Forest side
The state-owned forest of the Ile d'Oléron comprises 3 massifs located in the communes of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains and Saint-Georges d'Oléron (massifs des Saumonards, de Domino, et des Sables-Vigniers).With a total surface area of 2,900 hectares, 12% of the island of Oléron is covered by vast forests of maritime pine, holm oak and broom. Numerous footpaths enable you to enjoy nature walks in complete safety.
For 100% nature walks
Oléron's forests are mainly made up of maritime pines and holm oaks, although many other species such as broom and sain-bois can be found in the undergrowth. A veritable interface between the ocean and homes, these forests were planted to protect villages from silting up, as the trees form an obstacle to sand by binding it. Today, Oleron's forests are brimming with biological riches. For this reason, it benefits from the regulatory protection in force: Natura 2000 and Espace Naturel.
Owned by the French government, the forest is managed by theOffice Nationale des Forêts (National Forestry Office), several of whose agents are based on Oléron. The state-owned forest produces around 3,000m3 of wood per year. Today, these forestry professionals are working to maintain the natural dynamics of the site through heritage management.
Did you know that the Saint-Trojan-les-Bains forest has long been exploited for resin harvesting? Planted in the early 19th century to fix the dunes and protect the village, the pines of the St-Trojan forest also offered a new economic resource thanks to the resin they naturally secrete. A first generation of resin-makers from the Landes region began to exploit the Oleron forest. A few sandstone pots can still be found in the forest, testimony to the gemmakers who fixed them to the trunk with a nail and bled the tree to let the resin flow.
The fauna includes wild boar and roe deer, which early birds can easily observe through binoculars. Organized visits to the forest allow you to observe the animals in their natural environment, while benefiting from the guide's experience. Don't hesitate to ask your tourist office for the program. Several associations offer activities or guided tours in the middle of these massifs: Les Sorties de la Renarde, Office national de la forêt, Maison de la Nature...
The forest is an ideal place for nature walks on the Ile d'Oléron. You'll find numerous signposted footpaths, cycle paths and sports trails. Picnic tables and horse stalls are also set up close to beach access points... In short, the forest is the ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries!