Dolus d'Oléron
On the oyster trail...
From the village of Les Allards, which is well worth a stop for its narrow streets and old stone-built country houses, discover the oyster route, which, as its name suggests, leads to the very heart of one of the island's oyster production and marketing sites.
From Les Allards, you'll pass through the small port of La Baudissière, where numerous oyster-farming establishments are grouped around the channel of the same name, making it a particularly picturesque spot. The modernization of oyster farming has led to the abandonment of some of the old cabins, which have now been restored as artists' studios open to the public. This is your chance to take a tour of the dreamlike, earthy worlds of the "cabaneux": paintings, lamps, textile creations, hats, mosaics, crockery, jewelry, sculpture... These colorful huts remain the symbol of traditional oyster farming.
As you pass through the oyster beds, you can make your way to the pointe de la Baudissière to discover a beautiful panorama between sea and channel. You'll be able to enjoy a unique view of the Strait, and perhaps even encounter one of the many species of birds that winter in the area, particularly barnacle geese. On the other side of the road lie the former salt marshes, now converted into oyster beds.
Beaches for every taste
Bike to the beach! All of Dolus d'Oléron's beaches are served by cycle paths, and bike parking is available on site. Dolus offers a wide range of water sports activities, both for clubs and individuals. Some beaches have their own special features, such as Vertbois, a well-known surfing spot, while La Perroche is more suited to sailing:
- La Rémigeasse : On the west coast, this charming sandy beach is ideal for families. Supervised in season, it's ideal for swimming at high or low tide.
- Vertbois : This beach is a favorite with swimmers and board sports enthusiasts. Known for its waves, it is also supervised in season. On the edge of the national forest, this spot offers a host of attractions, including shaded picnic areas, forest hiking trails and fitness trails.
- La Perroche : Set in a bay, this is a family-friendly beach. The sailing school on the beach offers a wide range of activities. A mooring point is available for sailboats and motorboats.
Nature to discover...
Set in a protected natural area, the Pôle-Nature du Marais aux oiseaux is home to a 10-hectare park dedicated to the discovery of wild and domesticated fauna, as well as a rescue center (not open to the public) where several hundred animals found in poor health in the wild are cared for every year. The one- to two-hour tour takes you through woods and marshes, along a 1.5 km path.
Punctuated by information points on the life and habits of the main species encountered, the trail is divided into 2 parts: a mini-farm where children can rub shoulders with some particularly familiar mammals and birds (ducks, geese, sheep...) and another part which is more suited to observing some of the 130 species of vertebrates found on and around the site. Highlights include a heronry with dozens of pairs of grey herons and, above all, little egrets. Camera recommended!