Saint-Georges-D'Oléron: Culture, Nature and Water Sports

When planning your trip to Saint-Georges-D'Oléron, you can focus on a range of interests: cultural history, trails through forests and dunes, and activities on the water. The church and heritage trail explore the area's history, while the Forêt des Saumonards and Parc des Prés Valet offer various ways to enjoy the outdoors. Kitesurfing, surf lessons and the Port du Douhet round out the offering. You can plan your stay around whichever of these interests appeals to you most.

Cultural History Between the Church and Market Halls

The Église Saint-Georges dates from the 11th century and is one of the oldest buildings on Île d'Oléron. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1931. Since 2019, the church has housed the tomb of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Duchess of Aquitaine and Queen of France and England. Across from it, the wooden market halls were built in 1864 on the site of the former cemetery. The church and halls represent different periods and purposes: a medieval religious building and 19th-century market halls.

The Saint-Georges heritage trail is four kilometres long, takes about two hours and starts at the tourist office car park. Its approximate duration and fixed starting point make it easy to work this cultural route into your day.

Forest Trails and Outdoor Activities

The Forêt des Saumonards covers a landscape of dunes and forest spanning just under 700 hectares. The Chemin d'Oléron runs through the forest between Boyardville and Saint-Denis-d'Oléron. The Forêt also has numerous marked trails that you can explore on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. While the Chemin has two named endpoints, the marked forest trails also let you choose how to get around.

To preserve the area and make it accessible to the public, the Conservatoire du Littoral acquired several hectares, including the Marais du Douhet.

Park, Fishing and Distillery

At 14 hectares, Parc des Prés Valet is much smaller than the Forêt des Saumonards, which covers just under 700 hectares. Footpaths connect the park's different areas, and its fitness trail has eleven wooden stations. You can choose between walking around the park and exercising at the stations.

To fish at Étang des Prés Valet, you need a fishing permit from the Amicale des pêcheurs des Prés Valet. Applicable opening dates and times also apply.

Water Sports at Le Douhet and in Chaucre

The Le Douhet kitesurfing area is suitable for all experience levels. A navigation area is marked there during the summer season. At Plage de Chaucre, Enjoy école de Surf offers lessons from beginner to advanced level. The activities and experience levels differ: kitesurfing at Le Douhet and surf lessons in Chaucre.

The Port du Douhet is located in the Anse de la Malconche and can accommodate nearly 400 boats.

A Distillery Visit at Les Vignerons d'Oléron

At Les Vignerons d'Oléron, the distillery opens to explain the art of distillation and the production of Cognac and Pineau. The visit is followed by a tasting. Visiting times vary by season, so check the date of your distillery visit before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Boyardville, Les Sables Vignier, Avy, Saint-Trojan-Les-Bains, Saint-Georges-De-Didonne, Soubise, Fontcouverte, Annepont.

For the main travel overview: Charente-Maritime.