Les Claires d'Arceau, Oyster bed in Dolus-d'Oléron, France.
These natural refining basins allow oysters to develop their specific flavor through algae-rich waters and the shallow depth of the clay-lined oyster beds.
Oyster farming in the Marennes-Oléron region dates back to Roman times, when oysters were already recognized for their exceptional fineness and delicate taste.
The local oyster farming tradition uses artisanal methods passed down through generations, with manual harvesting that prioritizes quality and complete product traceability.
The site is accessible at 6 Port D'Arceau with opening hours from Monday to Friday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM for visits and tastings.
The oysters acquire their characteristic green color thanks to the blue navicule, an algae that develops in these shallow basins under specific environmental conditions.
Location: Dolus-d'Oléron
Address: 6 Port D’Arceau, 17550 Dolus-d'Oléron, France 17550 Dolus-d'Oléron
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 14:00-18:00
Phone: +33684759477
Website: https://lesclairesdarceau.com
GPS coordinates: 45.93422,-1.23267
Latest update: October 24, 2025 13:31
Oléron Island, the largest island in mainland France after Corsica, features a military, maritime, and natural heritage reflecting its strategic position facing the Atlantic Ocean. This Charente island, connected to the mainland since 1966 by a nearly three-kilometer-long bridge, houses fortifications built under Louis XIV, such as the Citadel of Château d'Oléron and Fort Louvois, as well as the famous Fort Boyard positioned on its sandbank offshore. The Chassiron Lighthouse, standing at forty-six meters high, marks the northern tip of the island and guides ships through the waters of the Pertuis d'Antioche. Beyond its defensive legacy, the island offers various natural areas where sandy beaches, pine forests, and salt marshes alternate. Saint-Trojan-les-Bains extends its wooded shoreline to the south, while Boyardville features a protected coast on its eastern side. Visitors also observe oyster farming along the La Baudissière channel and explore the colorful huts that house artist workshops at the port of Château d'Oléron. The Saltworks Museum traces the history of salt extraction, a resource that shaped the local economy for centuries.
Citadelle du Château d'Oléron
6.4 km
ÎléO
2.9 km
Maison des aïeules de Pierre Loti
5.6 km
Lanterne des morts de Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron
5.8 km
Le Marais aux Oiseaux
3.2 km
Église Saint-Pierre de Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron
5.8 km
Réserve naturelle nationale de Moëze-Oléron
5.4 km
Maison Heureuse de Saint-Georges-d'Oléron
4 km
Parc Myocastors
3.1 km
Église Saint-André de Dolus-d'Oléron
3.5 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption du Château-d'Oléron
5.8 km
Pont Napoléon
3.4 km
Plage de la Rémigeasse
6.2 km
Fontaine, place de la république
6 km
Plage de Boyardville
4.4 km
Église Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Nicolas de La Cotinière
5.8 km
Cabanes de créateurs et d'artisans de La Baudissière
1.2 km
Prieuré de La Perroche
6.4 km
Temple de Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron
5.8 km
Le Treuil - ballade
6.1 km
Scenic viewpoint
4.1 km
Les Jardins de la Boirie
4.5 km
Colorful beach cabins
5.6 km
La Vigie
3.7 km
Clapotis
5.9 km
Work of art
5.7 km
Work of art
5.5 km
Work of art
5.9 kmReviews
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