Ile d Oleron
We are probably heading to the La Rochelle area at the end of this month and was wondering what the above mentioned area was like as we don't know anyone who has been there, many thanks.
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Oloron in a nutshell? ...Beaches, pine forest, cycle paths, oyster beds, holiday houses, busy traffic.
It's very popular, though we find the mainland stretch- La Rochelle, Chatellaillon, Rochefort and Fouras more interesting - and if you want a resort then La Palmyre is certainly more classy. I think Oloron is an island to go and explore for yourself and see whether you like it or not - a bit like marmite !
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IMO it is a location that is a lot more "fun" if you cycle as it is very geared up for that and so flat that unless it is windy is so easy.
Without the bikes I would very soon tire of it as most bits are the same as each other.
I agree the adjacent coast is more rewarding though again a bike helps there.
If the reconstructed sailing ship Hermione is in Rochefort, thats an interesting visit to make in that area.
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We liked it when we went some years ago. Its more quirky than the Île de Ré but probably not as busy despite it being free to get to!!! It has one main road through the Island but explore off of this road to find the more interesting bits.
David
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We were there just a few weeks ago. Here's our story:
https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/your-stories/chasncath/ile-doleron/
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If you visit Île d'Oléron, do go to Saint-Denis-d'Oléron to see the amazing beach huts ('Google image' that). The "capital", Saint-Pierre-d' Oléron is a delightful place in which to spend time. The island is very different from Île de Ré but charming in its own way in the difference - it's more work-a-day, and none the worse for that.
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Of the 3 main French atlantic isles we would take Oleron every time, although all 3 are well worth visiting.
Generally good weather - better than Noir’, great beaches - better than Re, great cycling - way less busy than Re, great seafood & Pineau - much better value than Re, more varied landscape than Re or Noir. Better campsites than Noir’.
But above all Oleron is much the most properly French of the islands with a feeling of a proper place rather than just Parisian holiday homes. Yes it’s not as chic as Re but in our view all the better for it.
It’s also easy to do the mainland sights of La Rochelle, Brouage, Royan etc from Oleron not least because there is no toll on the bridge.
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Ha ! That's why I likened Oleron to marmite - you will like it or you won't. We have been over there many times from a mainland base and explored the island from top to bottom and side to side, but never been tempted to stay.
But for botanists and gardeners I do recommend Jardin de Boirie at St Pierre d'Oleron - it's only pocket handkerchief size but absolutely packed with rare and unusual plants because of the maritime climate.
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we've done them all, Ré has the classy shops, up,arket properties but is also great for cycling and chilling at one of the lovely harbours, and, despite others' comments, the beaches at Rivedeux Plage, Les Portes en Ré and St Marie/Le Bois Plage are wide and flat....
we found Oléron a little more rustic, but enjoyed a wonderful campsite (les Gros Joncs) with spa but found the cycling a little less 'formal' in that there are less proscribed tracks....more on road, although very quiet....we loved it too and are long overdue for a return.
normoutier is quite small and we spent one full day there cycling around and found it pleasant enough but prefer the other two...
if exploring the Royan area, try St Palais sur Mer and Vaux sur Mer, delightful...
good luck.
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Thanks for all the replies folks.
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