Le Grand-Village-Plage walks

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.

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)

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

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).

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.

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

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

A circular walk covering a section of the north-eastern coast of Île d’Oléron and passing through the Saumonards State Forest. From Boyardville, you pass the Pointe des Saumonards whilst looking out over Fort Boyard, then the mussel beds in the Anse de la Maleconche, before arriving at the small marina at Douhet. After passing through the salt marshes and the village of Foulerot, you reach the forest of maritime pines and holm oaks typical of the Atlantic dune coastline. This route takes you along a mix of small roads, forest tracks, sandy beaches and seaside paths.

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.

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

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

In summer and during hot weather, you’ll be glad of a bit of shade. Set off along the trails and footpaths to explore the Oléron National Forest, enjoy views of the Atlantic and finish the walk at some beautiful beaches.

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