is a must. The adjacent harbour is home to part of the oyster fleet.

Fresh air, fine scenery and the local tipple, Pineau (a blend of wine and Cognac), make for lazy days in this quiet, uncommercialised haven.

The island is a paradise for cyclists too. A network of cycle routes weave through the whole island and it's not too strenuous for even the most timid of cyclists. The route through the forest in the north of the island is particularly rewarding and beautifully flat.

For more information about the island, visit the local Tourist Information website.

Check out the availability of the accommodation - come and enjoy everything the island has to offer.