Offshore
Surrounding the Ile d'Oléron and bordering the Marennes basin, the ocean here is a vast playground for a variety of pleasures and discoveries.
From sea outings to introductory sailing courses...
There are several clubs where you can learn or improve your sailing skills. From optimists to habitable boats, dinghies, windsurfers and sport catamarans, the region's various instructors await you in an exceptional setting where friendliness and professionalism will satisfy your every desire. There's bound to be a sailing school close to where you're staying, so make the most of it!
For those who want to sail with the wind, you can take to the open seas or set off to board the Ile d'Aix aboard catamarans, old riggings, cruising boats or traditional sailboats... Freshwater sailors may prefer to board a speedboat or sailboat for a guided cruise, discovering authentic maritime landscapes steeped in history, such as Fort Boyard and the Château d'Oléron citadel. You can also enjoy a sunset over the ocean aboard a motorboat or catamaran, accompanied by a Charentais aperitif*. During the vacation season, many motorboat crossings are organized daily to La Rochelle.
Did you know that cruises are also available from Boyardville or Saint-Denis d'Oléron? You'll be spoilt for choice: a walk around Fort Boyard, a stopover on the Isle of Aix and La Rochelle or an evening out to admire the sunset in peace and quiet.
The sailors will no doubt be delighted to set out to conquer Ile d'Aix aboard a former Royal Navy lifeboat, built in 1935. For the more adventurous, there's the possibility of embarking on a herring boat for a day or a few-day cruise, custom-designed by an experienced skipper. To port, hoist the flag and the sails to explore the Atlantic coasts and their islands!
Captain for a day!
Sea wolves and lovers of sea or line fishing are particularly spoiled here. Head for Ile d'Aix or the northern tip of the island in the early hours of the morning, to see Fort Boyard or the coastline of Rhaetia silhouetted against the fog! Fishing with natural baits is the most popular way to catch many species, such as sea bream and whiting. Drift fishing with lures can hook bass or pollack. Finally, big-game fishing is more of a sport, and provides an opportunity to have a good time... Get your camera ready so you don't miss a thing on this cruise, or this weekend, and immortalize the result of your fishing, or capture that special, fantastic light as you wait for the fish to bite. *
As for explorers, they'll be able to approach the lighthouses at our "end of the world", located between land and sea, "Chassiron" and "Antioche". Keep an eye out for dolphins on their favorite playground, the Grande Bleue.
If you decide to hire a boat, you're free to sail along the largely protected east coast and Marennes Basin, or to venture out "into the open ocean" - in other words, into slightly more challenging conditions - on the other side of Oléron. Experienced yachtsmen can moor in one of the harbors (Marennes, Le Château, Boyardville, Le Douhet, Saint-Denis d'Oléron) or in one of the anchorages at your disposal. St-Trojan-les-Bains and Saint-Denis d'Oléron have 3 berths, Saint-Georges d'Oléron 2, La Brée-les-Bains, Dolus d'Oléron and Bourcefranc-Le Chapus 1 each. The marinas are the perfect place to set foot ashore and stock up on gifts and souvenirs. Cast off to set sail, sail along the coast or make a stopover. A change of scenery is guaranteed!
* Drink in moderation, or you'll end up in the cold water!