Discover Boyardville
Accommodation in Boyardville
Boyardville offers a range of ways to spend your days according to your interests: marked trails in the Forêt des Saumonards, a themed walking trail and guided trips on land or water. When planning a stay, it is worth bearing in mind the differences in mode of transport, destination and time frame. This makes it possible to plan a day in the forest differently from a guided route or a trip where you can discover Fort Boyard and the coast of Île d'Aix.
The Forêt des Saumonards
The Forêt des Saumonards covers almost 700 hectares between Foulerot, Saint-Georges-d'Oléron and Boyardville. Marked trails are available for hiking, cycling and horse riding. You can therefore explore the forest on foot, by bike or on horseback. Seasonal conditions may vary, so take them into account when planning your routes.
Walking Trail and Guided Beach Tour
The Circuit du patrimoine de Boyardville is a free themed walking trail. If you want to walk, you can combine exercise with a focus on local heritage; check local route conditions before your visit. The choice is broader in the forest: marked trails there are also intended for cycling and horse riding. The themed walking trail and the forest trails therefore differ both in their focus and in the ways you can get around.
The Petit Train des Plages serves Boyardville’s main beach and Saumonards Beach. Its guided route is eight kilometres long and takes about 50 minutes. It focuses on two beach destinations, with a specific route and time frame. The Petit Train des Plages is a visitor service for 2026; for later seasons, it is advisable to check whether it is operating in advance.
A Trip on the Water
Les Croisières Oléronaises depart from Boyardville aboard the GEMINI rigid inflatable boat. The trip lasts about one hour; along the way, you can discover Fort Boyard and the coast of Île d'Aix. Its duration is close to the Petit Train’s approximately 50 minutes, but it offers a different experience: this is a trip on the water with these sights to discover, while the train serves two beaches. Since availability and trip details may change, check the provider’s latest information in advance.
Maison Heureuse and the History of Fort Boyard
Maison Heureuse has a historical connection to the work on Fort Boyard. Construction began in 1803 to provide storage and accommodation for the engineers, military personnel, craftsmen and workers involved in building the fort. In the 1920s, Maison Heureuse was converted into a holiday camp. The two phases were quite different: initially, the building served the groups working on the fort; later, it was used as a holiday camp.
Discover more destinations: Les Sables Vignier
Return to the main travel guide: Saint-Georges-D'oléron.
