The isle d’Oléron is the biggest of the French islands off the Atlantic coast and is reputed for its marvelous beaches made up of fine sand along with its un-spoilt natural beauty.

There are numerous charming, authentic little villages throughout the island with pretty little fisherman’s houses with blue or green shutters ornamenting the white washed walls which offer a splendid backdrop to the summer display of hollyhocks.

It's worth visiting the oyster farms, the pine forests, the port of Salines, the fortified citadels, the marshlands full of wild birds, the pedestrian walkways, the fishing ports and the Charisson light house. The island is really quite flat so its great for family cycling.

The sea offers all the classic water sports, and you gourmets will love tasting the famous marennes oysters, fresh fish, seafood, bouchot mussels to be enjoyed with a local vins de pays d’Oleron bottle of wine.

The island is accessed by an impressive bridge.