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The island of Oleron

The island that is nicknamed the "luminous island" is the largest of the Charente archipelago but also of the entire Atlantic coast. Since 1966, it is linked to the continent by a bridge, a little less than 3 kilometers long, allowing to span the Charreau strait which separates it from Bourcefranc-le-Chapus. It owes its nickname to its particular light and its generous sunshine. Moreover, in February, Saint-Trojan-les-Bains celebrates the flowering of the mimosa during a whole weekend. The pretty seaside resort offers ideal conditions for this Mediterranean plant, but also for tourists wishing to admire its Belle Epoque villas and to enjoy a particularly delightful holiday setting, between forest, marsh and ocean. To the west, the Château d'Oléron invites the walker to admire the old oyster-farming huts which have been restored to their former glory and now house numerous designers. But the sea is never far away, as the oyster route reminds us, which proposes to walk to the port of Boyardville, admiring in passing the small port of La Baudissière and the numerous channels that communicate with the ocean. Further on, Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, the largest city of the island, takes shape. In its pedestrian streets, the town often called "capital" has two symbolic monuments, the church, which was once a landmark for sailors, and the lantern of the dead. It is also famous for its artisanal fishing port of La Cotinière, the first in the department. The fishermen land noble species: sole, sea bass and scampi. This place, always in effervescence, is appreciated by the strollers who admire the seagulls flying around while tasting an ice cream. Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron is also home to the last residence of Pierre Loti, the famous writer who rests in the garden of the "house of the grandmothers".
After passing through Saint-Georges-d'Oléron and La Brée-les-Bains, Saint-Denis offers you one of the most emblematic monuments of the island: the Chassiron lighthouse. Second oldest lighthouse in France, the building with its convict's outfit is located on the northern tip of the island. Although the last keeper has left, it still warns sailors of the rocks of the Antioch channel.
Its wild nature, its rich heritage and its numerous beaches make the island of Oleron a destination of choice for many tourists who can enjoy oysters, bike rides or water activities.

The island of Ré

Like its big sister, it is linked to the mainland by a bridge with an irresistible curve. Ré attracts many glances, those of the Rochelais as well as tourists eager to discover a territory with a unique way of life. Nicknamed the pearl of the Atlantic, the island is home to ten authentic villages such as Rivedoux-Plage, which offers a glimpse of its long sandy beaches from the viaduct. Bordered by the two "pertuis", it invites you to continue your journey towards another exceptional place: La Flotte. After admiring the remains of theAbbaye des Châteliers, one can only fall under the charm of one of the most beautiful villages in France. It is an unavoidable stopover for sailors and travelers who will enjoy the atmosphere of its port and stroll through the cobbled streets leading to the medieval market. Around the cobbled courtyard, the stalls are full of local products such as potatoes, which have had an appellation d'origine contrôlée for twenty years, and fleur de sel. It is with a basket full of victuals and your taste buds awake that your journey will continue, either to Sainte-Marie-de-Ré, a preserved territory between sea and vineyards, or to the one that is often nicknamed "capital of the island": Saint-Martin-de-Ré. The village is a must-see! It owes it first of all to its historical heritage, as shown by the fortifications created by Vauban. Today, they surround the Barbette park, a unique place to walk from where you can admire the ocean and the donkeys in their breeches, the other emblem of the island of Ré. Children will not miss the opportunity to ride on the back of these gentle creatures for a nice walk. The village is also home to a citadel, which has kept its role as a prison, and a church with a bell tower-observatory offering an exceptional view of the town. Further on, the beaches of Le Bois stretch for miles and, like the other villages of the Retais, offer visitors winding streets lined with hollyhocks. This emblematic flower of the island rises on the edge of white houses and is displayed on all postcards. You will find them in La Couarde-sur-Mer, near the bandstand, where many concerts take place. It is also the place of departure for those who wish to go to the north. Let's leave the car and get on a bicycle. The bicycle paths will lead you to Loix-en-Ré passing by the tide mill, a vestige of a time when the flower of salt was called the white gold. This peninsula has an incredible charm and it owes it as much to its geographical situation as to its road which undulates between the salt marshes. Marked by the landscapes and this so particular light, the traveler will find his way back thanks to the bell tower of the church of Ars-en-Ré. Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, it is a delightful place for vacationing. Here again, the cobbled streets promise a change of scenery, as does the port where it is good to stop. At a terrace, you can taste the iodized atmosphere of a village that still counts among its population of salt marshes. Let's get back on our bikes to reach the last villages of the Retais: Les Portes-en-Ré, a protected and authentic place, and Saint-Clément-des-Baleines, a small town located at the western end of the island which houses the lighthouse of the same name. Known for its shipwrecks - of ships and whales - the northern part of the island has been home to a lighthouse since the early 19th century that warns sailors of the dangers of the coast. To enjoy a unique view of the state forest, the beaches and a large part of the island, you must climb some 257 steps.

The island of Aix

Unlike the other islands of the Charente archipelago, Aix is not accessible by car. Don't expect to find a bridge, but rather a maritime service from Fouras-les-Bains. Embark on the ships that will take you to this island territory in only twenty minutes. The crossing is short, but enough time to breathe in the iodized air and enjoy the view. When you arrive at the fort of the roadstead, you will be charmed by the gentle atmosphere of the place, which is definitely conducive to a change of scenery because there are no cars here! Rest assured, this crescent of land is not very big, only 3 kilometers long and 600 meters wide. The most hurried travelers will ride a bicycle, but it is at the slow rhythm of the walk or the carriage that you will discover this island, the most southern of the archipelago.
After having crossed the drawbridge, you will arrive at the Place de l'Austerlitz. History catches up with you! If it is admired by nature lovers, with its great variety of landscapes, it is especially linked to Napoleon, who spent his last days in France here before going into exile. Many places refer to the first emperor of the French: the Fort Liédot, this guard nestled in the heart of the vegetation, the Place d'Austerlitz, the street and the Napoleon museum. This former residence gathers works of art, furniture and other objects which allow to retrace the life of the emperor.
The stroll within the fortified village wanted by Vauban promises a stroll full of charm, to the discovery of its small white houses decorated with hollyhocks. Along the streets, you will discover a unique place in France: the mother-of-pearl museum. Since the 1950s, this noble material has been worked here. A small tour of the museum will allow you to discover the profession of mother-of-pearl maker, exclusively practiced on the island.
The island that is sometimes called "the little Corsica of the Atlantic" for its Mediterranean atmosphere is also a place dedicated to relaxation and sea bathing with its 5 beaches. You can't get enough of the breathtaking view of Fort Boyard, you can enjoy the simple pleasure of a break on the beach of Anse de la Croix or in front of the lighthouse composed of these two original towers painted in red and white.

The island Madame

It is the smallest island of the whole Charente archipelago! Although Madame welcomes many travelers every year, she is not so easily approached. Before going to this wild territory, it is imperative to have looked at the tide schedules. The only path allowing access is discovered at low tide and it is better not to delay if you do not want the ocean to close in on you! This natural road of sand and pebbles, "la passe-aux-bœufs", links the island to Port-des-Barques located on the left bank of the mouth of the Charente.
You are now an islander during a tide. You will take the time to discover this natural territory with ravishing natural landscapes. The road will lead you to the fort which was once used as a protection for the naval arsenal and even as a prison! After passing by the famous Croix aux Galets, which is a place of pilgrimage in memory of deported priests, you will arrive at the aquaculture farm. Created 40 years ago, this farm uses sea water for the production of cereals, imperial shrimps and salicornia. Not only is it possible to visit the farm to learn a little more about the cultivation of salt, but you can also stop here for a lunch break or a snack. A store at the farm allows you to leave with some souvenirs. But be careful not to wander too much and to keep in mind the tide schedules...