Saint-Denis-d'Oléron walks

The northern tip of the island of Oléron evokes mixed feelings. Its wide open spaces give a sense of boundless freedom, its cliffs make it feel like the end of the world, while its traditional villages transport you to another era. Add to this a magnificent lighthouse watching over the surrounding area, and you have the perfect combination of history and culture mixed with exceptional panoramic views.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

It's a walk to stroll at your own pace through the village's different natural environments. This route will take you from the narrow streets to the forest and from the coast to the former salt marshes of the Grands Prés, now a major site for biodiversity on the Île de Ré.

Bois-Plage-en-Ré is the seaside resort of the Ile de Ré with long beaches lined with dunes. It is also a wine producing region with plenty of wooded areas.

Start at the foot of the Ile de Ré bridge and walk along the coast to the small village of La Flotte-en-Ré, returning through the woods. During this walk, you will discover Fort de la Pré, Abbaye des Châteliers, the small port of La Flotte-en-Ré and the small village of Rivedoux-Plage.

The first part of the route takes you along the coastal trail with a section around the outskirts of the small ports of Lauzières and Plomb. Small viewing points are scattered along the route giving you the chance to observe the Pertuis Breton and the Ile de Ré and its bridge. The return leg takes you around the outskirts of the Nieul-Sur-Mer communes and then L'Houmeau.

A beautiful walk along the Charente coastline, between Pointe de la Répentie and Port du Plomb. Beautiful views of the Île de Ré bridge, the northern shore of the island and the Vendée coast, separated by the Pertuis Breton.

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.