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A few months ago, we announced our arrival in the beautiful city of La Rochelle. After expanding our regional presence to the Île de Ré, we are now setting up shop just a short distance away on the Île d'Oléron. The bridge connecting it to the coast is the oldest road bridge in France linking an island to the mainland. Your luxury concierge service invites you to discover the largest island on the Atlantic coast, a place where the sea meets tradition.
Making a living from the sea on the Île d'Oléron
It comes as no surprise that one of the island's most important activities is fishing. In the markets of the various villages, you will find wedge sole, common sole, langoustines, turbot, and line-caught sea bass. One of the local specialties is "chaudrée," a traditional fish soup.
In Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, considered the island's capital, stop by the La Cotinière fishing port. It has managed to maintain an artisanal feel while modernizing its operations. In the afternoon, don't miss the return of the hundred or so boats before the fish auction. You can find their catch at the Marché de la Victorine starting at 4:00 PM.
In Château-d’Oléron, take a stroll through the oyster port. Oyster and mussel farming are key activities on the island. If you have the chance, try "églade," a traditional way of preparing mussels unique to the island.
If you pass through Dolus-d’Oléron, you can also appreciate the oyster farming industry. It is the only town on the island with two maritime fronts: the east coast is more sheltered and conducive to this activity, while the west coast, being more exposed, is ideal for all kinds of water sports. Salt is another of the island's specialties. You can even walk through the salt marshes from the Port des Salines in Le Grand-Village-Plage.
If you want to try your hand at shore fishing, it is permitted on most of the island. However, you must follow certain rules, including a catch limit of less than 5 kilos per person. Tide tables and cycling maps can be found at tourist information offices.
Preserving the island's unique heritage
The 8 villages of the Île d’Oléron share the island's 175 square kilometers, each set within a different landscape. Beyond its maritime heritage, the island boasts a wealth of cultural and gastronomic treasures. Every town and village has its own distinct characteristics. The commune of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is bordered by a national pine forest, and its architecture is notable for its "Belle Époque" villas, which bear witness to the era when seaside bathing became fashionable.
In Château-d’Oléron, stop to admire the citadel. It was built over 120 years during various construction campaigns. While Richelieu initiated the project, it was Vauban who completed it.
The same town is home to the Robert Léglise Shipyard association. This organization has successfully saved and restored the town's century-old shipyard. Since 1995, it has been working to repair the island's traditional boats and safeguard traditional craftsmanship.
For a picture-perfect landscape, head to Saint-Georges-d’Oléron. Wander through the narrow streets, past traditional whitewashed houses adorned with hollyhocks. Take a detour through the market halls and the Romanesque church. Don't miss the view of the famous Fort Boyard; perhaps you'll be tempted to take a cruise to get a closer look.
If you enjoy the authentic side of the island, head to La Brée-les-Bains. You will love strolling through its narrow streets to admire the houses. It is also home to one of the best-preserved windmills on the entire island.
In Saint-Denis-d’Oléron, you will find beaches to suit all your family or sporting needs. It is also a starting point for boat excursions. Try your hand at fishing or admire the Chassiron Lighthouse. Opened in 1836, it stands 46 meters tall. The panoramic view is well worth the effort, and you won't regret climbing the lighthouse's 224 steps.
All around the island, during your walks, you may notice horseshoe-shaped stone structures in the sea. These are fish weirs, which trap fish as the tide goes out. They also serve as breakwaters to protect the coastline.
Looking to the future
The island is diversifying its transportation options to offer more environmentally friendly alternatives. If you prefer not to bring a car, don't hesitate to take the bus. Regular lines provide connections from Rochefort, Saintes, and La Rochelle, among others. You should also look into the possibility of arriving by boat.
The island's environmental policy has also helped protect various areas. Near Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron lies the protected area of the Marais de l’Eguille. The island has a second protected zone: the Marais des Oiseaux. This space is dedicated to raising public awareness about local wildlife. Spanning 30 hectares, it is home to over 60 different species. Both areas serve to educate the public while also allowing for the study and protection of species unique to the island.
The Île d’Oléron also promotes a responsible approach to fishing. Fishermen strive to strictly respect imposed quotas and size limits for their catch. Nets are designed to allow undersized species to escape, and the ports have implemented a traceability system.
Another commendable initiative is the protection of the sea and the coastline. Several of the island's communes have been awarded the Blue Flag label, which aims to protect aquatic environments.
Your premium concierge service for your property on the Île d’Oléron
Since 2015, our vacation rental agency has been managing properties throughout France. With a presence in over 30 destinations, we put our experience to work for you. We collaborate with various professionals, from professional apartment photography to hotel-quality cleaning, to ensure the best possible service. Our local teams handle guest arrivals and remain available to assist them throughout their stay.
To ensure you earn the best possible income, we showcase your property and listing across multiple platforms. To optimize your occupancy rate, our revenue manager adjusts pricing throughout the seasons.
Whether you are a homeowner or a traveler, your concierge service invites you to the Île d’Oléron to continue the Welkeys adventure! To book your next stay, visit us at le Club. If you would like assistance with managing your property, our advisors are here to help.
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