Top 5 most beautiful beaches on the island of Oleron
Theisland of Oléron is a popular destination for holidaymakers, thanks to its magnificent beaches, mild climate and beautiful scenery. Whether you’re a fan of lounging on the sand, a water sports enthusiast or simply looking for a quiet place to relax with the family, the Ile d’Oléron has it all. In this guide, we explore the most beautiful beaches on the island of Oleron. Those looking for long stays by the sea can opt for a campsite on the Ile d’Oléron with direct access to the beaches. campsite on the Ile d’Oléron with direct access to the beacheslike the Antioche d’Oléron campsite. This option not only allows you to enjoy the pleasures of the beach to the full, but also to benefit from all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay.
1. Gatseau beach at Saint-Trojan-les-Bains (south of Oléron island)
Nestling in the south of the island of Oléron, Gatseau beach offers a 500-meter stretch of fine sand. This unique, south-facing bay is bordered by the St Trojan forest, offering a natural, shady setting. Breathtaking views of the mainland add to the charm of this peaceful, untamed setting.
The beach is supervised during the summer months to ensure the safety of bathers. It is also equipped with sanitary facilities in July and August, and is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Dogs, however, are not allowed between July 1ᵉʳ and August 31.
This beach is an ideal haven for those looking to combine relaxation on the beach with walks in the forest. The gentle, shallow water makes it perfect for family and seaside activities, while remaining a natural conservation area with its surrounding dunes and pine forests.
To reach this oasis of tranquility, take the D126 towards Pointe de Manson, then follow the signs for Boulevard de Gatseau to the beach. A small parking lot is available, and for those who prefer an original mode of transport, a tourist train also serves the beach.
2. The Saumonards beach at Saint-Georges-d’Oléron (north of the island of Oléron)
Discover Plage des Saumonards in Saint-Georges-d’Oléron, a haven of tranquillity in the heart of nature. Located at the northern end of Boyardville, this sandy beach stretches along a pine forest and is bordered by majestic dunes. It offers an exceptional panoramic view of Fort Boyard and theisland of Aix.
Access to the beach is via footpaths or bicycle paths, ensuring a peaceful, unspoilt atmosphere. In addition, a 500-metre section is dedicated to naturism for those seeking a freer experience.
Please note that swimming is unsupervised and pets are not allowed between June 15 and September 15, from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm, in accordance with local regulations. Facilities such as parking and bike parking are available nearby, although space is limited in high season.
This beach is the perfect place to relax away from the hustle and bustle, while enjoying breathtaking views and an exceptional natural setting.
3. Les Huttes beach at Saint-Denis-d’Oléron (west of Oléron island)
Plage des Huttes, located on the west side of the Ile d’Oléron, offers an ideal setting for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This natural area is prized for its 5 kilometers of fine sand, crystal-clear waters and easy access, with free parking available. Visitors can enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing orrelaxing on the beach, which remains accessible even at low tide and is supervised during the summer.
For those interested in water sports, Les Huttes beach is a mecca for surfing, kitesurfing and other board sports thanks to its beautiful waves and absence of dangerous currents, although caution is advised with children. The area is also attractive for walks along the dunes and typical local vegetation, offering an immersive experience in the island’s unique landscape.
To reach the beach from Saint-Denis-d’Oléron, take the D734 for 1.5 km towards Saint-Pierre, then follow signs for La Michelière and Les Huttes. After just one kilometer, you’ll find signs leading directly to the parking area by the beach, making your visit to this magnificent coastal spot a breeze.
4. Chaucre beach at Saint-Georges-d’Oléron (north of Oléron island)
Located at the north-western tip of the island of Oléron, Chaucre beach offers a tranquil setting, ideal for escaping thehustle and bustle of the tourist trade. With its stretches of sand bordered by wild dunes and exceptional views of the Chassiron lighthouse and the Baie des Seulières, this beach is a true haven of peace. Its rocky and sandy rocky, visible at low tide, are ideal for swimming in a natural pool or for board sports.
During the summer, safety is ensured by daily surveillance. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities thanks to the diving and surfing schools on site. Practical facilities such as bicycle and car parking, as well as a summer shuttle bus stop, make this beach easily accessible. However, it is important to note that animals are not allowed from June 15 to September 15, from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm, in accordance with local regulations posted at the entrance.
5. Vert Bois beach in Dolus d’Oléron (south-west of the island of Oléron)
Vert Bois beach, located in Dolus d’Oléron in the south-west of the island of Oléron, is a popular spot for surfers and water sports enthusiasts thanks to its powerful waves. This vast stretch of sand stretches along a lush forest, offering a 100% natural setting. Although swimming is safe in summer thanks to a lifeguard station, accessibility is limited to non-pets and some parts of the beach are pebbled. Facilities such as bicycle and car parking are available nearby. To reach the beach, take the D126 from Le Grand-Village-Plage to the hamlet of Vert Bois, then turn left at the traffic lights.
Other beaches on the Ile d’Oléron
- Plage de la Boirie: Located to the east of the Ile d’Oléron, this beach is ideal for families, thanks to its calm waters and colorful beach huts. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas and a friendly atmosphere for beach activities.
- Boyardville Beach: Nestled near the Saumonards forest on the west coast, this beach offers a magnificent view of Fort Boyard. It is equipped for families, with surveillance in season, and amenities such as showers and restaurants nearby.
- Plage de La Gautrelle (Saint-Georges-d’Oléron): To the northeast, near the port of Le Douhet, this quiet beach offers fine sand and views of Fort Boyard and Ile d’Aix. It benefits from surveillance in high season and convenient parking.
- Plage de la Boirie (Saint Denis d’Oléron): Close to the port of Saint Denis, this beach is sheltered from the wind and decorated with colorful cabins. It is supervised during the tourist season and accessible to the disabled, with services and restaurants nearby.
- Plage de la Rémigeasse (Dolus-d’Oléron): In the southwest of the island, this beach is perfect for families, offering a more protected beach and a peaceful atmosphere. It is supervised during the summer and kept clean for the comfort of visitors.
- Grande Plage de Saint-Trojan: This is the island’s largest and most popular beach, stretching for 3 kilometers along the south coast. It is bordered by lush forest and features amenities such as sanitary facilities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Each beach offers unique features, convenient services and safe environments for an ideal beach experience on the island of Oleron.
Where can I find a campsite with direct access to the most beautiful beaches on the Ile d’Oléron?
For a memorable experience on the Ile d’Oléron, choosing a seaside campsite with direct access to the beaches is an excellent idea. Camping Antioche d’Oléron in La Brée-les-Bains is the ideal option for those who want to enjoy the beaches of the Ile d’Oléron with ease. Not only does it boast a privileged location close to some of the finest beaches, it also offers a range of facilities and services to ensure a pleasant stay.
This Oleron campsite offers spacious pitches and modern accommodation, including comfortable mobile homes. By choosing to stay here, holidaymakers will have direct access to the beaches without having to travel by car, enjoying the pleasures of sand and water at any time of day.
