Lying just off the west coast of France sitting in the Bay of Biscay is Ile d’ Oléron, France’s second largest island, easily accessible via the toll free 3 km road bridge. An easy going, relaxed island with several coastal resorts and an active fishing industry as well as a very mild climate. The island has several picturesque towns and villages, numerous sandy beaches (the closest being only 3km from the campsite). The island is, as you would expect, famous for its locally caught seafood and oysters. The best way to explore the island and to discover its charms as well as its Romanesque churches, working harbours and its long sandy beaches is by bike making use of the over 112 kilometres of cycle lanes that pass through fields, pine forests and marshland opening up some fantastic views of the island as well as the constanly changing sea views.
The campsite is situated to the north of the island between St Georges d’Oléron and St Pierre d’ Oléron. Both being situated around 2kms distance away. Saint-George D’Oleron is a pretty village and in the middle ages was home to Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in Western Europe leaving behind her architectural influence on the small town. It has a couple of restaurants, a small supermarket, tourist office and a weekly market as well as an impressive church which is open to view. Saint-Pierre d’Oleron is the capital of the island and is located in the centre. This is the islands most populated town and although it used to be an important trading point for the sea salt produced on the island it is now mostly a town for shopping and eating! In addition to the numerous shops and restaurants it is also the location of the nearest large supermarket to the campsite. There is a museum here explaining in detail the history of town and of the island, and you can also climb the church bell tower which gives you a great view over the whole island.
The Vendee is located on the West Coast of France. It is an area renowned for its excellent sunshine record (around 2500 hours per year!), which is due to the famous Vendee micro climate. The Vendee coast easily rivals the Cote d’Azur for its miles of sandy, gently shelving beaches, not to mention the vast array of watersports available. The area is a popular tourist spot with many beautiful towns and villages all along the coast from Noirmoutier Island in the north right down to the city of La Rochelle in the South
Jard Sur Mer is located on the coast in-between the two, giving you ample opportunity to travel around the region if you fancy a break from the beach or just want to spend some time sightseeing. Just a short stroll from Camping L’Oceano D’Or is the bustling town of Jard Sur Mer, complete with the usual bakeries, shops, café bars and restaurants. A walk through the main street brings you to the picturesque harbour. Here there are delightful cafés and restaurants that present you with the perfect opportunity to just sit and watch the world go by. The beaches are directly adjacent to the harbour, great for sunbathing, swimming or just exploring the rock pools.
With everything being in such close proximity to the site you can enjoy your evening without having to worry about transport home. If however you do want to go by car there is a large car park close to the port. Within easy reach of Camping L’Oceano D’Or are the towns of Talmont St Hilaire, St Jean De Monts, St Gilles Croix de Vie, St Hilaire de Riez, Les Sables D’Olonne and La Tranche Sur Mer. Les Sables D’Olonne, one of the best known and most fashionable Vendee resorts, is located just twenty minutes from the campsite and is perfect for a day out. The resort has a fantastic long beach and working port as well as being a major shopping and restaurant area. It is also home to the famous yacht race the ‘Vendee Globe’ held every four years (the next Vendee Globe starts November 2016). Having spent many years in the Vendee we know the area incredible well and are able to offer many suggestions for great days out. Whether it is the nearest Chateau or Market, the best place to go wine tasting, the best place to take the kids or the best place for a meal out! We also have a good knowledge of local doctors, dentists and garages should there be any unfortunate mishaps on your holiday. For more information about the local area keep your eye on our blog which will be updated with news and information on towns and places to visit throughout the season.
