Plaisance Beach and Marais du Douhet

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

Details

28032048
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.15 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 4 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 4 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 8 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2 m

Description of the walk

In Saint-Georges-d'Oléron, park in the Foulerot Beach car park (which is at the south-eastern end of Plaisance Beach).

(S/E) Head to the beach and turn left to follow the entire length of Plaisance Beach. At the end, climb onto the embankment and walk along the harbour and palm trees. Continue to the bridge over the Chenal du Douhet.

(1) Do not cross the bridge, but turn left and follow a path along the channel, indicated by a pedestrian sign for "Saint-Georges". The Chenal du Douhet is on your right and the marsh of the same name is on your left. At the end, you will arrive at the intersection with the cycle path, not far from a road and a car park.

(2) Follow it to the left to continue around the Douhet Marsh.

(3) At the intersection with the road, follow it to the left, on the side reserved for bicycles, towards Boyarville.

(4) At the intersection of roads, continue straight ahead on the cycle path, still towards Boyarville. You will come to a road.

(5) Continue straight ahead towards Boyarville. At the intersection with a wider road, cross over and follow the yellow-marked trail opposite. Continue straight ahead on this trail to reach the beach. Follow it to the right for a few metres to return to the car park (just before the first breakwater). (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 4 m - Foulerot Beach car park
  2. 1 : km 1.53 - alt. 5 m - Bridge
  3. 2 : km 2.58 - alt. 4 m - Cycle path
  4. 3 : km 3.41 - alt. 3 m - Route
  5. 4 : km 3.97 - alt. 2 m - Cycle path
  6. 5 : km 4.64 - alt. 3 m - Route
  7. S/E : km 5.15 - alt. 4 m - Foulerot Beach car park

Notes

Very easy hike, no special equipment required.

Worth a visit

Discover more hikes in this area with a description or the Visorando app here

Photo album here

The Marais du Douhet is managed by the Conservatoire du Littoral. It is therefore attractive to bird lovers.

However, you will notice a huge area dedicated to waterfowl hunting training, which is totally inappropriate!

See also this link.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
Vivrenature19
Vivrenature19

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An easy route that combines different landscapes, with a few fellow cyclists who are easy to get along with.
A very pleasant birdwatching section.

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Helno
Helno

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A hike that combines different landscapes, beaches, marshes and birdwatching.
Not many people at this time of year, ideal.

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Fulgur15
Fulgur15

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A simple and easy route with beautiful views of the marshes. The main drawback, apart from the beach, is that three-quarters of the route is shared with numerous cyclists, which means you have to be extremely vigilant. It is therefore best to do this walk out of season to enjoy the landscape and the marshes.

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Bred
Bred

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Lovely walk, but watch out for mosquitoes in high season.

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