Oléron Island

Oléron Island is a flat landmass with sandy soil along the Atlantic coast, encompassing eight communes and marked by pine groves and low-lying salt marshes. The western side opens to the open ocean with long sandy stretches, while the eastern side holds calmer waters and sheltered inlets.

Roman settlers brought grapevines to the territory in the 3rd century after Emperor Probus encouraged agriculture in the provinces. During the Middle Ages, a busy sea trade developed, leading to the formulation of early maritime codes.

The town of Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron serves as a central gathering spot where regular market days bring together fishermen and oyster farmers from surrounding communities. Along the beaches and in the small harbors, you see low whitewashed houses with green or blue shutters that recall the long connection to the sea.

A bridge structure connects the territory to the mainland and remains open for all vehicles throughout the day without any toll charges. Cyclists often use the wide shoulder that provides a separate zone away from traffic.

Medieval ship captains worked out the Rôles d'Oléron here, a set of rules later adopted across Europe as the foundation for merchant shipping. This code regulated duties between captain and crew and shaped sea traffic for centuries.

Location: La Brée-les-Bains

Location: Le Château-d'Oléron

Location: Dolus-d'Oléron

Location: Le Grand-Village-Plage

Location: Saint-Denis-d'Oléron

Location: Saint-Georges-d'Oléron

Location: Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron

Location: Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

Capital city: Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron

Part of: archipel charentais

Address: Oléron, France

GPS coordinates: 45.92500,-1.28250

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:02