Surfing and nature on the Ile d'Oléron!
Surfing and nature getaways on Île d’Oléron from April through All Saints’ Day!
Treat yourself to a seaside getaway on Île d’Oléron, surrounded by the ocean, salt marshes, and forests.
On the agenda: 5 days to learn to surf at an ideal spot—the Grande Plage in Saint-Trojan-les-Bains—and to discover the richness and diversity of the island’s southern region: culture and heritage, unspoiled landscapes, local cuisine, and oyster farming…
Alongside Baptiste, manager of Moana—a surf school committed to preserving the oceans and coastal areas, a member of the local “Responsible Water Sports” network, and a partner of the NGO Surfrider Foundation—you’ll discover the secrets of this region and its rich biodiversity.
The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the ocean, waves, and coastlines. Founded in 1990 in Biarritz, the organization carries out awareness-raising, research, and advocacy efforts to preserve marine biodiversity, combat pollution, and promote sustainable management of coastal resources. With the support of volunteers and experts, the Surfrider Foundation works toward a future where the ocean is respected and protected by everyone.
Best practices related to waste and ocean protection:
1. Adopt responsible consumption habits: choose products with minimal packaging that are reusable and recyclable.
2. Reduce plastic use: use sustainable alternatives such as reusable water bottles, cloth bags, and metal straws.
3. Raise awareness among those around you: share information about the impact of waste on the ocean and encourage environmentally friendly behaviors.
4. Take advantage of your time at the beach to pick up items left behind or washed up by the ocean, or participate in an organized cleanup. Be careful, however, not to disturb wildlife, especially the birds that nest on our beaches: https://parc-marin-gironde-pertuis.fr/actualites/larrivee-des-gravelots-collier-interrompu
Budget:
Starting at 1,000 € per person (all taxes included), all-inclusive
This rate includes:
• Accommodation at Huttopia Oléron Saint-Trojan Campground (open May through September) or Le Maine Campground (open March through mid-November).
• The surf course (5 sessions)
• Meals
• Activities
• Bicycle rentals
Day by day
Day 1: Surf & Forest
On the menu for your first surfing lesson with Moana surf schoolschool, you'll discover the fundamentals of the sport and its safety rules, as well as getting in the water to experience your first gliding sensations!
In the afternoon, head to the Saint-Trojan forest for a mountain bike excursion with Cycles Demion on one of the circuits of the traditional randonnée des Mimosas (proposals to discover on the Outdooractive).
For lunch: Chez MumuOyster and seafood tasting (member of the Route des saveurs maritimes, a network of establishments committed to short supply chains and the promotion of seafood products).
For dinner: Restaurant L'Albatros (member ofAssiette Saveurs, a local label promoting restaurants that choose local sourcing).
Day 2: Take off, yoga and clams
The morning will be devoted to your second surfing lesson, an opportunity to consolidate the basics discovered the day before and perfect your "take off"!
The afternoon will be dedicated to relaxation, with a yoga class in the heart of nature offered by Find your tree. This activity is a perfect complement to surfing, allowing you to develop your strength and flexibility by combining a series of postures and breathing exercises.
To round off the day, if the tide is out, you can head for the Pointe de Gatseau, an ideal spot for shore fishing.
NB: For detailed regulations and good practice guidelines on shore fishing, visit the Iodde association website.
For lunch: Restaurant Curtiss & Catalina (Route des saveurs maritimes, vegetarian dishes available).
For dinner: Tasting of clams caught in the afternoon or restaurant l'interlude (vegetarian dishes available).
Day 3: Surfing and local culture
This is your third surfing lesson, giving you the chance to take the helm for the first time and ride the waves as soon as they form. Thrills guaranteed!
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in local culture at the the Port des Salines Ecomuseumdedicated to the history of salt cultivation.
If you still have a little time left, don't hesitate to try out the Tèrra Aventura (a fun treasure hunt inspired by geocaching) in Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, and discover the local heritage in a whole new way!
For lunch: Restaurant Le Relais des Salines (Route des saveurs maritimes / Assiette Saveurs).
For dinner: restaurant L'Ecume (Assiette Saveurs).
Day 4: Surfing and heritage
After your fourth surf lesson, you'll spend the afternoon discovering the town of Le Château-d'Oléron, its citadel and its village of artists and craftsmen with its colorful huts on the oyster port.
For lunch: Restaurant Les Frits de mer (Route des saveurs maritimes).
For dinner: Restaurant Au gré du vin (Route des saveurs maritimes).
Day 5: Surfing and Wellness
On the agenda for this final day is your fifth surfing lesson: the waves at the Grande Plage in Saint-Trojan-les-Bains will hold no more secrets for you!
Then, after all that exertion, it’s time to unwind: head to the Bel Hôtel in Saint-Trojan-les-Bains to relax after your active getaway. The hotel features a wellness area with a sauna, steam room, and saltwater pool, as well as a terrace offering a superb view of Gatseau Bay.
For lunch: Restaurant Oyat.
For dinner: La Moule à facettes Restaurant (Route des saveurs maritimes).
With the exception of restaurants specializing in seafood and run by oyster farmers, most of the restaurants listed offer a variety of menus, including vegetarian options. If you have special dietary needs, please don’t hesitate to contact the Tourist Office, which will recommend restaurants that can accommodate your needs!
"We love":
- A trip combining sports and exploring Île d’Oléron, a sustainable and unspoiled destination
- The Grande Plage in Saint-Trojan-les-Bains: an ideal spot for learning to surf
- The option to get around entirely by bike
Access:
- Arrive by train at La Rochelle station (3 hours from Paris), Surgères station (2 hours 38 minutes), or Rochefort station (2 hours from Bordeaux)
- From these stations, take regional Nouvelle-Aquitaine buses to Château-d’Oléron, Dolus-d’Oléron, or Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron:
- Line 154: Surgères > Rochefort > Marennes > Bourcefranc-le-Chapus > Le Château-d’Oléron > Dolus-d’Oléron > Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron
- Route 155: La Rochelle > Rochefort > Marennes > Château-d’Oléron > Dolus-d’Oléron > Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron > Saint-Georges d’Oléron > La Brée-les-Bains > Saint-Denis d’Oléron - Access by boat is available from La Rochelle ( Boyardville or Saint-Denis-d’Oléron ports)
- If you need transportation for luggage or passengers to your accommodations, you can contact PasSsage.