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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Saint-Martin-de-Ré and its fortifications designed by Vauban (citadel, ramparts, guardhouse).

Architectural tour of the old town of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire de l'Île de Ré (heritage service of the Île de Ré Community of Communes).

This tour invites you to discover the rich history of Saint-Martin-de-Ré through the heritage signage of the Pays d'art et d'histoire de l'Île de Ré (heritage service of the Community of Communes). Through these monuments and unmissable sites, you will discover the many facets of this town, which will reveal some of its secrets.

The smallest village and port on the Île de Ré, in the heart of the salt marshes. A very peaceful peninsula, bordered to the east by the Fosse de Loix and to the west by the Fier d'Ars. The small village of Loix is very lively in summer.

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.

Best enjoyed in winter in the sunshine, without the crowds of tourists. This hike can also be extended by about 1.5 km via the eastern part of Loix, Le Clénandré. There are no difficulties or pitfalls, and everything is well signposted. Much of the route can also be covered by bicycle. Much of the route is on a dyke where you will have a beautiful view of the sea and the barnacle geese in season.

After passing through the small village of Ars-en-Ré with its typical narrow streets, you will follow the Fier d'Ars to the ocean. You will then finish your walk by following the beach back to the starting point.

A magnificent walk around Ars en Ré. From the banks of the Fier, pass through the salt marshes to reach the Martray sea wall, the Combe à l'Eau forest and return to the Fier and the port of Ars. The black and white bell tower, which serves as a landmark for local sailors, is always in view.

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.

A very pleasant stroll through the streets of La Rochelle will allow you to discover the old town and all its charms.

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 pleasant walk that begins with a passage through a nature reserve (salt marshes and nature reserve - the main refuge for many migratory birds from November to May) and then continues through the "petit bois de trousse chemise" (small wood) beloved by Aznavour. The return trip along the beach to the whale lighthouse offers a complete change of scenery. Sumptuous panorama from the top of the lighthouse.

This circular walk starts from the village of Saint-Trojan and takes you through the national forest, along the wild Atlantic coast with the impressive Maumusson sea channel, and around Gatseau Bay. It offers a complete panorama of the southern tip of the Île d'Oléron, far from the cars and crowds of the beaches. Please note: To be able to walk easily on the hard sand between (4) and (5), it is necessary to check the tide times (see Practical Information section).

This easy circular will give you a glimpse of the four main landscapes on Île de Ré: a somewhat wild rocky coastline, a large sandy beach, the salt marshes for which this part of the island is famous, and finally the agricultural sector, mainly early potatoes and vines. Along the way, you can admire the unmissable Phare des Baleines lighthouse, the watchtower of Île de Ré.