Oléron Island, nicknamed "La Lumineuse" (The Radiant One), is the largest island on the French Atlantic coast, spanning 174 km² of unspoiled nature.
Connected to the mainland by a 3-km bridge, it enchants visitors with its wild beaches, pine forests, and oyster-farming marshes.
Its generous sunshine (around 2,200 hours per year) makes it an ideal destination year-round, attracting nearly 2 million visitors annually.

The island boasts a rich historical heritage.
The **Citadel of Château-d’Oléron**, built in the 17th century by Vauban, reflects its strategic importance under Louis XIV.
The **Chassiron Lighthouse**, standing 46 meters tall, offers a breathtaking ocean view after climbing its 224 steps.
The famous **Fort Boyard**, although initially intended to defend the Charente estuary, was never used militarily and owes its fame today to the TV show filmed there since 1990.

With 100 km of coastline, the island is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts.
The beaches of **Huttes** and **La Rémigeasse** are ideal for surfing, while **Grand-Village-Plage** attracts kitesurfing fans.
For a more peaceful experience, **kayaking and paddleboarding** offer a gentle way to explore the marshes and coastline.
The waters around Oléron are also rich in shipwrecks, making scuba diving particularly exciting.

Nature lovers will enjoy the **160 km of cycling paths** that wind through dunes, forests, and marshes.
The **Marais aux Oiseaux Bird Reserve** is home to over 130 bird species, including white storks.
The **Saumonards Forest** is perfect for a shaded walk leading to the ocean.
The **salt marshes**, once central to the local economy, are still in operation today and offer fascinating guided tours.

Oyster farming is a key tradition on Oléron.
**Marennes-Oléron oysters**, the only ones with a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), are refined in "claires," giving them a unique flavor.
Gourmets will also enjoy **Pineau des Charentes**, perfect with seafood and cheese, or **éclades de moules**, a local dish where mussels are cooked under burning pine needles.

The island’s villages are well worth a visit.
**Château-d’Oléron**, with its picturesque lanes and colorful oyster huts, reflects the region’s authenticity.
**Saint-Trojan-les-Bains** offers a nostalgic trip aboard its **steam train** to the wild beaches of the south.
**La Cotinière**, the leading fishing port in Charente-Maritime, is the perfect place to enjoy freshly caught fish.

Oléron is an island to experience fully—between ocean, nature, and tradition.
Whether you’re seeking a sporty, cultural, or gourmet getaway, it offers a unique setting where everyone can find happiness.