Vert-Bois: Beach, surf spots and coastal trails
Accommodation in Vert-Bois
Plage de Vert-Bois is a sandy beach on the southwest coast of Île d’Oléron in Dolus-d’Oléron, known for its surf spots. If you’re looking for a hotel in Vert-Bois, you can plan your stay around whether you’re most interested in the beach and surfing, coastal trails or activities in the forest. The different options offer practical pointers when choosing your destination.
Surfing at Plage de Vert-Bois
Oléron Surf Club is a year-round club at Plage de Vert-Bois. It offers surfing lessons and courses, including instruction for beginners and sessions to improve your skills. The course offerings described therefore cover both first steps and the development of existing skills. Club activities and course availability may change; check what’s on offer for your travel dates.
Coastal trail, dunes and plants
Sentier de la CĂ´te Sauvage runs along the coast past Plage de Vert-Bois and through dunes and pine forests. The views described along the trail include seascapes. This means the route combines coastal views with sections through dune and forest landscapes. If you prefer exploring on foot, it offers a different perspective on the area than a stay at the beach.
The dune plants are also part of the character of Plage de Vertbois: marram grass, lichens, sea holly, immortelles, carnations and spurges grow there. The ForĂŞt domaniale de Saint-Trojan near Vert-Bois is mainly planted with maritime pines and holm oaks and is designated a Natura 2000 site. Near Vert-Bois, the ForĂŞt de Saint-Trojan-les-Bains also offers a fitness trail. These nature and activity options complement the coastal trail with further things to explore during a stay.
Activities in the forest and by bike
The Parcours sportif Vertbois - l’Ecuissière is a 2.2-kilometre fitness trail in the state forest near the sea. It has 14 stations with exercise equipment, including parallel bars, a slalom course, obstacles, a balance beam and a horizontal ladder. The route combines outdoor exercise with a specific range of training equipment.
For a bike ride, there is the 12.9-kilometre route “L’océan à Vertbois par la forêt”. It runs from Dolus-d’Oléron via Le Riveau to Plage de Vertbois, then returns to Dolus-d’Oléron on cycle paths through the forest. The different route lengths provide a clear guide for planning: 2.2 kilometres for the fitness trail and 12.9 kilometres for the cycle route. Check the route before setting out, as conditions may change.
Practical information for the beach
Vertbois car park has 160 spaces, five of which are reserved for people with reduced mobility. There are also dry toilets and bicycle parking. Facilities may change; check their current status before your visit. At the Vertbois picnic area, there are wooden tables installed by the ONF. Some are suitable for people with reduced mobility; the tables are located on both sides of the road to the beach. This information can help you plan your beach visit and activities in the surrounding area.
Discover more destinations: Chaillevette, Allas-Bocage, Saint-Dizant-Du-Gua, Saint-Hilaire-du-Bois, La Genétouze, Meursac, Genouillé, Pons.
Go to the regional travel overview: Charente-Maritime.
