Saint-Denis d'Oléron
Saint-Denis d'Oléron is the island's most northerly commune, and has thus preserved an exceptional environment where nature, authenticity and leisure activities are in perfect harmony. Enjoy a family swim on La Boirie beach, lined with multicolored cabins, or a more sporty swim on Les Huttes beach, or a stroll around the marina.... Discover the majestic Chassiron lighthouse, dominating the Pertuis d'Antioche and offering an unforgettable panorama.
In the water...
When it comes to beaches, you'll be spoilt for choice in Saint-Denis d'Oléron:
- Soubregon beach:To the north, bordering the municipal campsite, this beach offers views of the Pertuis d'Antioche, Ile de Ré and La Rochelle. Accessed on foot via a passageway behind the marina's petanque courts, it is a pleasantly wild beach, with many shops and restaurants nearby.
- Plage des Huttes:This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Oleron , with over 5km of fine sand. It's a popular spot for water sports: surfing, kite-surfing, wind-surfing, body-boarding, etc. Swimming is supervised in July and August.
- La Boirie beach:Located to the east, this beach is accessed via the marina parking lot and is accessible to people with disabilities. This pretty sandy beach is sheltered from westerly winds. It is adorned with its famous decorated bathing cabins. The beach offers a panoramic view of the Rochelais region, and is ideal for swimming and water sports. There are many restaurants close to the beach. Its location is ideal for family bathing and sailing.
The Saint-Denis d'Oléron marina is the largest marina on the island of Oleron, with over 750 berths, and today is also a departure and stopover point for cruise operators. The latter offer cruises to Fort-Boyard, Ile d'Aix or La Rochelle, as well as sea fishing. You can also relax on one of the many terraces lining the harbour for a drink or local food.
At the end of the world...
At the northernmost tip of the commune, the Pointe de Chassiron, or "the end of the world" as the locals call it, is an exceptional site , well worth a visit for its cliff overlooking the ocean and the magnificent panorama it offers of the horizon. The cliffs can be explored on foot, but some can also be explored by bike. Beware: the walk along the Chassiron cliffs is as beautiful as it is dangerous. Don't get too close to the edge, and be very careful with children, as landslides are common. The Pointe de Chassiron also boasts a number of fish locks, visible at low tide, some of which are still in operation. These " fish traps ", which date back to the dawn of time, are typical of the islands of the Charente, and are a fine example of the ingenuity of the ancients. In addition to providing Dyonisiens with fish without having to set sail, they also protected the shores from storms.
Did you know? Originally painted white, in 1926 the current lighthouse was given the 3 black stripes, 6 metres high, that characterize it today, to make it more visible by day in fog, and to differentiate it from its neighbor on the Ile de Ré, the Baleines lighthouse.
The 150-year-old Chassiron lighthouse was designed to assist sailors navigating the Pertuis d'Antioche, one of the most dangerous waters in Charente-Maritime. Overlooking the northern tip of the island of Oleron from a height of 46 meters, striped like a convict, the lighthouse houses a show trail and a theme store. Once you've climbed 224 steps, you'll be able to enjoy superb panoramic views over the pertuis, Ile de Ré, Aix, Fort Boyard and the landscaped gardens of the lighthouse itself. In addition, the lighthouse gardens are landscaped for everyone's enjoyment.