The island of Oleron
Known as l'île lumineuse (the island of light), it is not only the largest of the Charente archipelago, but also of the entire Atlantic coastline. Since 1966, it has been linked to the mainland by a bridge, just under 3 kilometers long, spanning the Charreau Strait that separates it from Bourcefranc-le-Chapus. It owes its nickname to its special light and generous sunshine. In February, Saint-Trojan-les-Bains celebrates the flowering of the mimosa over an entire weekend. The pretty seaside resort offers ideal conditions for this Mediterranean plant, but also for tourists wishing to admire its Belle Epoque villas and enjoy a particularly delightful holiday setting, between forest, marsh and ocean. To the west, the Château d'Oléron invites visitors to admire the old oyster-farming huts, which have been restored to their former glory and are now home to numerous designers. But the sea is never far away, as the Route des Huîtres reminds us, taking you all the way to the port of Boyardville, while admiring the little port of La Baudissière and the many channels that connect with the ocean. Further on, Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, the island's largest town, takes shape. In its pedestrian streets, the town often referred to as the "capital" boasts two symbolic monuments: the church, once a landmark for sailors, and the lantern of the dead. The town is also famous for being home to the Cotinière artisanal fishing port, the first of its kind in the département. Sailors land noble species such as sole, sea bass and langoustines. This bustling port is a favorite with strollers, who admire the gulls as they fly by over an ice cream. Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron is also home to the final resting place of the famous writer Pierre Loti, who is buried in the garden of the "maison des aïeules".
After passing through Saint-Georges-d'Oléron and La Brée-les-Bains, Saint-Denis awaits you with one of the island's most emblematic monuments: the Chassiron lighthouse. The second oldest lighthouse in France, the building with its convict's garb stands on the northern tip. Although the last keeper has left, the building still warns sailors of the rocks of the Pertuis d'Antioche.
Its wild nature, rich heritage and numerous beaches make the Ile d'Oléron a destination of choice for many tourists, who enjoy tasting oysters, cycling and water sports.
The island of Ré
Like its big sister, it is linked to the mainland by an irresistibly curved bridge. Ré attracts a lot of attention, from Rochelais locals to tourists eager to discover an area with a unique way of life. Nicknamed the Pearl of the Atlantic, the island is home to ten authentic villages, including Rivedoux-Plage, whose long sandy beaches can be seen from the viaduct. Bordered by the two "pertuis", it invites you to continue your journey to another exceptional place: La Flotte. After admiring the remains of theAbbaye des Châteliers, you can't help but fall under the spell of one of France's most beautiful villages. It's an unavoidable stopover for sailors and travelers alike, who will enjoy the ambience of its port and stroll through the cobbled streets leading to the medieval market. Around the courtyard, stalls abound with local produce such as potatoes, which for the past twenty years have enjoyed a controlled designation of origin, and fleur de sel. With your basket full of victuals and your taste buds perked up, you'll continue your journey, either to Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, an unspoilt area between sea and vineyards, or to the town often referred to as the "capital of the island": Saint-Martin-de-Ré. The village is a must-see! It owes this first and foremost to its historical heritage, as evidenced by the fortifications created by Vauban. Today, they surround the Parc de la Barbette, a unique walking area from which to admire the ocean and the donkeys in their breeches, the other emblem of the Ile de Ré. Children are sure to love riding on the backs of these gentle creatures. The village is also home to a citadel, which has retained its role as a prison, and a church with a bell tower-observatory offering an exceptional view of the town. Further afield, the beaches of Le Bois stretch for miles. Like other villages in the Retais, it offers visitors winding streets lined with hollyhocks. This flower, emblematic of the island, rises from the edges of white houses and is featured on every postcard. You'll find them in La Couarde-sur-Mer, near the bandstand, where many concerts are held. It's also the departure point for those wishing to head north. Let's leave the car behind and get on a bicycle. The cycle paths will take you to Loix-en-Ré, past the tide mill, a vestige of a time when fleur de sel was known as white gold. This peninsula has an incredible charm! It owes this as much to its geographical location as to the road that undulates between the salt marshes. Marked by the scenery and the special light, travelers will find their way back to Ars-en-Ré thanks to the church steeple. Listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, it's a delightful place to spend a holiday. Here too, the cobbled streets promise a change of scenery, as does the harbour, where it's a pleasure to stop. Sitting on a terrace, you can savour the iodized atmosphere of a village that still counts salt-marsh workers among its population. Back on our bikes, we reach the last villages of the Retais: Les Portes-en-Ré, a protected and authentic area, and Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, a small commune at the western end of the island, home to the lighthouse of the same name. Known for its shipwrecks - of ships and whales - the north of the island has been home to a lighthouse since the early 19th century, warning sailors of the dangers of the coast. To enjoy a unique panorama over the state-owned forest, the beaches and a large part of the island, you have to climb some 257 steps.
The island of Aix
Unlike the other islands in the Charente archipelago, Aix is not accessible by car. Don't expect to find a bridge, but rather a sea service from Fouras-les-Bains. Board the ships that will take you to this island territory in just twenty minutes. The crossing is short, but enough time to breathe in the iodized air and enjoy the view. When you arrive at the fort de la rade, you'll be charmed by the gentle atmosphere of the place, resolutely conducive to a change of scenery, as there are no cars here! Rest assured, this crescent of land isn't very big, just 3 kilometers long and 600 meters wide. If you're in a hurry, get on a bike, but this island, the southernmost of the archipelago, is best explored on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage.
After crossing the drawbridge, you arrive at Place de l'Austerlitz. History catches up with you! While this beautiful town is much admired by nature lovers, with its wide variety of landscapes, it is above all associated with Napoleon, who spent his last days here before going into exile. Numerous places in the area bear witness to the first French emperor: Fort Liédot, a guardhouse nestling in the heart of the vegetation, Place d'Austerlitz, the street and the Musée Napoléon. This former residence houses works of art, furniture and other objects that retrace the emperor's life.
A stroll through the fortified village designed by Vauban is a charming way to discover its small white houses decorated with hollyhocks. Along the way, you'll discover a place that's unique in France: the mother-of-pearl museum. This noble material has been worked here since the 1950s. Take a tour of the museum, and you'll discover the nacre-making trade, practiced exclusively on the island.
The island, sometimes referred to as the "little Corsica of the Atlantic" for its Mediterranean ambience, is also a place dedicated to idleness and sea bathing, with its 5 beaches. You'll never tire of the breathtaking view of Fort Boyard, or of the simple pleasure of taking a break on the beach at Anse de la Croix, or in front of the lighthouse with its two original red-and-white towers.
The island Madame
It's the smallest island in the Charente archipelago! Although Madame welcomes many travellers every year, it's not so easy to get close to. Before visiting this wild territory, it's essential to check the tide tables. The only access road is at low tide, so don't delay if you don't want the ocean to close in on you! This natural route of sand and pebbles, known as "la passe-aux-bœufs", links the island to Port-des-Barques on the left bank of the Charente river mouth.
Now you're an islander for a tide. Take your time to discover this natural territory with its delightful natural landscapes. The road will take you to the fort that once protected the naval arsenal and even served as a prison! After passing the famous Croix aux Galets, a place of pilgrimage in memory of deported priests, you'll arrive at the aquaculture farm. Created 40 years ago, this farm inn uses seawater to produce cereals, imperial shrimps and samphire. Not only is it possible to visit the farm to learn a little more about salt cultivation, but you can also stop here for a lunch break or a snack. There's also a farm store where you can pick up a few souvenirs. But be careful not to linger too long - it's better to leave before the tide comes in!
