Explore the Île d’Oléron from Les Terrasses 17

Nicknamed ‘La Lumineuse’, the Île d’Oléron charms visitors with its natural landscapes, unspoilt beaches, authentic villages and way of life.

What to do in Oléron? Discover the island’s must-see attractions

Nicknamed the ‘Island of Light’, Oléron charms visitors with its varied landscapes, its authenticity and its way of life that follows the rhythm of the tides. With its long, fine sandy beaches, pine forests, traditional villages, unspoilt marshes and oyster-farming harbours, the island offers a wealth of experiences to enjoy as a couple, with family or with friends. From your apartment in La Cotinière, set off to explore a destination where every day can be different: a walk in the fresh air, exploring the local heritage, water sports or simply relaxing by the sea.

Enjoy the beaches of Île d’Oléron

Matha Beach in La Cotinière on Île d’Oléron — Just a few minutes’ walk from Les Terrasses 17, Matha Beach offers an unspoilt setting where you can enjoy the sea, go for walks and relax with your family.

With its kilometres of unspoilt beaches, the Île d’Oléron is an ideal destination for lovers of the sea. Whether it’s lazing on the sand, swimming with the family, strolling along the water’s edge or watching the sunset over the Atlantic… there’s a little corner of paradise for everyone.

Thrill-seekers can also try their hand at water sports: surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, sailing or sand yachting offer a different way to explore the island, right by the ocean.

Discover La Cotinière, an authentic village

Just a stone’s throw from your accommodation, let yourself be charmed by the harbour at La Cotinière, the true beating heart of the island. Stroll along the quays, watch the fishing boats return, explore the stalls selling fresh fish and soak up the warm atmosphere of this seaside village.

Come evening, take a seat on a terrace to savour the local specialities and enjoy the balmy Oléron evenings.

Fishing port of La Cotinière on Île d’Oléron — An iconic spot on the Île d’Oléron, the port of La Cotinière invites you to discover its fishing boats, its bustling quays and its seafood specialities.

Exploring the Île d'Oléron by bike

Bicycle on the beach at sunset on Île d’Oléron — With its many cycle paths, the Île d’Oléron is easy to explore by bike, taking in the ocean, forests, villages and unspoilt countryside.

Cycling is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore Oléron. Thanks to its many cycle paths, the island reveals itself as you ride through pine forests, marshes, villages and unspoilt beaches.

Set off on a leisurely family ride or a longer adventure through the island’s unspoilt countryside. A stop at an oyster hut, a picnic overlooking the ocean or a dip in the sea will make your day even more memorable.

Visit the must-see attractions on Oléron

The island boasts a rich heritage waiting to be explored. Don’t miss the Chassiron lighthouse, situated at the northern tip of the island, which offers spectacular views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside.

Continue your exploration with the Château-d’Oléron citadel, its ramparts and its pretty, colourful artisans’ huts, or the traditional villages that bear witness to the island’s maritime history.

Chassiron Lighthouse at the northern tip of Île d’Oléron — At the northern tip of the island, the Chassiron lighthouse offers exceptional views of the ocean and the unspoilt landscapes of Oléron.

Try some local specialities

Oysters, seafood and white wine on Île d’Oléron — You can’t truly experience Oléron without sampling its oysters, accompanied by a glass of local white wine, whilst taking in the island’s seascapes.

You simply cannot visit Oléron without discovering its culinary heritage. Oyster farming is an integral part of the island’s identity: step inside an oyster hut, have a chat with the local producers and sample some Marennes-Oléron oysters accompanied by a glass of white wine or Pineau des Charentes.

A simple and authentic experience, to be savoured whilst looking out over the channels and landscapes of the oyster-farming basin.

Things to do with the family in Oléron

Oléron offers a wealth of natural areas to explore: marshes, forests, dunes and nature reserves are home to remarkable flora and fauna.

Go birdwatching at the Marais aux Oiseaux, explore the salt marshes at Port des Salines, or simply enjoy a peaceful stroll whilst taking in the island’s ever-changing landscapes throughout the seasons

Make the most of your stay by setting sail and admiring Oléron from the ocean. Several boat trips offer a different way to explore the coastline, including a visit to the famous Fort Boyard, an iconic landmark of Charente-Maritime.

A wonderful way to create memories and make the most of the island’s exceptional coastal setting.

Port des Salines on Île d’Oléron, salt marshes and traditional boats — With its oyster huts, salt marshes and natural landscapes, Port des Salines reveals another side to the Île d’Oléron.

Our top tips for a great holiday in Oléron

⭐ A cycle ride at sunset

⭐ An oyster tasting at an oyster hut

⭐ A stroll around the harbour at La Cotinière

⭐ A visit to Chassiron Lighthouse

⭐ A boat trip around Fort Boyard

⭐ A relaxing moment on a secluded beach

In Oléron, take the time to slow down, breathe in the sea air and savour every moment in a natural, unspoilt setting.

Beach on Île d’Oléron in September at low tide — In September, the beaches of Île d’Oléron still offer beautiful moments by the ocean, in a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.

Port des Salines on Île d’Oléron, canal and traditional boats — An iconic spot in the south of Île d’Oléron, with traditional huts, small boats and marshland scenery to explore from the water.

Salt marshes at Port des Salines on Île d’Oléron — Nestled between land and sea, the salt marshes reveal another side to Île d’Oléron: a peaceful, unspoilt and authentic landscape.