Ile d'Oléron + Fort Louvois
Île d'Oléron offers charming beaches and villages, while Fort Louvois, accessible at low tide, fascinates with its unique military architecture.
Île d'Oléron, the largest island on France's Atlantic coast, is a popular destination for its sandy beaches, pine forests and picturesque villages. The island, nicknamed "la Lumineuse", offers a wide variety of activities for visitors, from water sports to cycling on its many cycle paths. The island's villages, such as Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, La Cotinière and Le Château-d'Oléron, are renowned for their authentic charm, lively markets and seafood-based culinary specialties.
Fort Louvois, located between the island of Oléron and the mainland, is a 17th-century maritime fortification built to protect the Rochefort arsenal. Accessible on foot at low tide or by boat at high tide, this horseshoe-shaped fort offers a fascinating insight into French military history. Visitors can explore the fort's different levels, discover exhibitions on the art of fortification and enjoy panoramic sea views.
Fort Louvois also offers historical animations and educational workshops, enabling visitors to learn more about the lives of soldiers and the military strategy of the period. A walk on the footbridge leading to the fort is a unique experience, offering a different perspective on this emblematic historic monument.