Le Château-d'Oléron walks

An easy hike between the marshes of Château, La Chevalerie, Grésillon, Le Fief de la Gombaudière, Le Riveau and La Renisière. Please note that this hike is not possible in winter, as some paths are impassable when wet. From April to October, no problem.

Walk around the village of Ors, its oyster channel and Grésillon. Ors was the arrival and departure point for tourists during the heyday of the ferry (1945–1966) until the viaduct was built (1966). Traffic jams are guaranteed in the narrow, winding streets! Stunning views of the Oléron viaduct and the old Ors jetty, which linked the mainland to the port of Chapus in Bourcefranc.

The commune of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is located at the south-western tip of the Île d'Oléron, bathed by the Pertuis de Maumusson and the Coureau d'Oléron. Its large sandy beaches, pine forest, mimosa trees and mild climate make Saint-Trojan-les-Bains a very popular seaside resort.

A circular walk that takes you from the village of Saint-Trojan to explore the national forest, the wild Atlantic coast with the impressive Maumusson channel, and Gatseau Bay. A complete panorama to discover this southern tip of the Île d’Oléron, far from the cars and crowds on the beaches.Please note: To walk easily on the hard sand between (4) and (5), you must check the tide times (see the Practical Information section)

Circular coastal loop on the west coast of Île d'Oléron. The first part is in the Saint-Trojan National Forest, followed by a long walk on the beach, before a final stretch in the forest. Visorando app recommended.

This short 5 km circular takes you around Pointe de Gatseau, the southernmost point of the Île d'Oléron, and allows you to discover the wild Pertuis de Maumusson (passage between the island and the mainland), which is only accessible on foot or by mini train during the season

A short walk for birdwatchers and other nature lovers.

A short walk in the heart of a protected natural environment, where you can encounter many species of birds and enjoy a guaranteed change of scenery.

A round trip walk from the carrelets of Port-les-Barques to those of Île Madame. Please note: only possible at low tide.

A circular starting from the citadel of Brouage takes you through the marsh to Hiers.If you are quiet enough along the route, you will be able to see herons, egrets, nutria and, in summer, storks up close.Most of the route follows tarmaced marsh roads that are very quiet.

Set off to explore Brouage!

A walk between land and sea, following in the footsteps of the ghost trains of an old railway line.

Circular loop to discover the oyster beds around Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, which can be added to the Île d'Oléron cycle tour.

A pleasant walk passing by the Passe aux boeufs causeway, then around an island steeped in history. Numerous and varied views of the surrounding islands and coastline.

A circular route in the south of the Île d’Oléron, mostly on cycle paths. A hybrid or mountain bike is preferable to a road bike on this terrain.

A circular route on the Île d’Oléron starting from the port of La Côtinière, but which can be started from any point. Mostly on cycle paths. A hybrid or mountain bike is more comfortable on this terrain than a road bike.

The first part of the hike is on the beach, along the edge of a shifting dune, sometimes on old sections of the Coubre coastal forest, returning via a path through the undergrowth.The Visorando app is highly recommended (to locate (2) in particular).

You will be walking between points (2) and (7), running close to the boundary of a private hunting reserve. With a bit of luck, you may spot some large game, but of course you cannot enter the reserve. At the Tour du Gardour, a former navigation mark, you can enjoy a view of the ocean; a little further on, there is a lovely panorama of the southern tip of Île d’Oléron and the Pertuis de Maumusson.

Cycle through the stone villages on the west coast of Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, crossing bucolic countryside, vineyards, forests and marshes, before arriving at the magnificent sandy beach of La Gautrelle.

Many forts were built in the Charente estuary. They defended access to Rochefort, a military arsenal. Fort Lupin was one of them. As for the Fontaine Lupin, it allowed ships coming from Rochefort to take on water before setting sail. Tree trunks were placed in the Fosse aux Mâts to harden them before they were fitted to the ships.

This hike allows you to discover two links in the chain of defences that protected Rochefort in the 17th and 18th centuries. The route, which largely follows the coast, is easy and does not present any navigation difficulties.

This walk will take you along the coastline of Anse de Fouras, with its variously designed and decorated carrelets (fishing huts). Enjoy the beautiful maritime atmosphere and heritage.

A short, easy walk with superb views of the rocky coast and the neighbouring mainland coast. Best done in the morning when the paths are deserted, the sun is not too hot and the light is magical.

A short walk, which can only be done at low tide, takes you out to sea in an unusual setting.

A very pleasant bike ride that mostly follows cycle paths. This tour will take you across a large part of the island of Oléron, but you will also ride along the shore for much of the way, going to the end of the island, the Chassiron lighthouse.

A cycle route that crosses the Saumonards forest, the town of Boyardville and the marshes of the Île d'Oléron, this very varied route mostly follows cycle paths or small roads.

A short circular loop of ornithological interest around the Marais du Douhet, in Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, including a pleasant section on Plaisance Beach.

A route through vineyards, woods and beaches. Typical landscapes of the Île d'Oléron.

Circular through the former salt marshes of Saint-Just-Luzac

Starting from Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée, between woods and marshes, in the heart of the peninsula, with a beautiful view of the Anse de Fouras on the edge of the Bois Madame.

The route follows the Charente River near its estuary to the mouth of the Charras Canal, opening up a view of a vast circular bend in the river.

One of the most beautiful walks on the Fouras peninsula: from the banks of the Charente to the Espérance beach in Fouras, it takes in the islands and forts that protected the Rochefort harbour.

A circular starting from Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée to reach the Charente and its numerous carrelets, then the ocean and the seaside resort of Fouras. The return journey is along the north coast.

The Marais de Fouras is located north of Saint-Pierre, bordered by the Charras Canal and the Frênes levee. It is a natural area that is home to herons, storks and many other birds. The route then takes you to the Pierres Closes dolmens near the Charras Canal and back to Saint-Pierre via the Route Impériale, with a view of the Prée Salée.

You won’t be able to resist the charm of this little village with its narrow streets, dunes and beaches. The name Chaucreis thought to derive from the word “Chancre”, which means “crab” in the local dialect, recalling the presence of a nearby rocky area where velvet crabs and edible crabs thrive. The people of Chaucre have long relied on the shore to supplement their income through shore fishing or fishing in the sluice—alternating with viticulture and agriculture. The Rue des Naufrageurs also pays tribute to their enduring reputation as former wreckers… The village is a microcosm of the island’s traditional way of life. Discover its 17 stone-built wells. One of them can be found in Rue de la Bardelle. A few dozen metres further on, in Rue du Vieux Chaucre, several wine cellars bear witness to the importance of viticulture. Among the village’s attractions is its famous 19th-century bread oven, one of the few public ovens still in use on the island – during the “bread festival” days.

Discover the charm of this little village with its narrow streets, numerous wells and traditional houses, with their external staircases. Its name is said to derive from the word “Chancre”, which means “crab” in the local dialect, recalling the presence of a nearby rocky area where velvet crabs and edible crabs thrive. The villagers of Chaucre have long relied on the shoreline to supplement their income through shore fishing or fishing in the sluice – alternating with viticulture and agriculture. A street named Rue des Naufrageurs also pays tribute to their enduring reputation as former wreckers. The village is a microcosm of the island’s traditional way of life. Discover the 17 masonry wells here. One of them can be found in Rue de la Bardelle. A few dozen metres further on, in Rue du Vieux Chaucre, several wine cellars bear witness to the importance of viticulture. Their wide openings are flanked by arched windows that once looked out onto the wine press.

Most of the route follows the coastal path between the Baie d'Yves nature reserve and the town of Fouras. You will pass numerous fishing pontoons along the way and can visit Fort Vauban at the mouth of the Charente. The landscape will look completely different depending on the tide.