A fortress and lively oyster farm at the gates of Île d'Oléron
Château-d'Oléron appears once you've crossed the bridge leading to the island. It is its 2nd biggest city (after Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron) and a first class resort if you like seaside camping near shore fishing spots and quality amenities. The 2 to 5-star campsites of Château-d'Oléron will make for a perfect base if you want to enjoy Le Mail beach, visit Vauban's citadel or attend Sites en Scène summer festival.
What to see, what to do in Château-d'Oléron
There are a thousand good reasons to go camping in Château-d'Oléron. Do not miss these while you're there:
· Vauban's citadel and its remparts, a representative building of Île d'Oléron, built on the ruins of the ancient medieval castle
· the oyster farm harbour, with some of its colourful little cabins turned painter's studies among the oyster farmers'.
· every day’s farmer's market, every year under centre town's covered market, whose public fountain is now an official historical site
· the fishermen towns nearby and Chenal d'Ors : La Chevalerie, La Gaconnière, Le Petit and Le Grand Gibou, La Renisière
· Mail beach and la Phibie basin, to relax and swim safely with your whole family
Château-d'Oléron, former capital city of Île d'Oléron
Château-d'Oléron has been surrounded by fortifications since the XVIIth century. In 1630, Richelieu ordered to start building a citadel. In 1685, Vauban, a military engineer, realized its strategic value and ordered to start building 2 hornworks. In April 1945, an air raid destroyed it. The fortress has been restored since 1988. It now hosts many cultural events. Here’s a fun tip: take the guided tour led by Bilout, dressed as Vauban.
Château-d'Oléron, the basin's most active oyster farm harbour
Oyster farming has been the number 1 industry in Château-d'Oléron since the XIXth century. It gathers over 100 family businesses. While you're camping in Château-d'Oléron, take the opportunity to taste famous Marennes-Oléron oyster – a Label Rouge (red label) product. You'll find it at the following 2 sites : chenal d'Ors and the harbour below Vauban's citadel.
You’ll find a very active arts area at the heart of Château-d'Oléron – about 30 former oyster farming cabins have been turned into studies and little shops.
3, 4 and 5-star campsites in Château-d'Oléron
Looking for a mobile home rental or a shady pitch for your tent or caravan? This list features the campsites of Château-d'Oléron. You’re only a few clicks from booking your next holidays in Château-d'Oléron, at a 3-star campsite with pool or a 5-star holiday village with kids club and water aerobics classes.
