Visit the Ile d’Oléron and the Bassin de Marennes by bike
Oléron, a network of heavenly bicycle paths
The island of Oleron is dotted with numerous
l’île d’Oléron
from end to end over 160 km. The island is easy to cycle with the whole family, as the routes are relatively flat. To visit the island of Oleron by bike, you can choose from a wide range of itineraries. Oleron’s network of cycle paths is expanding every year. Between salt marshes and forest, you can pedal at a steady pace or more leisurely, taking time to appreciate the natural wonders around you. Have your sporting efforts taken you to the very north of the island? That’s where you’ll find the Chassiron lighthouse, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island and its surroundings. You can then follow the island’s western coastline to listen to the sound and contemplate the foamy rollers of the ocean. If you get a little hungry during your cycling trip on the island of Oleron, picnic spots are available throughout the island.
Don’t hesitate to hire a bike directly from our Saint Georges d’Oleron campsite for your future outings!
How to prepare your cycling itinerary on the Ile d’Oléron
To plan your cycling trip on the island of Oléron, use the Loopi application. It shows you a route that’s suitable for cycling, whether your itinerary takes in paved roads, cycle paths or small footpaths. You can download it to your computer or Android smartphone. Loopi can also offer you a range of themed half-day tours.
Discovering the Vélodyssée between Oléron and Bassin de Marennes
Your cycling trip to the Ile d’Oléron is also a great opportunity to visit the region via the Vélodyssée. This cycle route follows the Atlantic coastline between Brittany and the Basque country for 1,200 km. Your bike ride is guaranteed to give you a real change of scene, combining a variety of landscapes, cultural discoveries and physical exertion. It’s an opportunity to cycle as close as possible to the ocean, on roads and greenways, while visiting all the must-see tourist attractions. Between Marans and Royan in Charente-Maritime, in the Marennes basin, 150 km of Vélodyssée await you. Two routes are possible. The first, from Rochefort to Marennes, covers some 38 km and takes 2h30. The second, between Marennes and Royan, covers 45 km for a 3-hour ride. Both routes are ideal for discovering the remarkable cultural heritage of the Marennes Basin. Stop off at Brouage, a fortified town listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. Then take a detour to Fort Louvois, built according to Vauban’s plans. Then cycle down to Marennes to discover the village and its famous oysters. Finally, visit Saint-Just-Luzac and its exceptional Moulin des Loges. During your cycling odyssey through the heart of the Ile d’Oléron and Charente-Maritime, take the opportunity to put down your bags at the
Les Sables Vignier campsite
.
Other ideas for bike rides in Oléron
Stroll through the salt marshes in the north of the island
This bike tour on the island of Oléron starts from the church of Saint Georges d’Oléron. The ride takes you along a peaceful canal to the
The adventure continues along the dike towards Saint-Denis d’Oléron. A slight climb after the village reveals a breathtaking panorama of the Pertuis d’Antioche.
Longeant le littoral, vous rejoindrez le hameau de La Morelière, où se dessine peu à peu la silhouette du phare de Chassiron, perché sur sa falaise rocheuse.
This lighthouse marks the final stage of this cycling tour of the island of Oleron.
12 km walk, approximate duration: 1H
Balade entre forêts et marais
Set off from the church of Saint Georges d’Oléron and head east towards the charming hamlet of Foulerot, where you’ll admire the island’s traditional houses.
Take the forest-lined Route des Saumonards to Boyardville, a charming village where Fort Boyard stands watch over the sea.
Now cross the Perrotine channel, then take a path winding through the marshes towards Arceau.
Continue towards the village of La Boirie before reaching Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron. Then follow the airfield and the marshes to Sauzelle.
Prenez à gauche par la Jousselinière avant de boucler votre voyage à vélo sur l’île d’Oléron à Saint-Georges d’Oléron.
26 km walk, approximate duration: 2H30
A walk between lighthouse and port
Another idea for a bike ride on the Ile d’Oléron is this one, which leaves from the port of La Cotinière. Follow the inland paths to Les Châtelets, passing through typical landscapes.
The road then forks to the left and leads you through a mosaic of charming little hamlets. Among them are La Fromagerie, La Vignerie and La Blanchardière, all names evocative of local life.
When you reach Chéray, turn left towards Chaucre.
You then join the coastal road. Your route takes you to the delightful Chassiron lighthouse.
19 km walk, approximate duration: 2H
Balade dans la partie sud de l’île
This bike ride on the Ile d’Oléron is a loop. Leave from La Cotinière, cross the harbor and take the road to Saint-Pierre d’Oléron. Your route will take you to Arceau, then on to the Marais aux Oiseaux.
La route serpente par la suite à travers d’anciens bassins de salines et vous conduit aux Cabanes de la Baudissière. Une fois arrivé au chenal, suivez le littoral vers le sud jusqu’à atteindre le Château d’Oléron. Visitez la Citadelle et appréciez le panorama splendide sur le Fort Louvois et le Pont d’Oléron.
Continue towards the village of Ors, at the foot of the bridge, then follow the D26. Before reaching Dolus d’Oléron, fork left to take the coastal road back to La Cotinière.
34 km walk, approximate duration: 3H30
