Oléron Island, Atlantic coastal island in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
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.
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La Rochelle and its surroundings offer families a range of activities along the French Atlantic coast. The city itself holds several attractions, including the aquarium with over 12,000 marine animals, medieval towers at the Old Port, and various museums such as the Maritime Museum and the New World...
Fort Boyard
9.9 km
Train touristique du Phare de Chassiron
16.5 km
Chassiron lighthouse
16.8 km
Citadelle du Château d'Oléron
8.5 km
Shop antico villaggio
8.1 km
Petit Train de Saint-Trojan
11.2 km
Plage de la Brée
12 km
Plage de Gatseau
13.5 km
ÎléO
2.7 km
Maison des aïeules de Pierre Loti
2.7 km
Lanterne des morts de Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron
2.9 km
Le Marais aux Oiseaux
863 m
Église Saint-Pierre de Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron
2.7 km
Maison Heureuse de Saint-Georges-d'Oléron
6.1 km
Église de Saint-Georges-d'Oléron
7.1 km
Parc Myocastors
930 m
Plage de la Giraudière
8.6 km
Château de Bonnemie
3.4 km
Musée de l’Île d’Oléron
2.7 km
Plage de la Gautrelle
7.1 km
Dolmen d'Ors
9.6 km
Église Saint-André de Dolus-d'Oléron
2.1 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption du Château-d'Oléron
7.8 km
Église Saint-Denys de Saint-Denis-d'Oléron
14 km
Église Saint-Trojan de Saint-Trojan-les-Bains
10.9 km
Plage des Huttes
11.2 kmVilla Blockhaus
8.8 km
Pont Napoléon
5.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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