Guided visits of Oleron's famous oyster parks in a "Tractor-Bus" with explanantions & commentaries.

http://www.oleronmag.com/pubs/tracto.html

Take a trip round the famous fort and visit the Isle of Aix or discover the center of La Rochelle with the "Inter-Iles Ferries"

http://www.inter-iles.com

Whichever of the three routes you take coming off Marenne-Oleron's "Km bridge; West towards St Trojan and a trip up the west coast via the busy fishing port La Cotiniere, East via the Château d'Oleron and a meandering ride through the oyster "clairs" or the shortest path, 30 kms along the axial D734 "A" road, you will end up at the 130 ft high lighthouse situated at the island's most northerly point.

http://www.bernezac.com/Oleron.htm

Rebuilt on the site of the islands first known defenses against the marauding Wisigoths. Alienor d'Aquitaine ( mother of Richard the Lionheart) and the island's protector ordered the construction of a fortresse capable of defending the island from any hostile force on the mainland. The existing fortress dates from the 17th century.

http://www.oleron.org/french/default.html?main=discover/citadelle.php

A useful website from which to discover the various aspects of the island : Tourism, campsites, restaurants, local products, forthcoming & annuel events, up to date news, weather & tides……..

http://www.oleron.org

A site dedicated to the Marennes-Oleron basin. If the region owes its worldwide reputation mainly to the quality of its oyster refining parcs the diversity, quality and beauty of its many natural sites make it a choice holiday destination.

http://www.marennes-oleron-tour.org

Situated at "Les Grissotieres" approx 10kms from Dolus d'Oléron the"Marais aux Oiseaux" is a small wildlife reserve. Open all year round the center offers guided visits highly appreciated for its educational values.

http://www.oleronmag.com/pubs/marais.html

Situated at Grand Village Plage the eco-museum "Fishermans Village" is made up of a group of typical oyster huts presenting diverse exhibitions of art & artisanary and a locally reputed restaurant "Le Relais des Salines"

http://www.charente-maritime.org/Ile_Oleron/Poles_Nature/poles_port_salines.htm

Saint Pierre & Le Château d'Oleron both have daily markets all year round. The island's other main villages all have daily markets throughout the summer months. Saint Trojan, Boyardville & La Cotiniere also organise evening markets during the tourist season.

http://www.oleron.org

About 40 minutes drive away, La Palmyre's Zoo is one of Europe's best. Open all year round La Palmyre, renowned for it's Gorillas and Polar Bears, boasts an incredible collection of animals. The Seal and Parrot shows will enthrall the children.

http://www.zoo-palmyre.fr

The Citadelle at Brouage is a clasiffied national heritage site. Founded around 1555 by Jacques Pons, Brouage was always destined to be a commercial crossroads, a rich and prosperous trading place for merchants of varied languages and origins. Brouage gained strategic importance during the wars of religion, control of the Citadelle changing hands several times between protestants & catholics. Guided visits are available all year round.

http://www.aventurier.fr/fr/france/poitou_charente/

See history being remade, a 10 year project to construct a full size working replica of Lafayette's frigate, l'Hermione, using original techniques & material.

http://www.radiophare.net/breve.php3?id_breve=36

As you cross the bridge from Bourcefranc to Oleron look to your right and you will discover Fort Louvois an advance sentry to Oleron's defenses. An island at high tide, the fort is accesible on foot at low tide. Take a trip and see why this picturesque fort has been the subject of so many water paintings.

http://www.oleron.org/french/default.html?main=discover/louvois.php

Open from march to october. Follow the guide and discover an enchanted world where fragrances & colors mingle. A tropical garden in the heart of ROYAN.

http://www.parlonsbonsai.com/galeries/thumbnails.php?album=18

Open all year round, an entertaining visit for all, children and adultes alike.

http://www.aquarium-larochelle.com

Two museums for the price of one. Open all year round.

http://www.gaillard-decors.com

Situated close to the town centre the Maritime Museum is host to several boats & ships all open to visit. They include "Joshua" the mythical ketch of round the world skipper Bernard Moitessier and "France 1" the last french weather frigate.

http://www.museemaritimelarochelle.fr/