サントロジャンレバンのおすすめツーリングルート

The citadel of Château-d'Oléron is a military fortress

Enjoy cycling in this remarkable dune forest, covering almost 700 hectares. It's the result of a large-scale reforestation campaign in the 19th century, aimed at halting the dune advance, which was gradually encroaching on villages.

A must-see for anyone visiting the island of Oléron. Richelieu ordered its construction, which began in 1630 on the remains of the old medieval castle. The work was led by the engineer Pierre d'Argencourt, who ordered the first bastion, and Louis Nicolas de Clerville later modified and enlarged the structure. The citadel and the town were completed in 1700 under the orders of Vauban. During this final phase of construction, part of the old village was razed to make way for a new fortified town, built on a grid pattern around the parade ground. A fortress with a defensive function, the citadel also housed disciplinary bodies, civilian and religious inmates during the Reign of Terror, and political prisoners in 1870. On April 17, 1945, an aerial bombardment destroyed many parts of the citadel. From 1959 to 1970, an initial restoration began. The stronghold was restored from 1988.

A beautiful church built of gray limestone in a style that combines Classical and Romanesque elements. The church dates back to the early 15th century.

You can rent boats for a closer look at the salt pans, and there are excellent bars for refreshments! https://www.port-des-salines.fr/

Here you can observe local sea salt production. There's a small hiking trail between the sea salt fields and a shop where you can sample and purchase fresh sea salt.

Fort Boyard

Rough surface not for racing bikes More hilly than you think