The drive through the Ile d'Oleron was a pretty one. A really nice road along the coast and through some island towns. Very charming, very different from the mainland. Very enjoyable. Had a great lunch stop at the Quai 17 in St. Denis-D'Oleron. After we drove to the end of the island, to this lighthouse. Parked the car here, very close to the restaurant and other facilities on site. Unpaved, but quite low fees. Fair enough. There is handful of shops, a bigger restaurants, some food stalls, bathrooms. All looks quite a bit dated. There are two ways to walk. One is paved and lead directly to the Phare (lighthouse). The other is an unpaved (but flat) trail circling around the lighthouse just right at the coast. I went straight to the lighthouse first. Didn't pay to go up though. Just wanted to see the lighthouse from up-close. And: It's nothing to write home about. Quite un-exciting. There are better lighthouses around. The trail along the coast was enjoyable though. Nice sea views and some other views of the lighthouse. But it's a quite short walk. Of course, the trail keeps going along the coast and the island, but that would take you far away from you parked car. And in high season it can get pretty hot here under the sun without shade. It was ok. A quick walk, some nice views. Just for this I wouldn't recommend to come to the Ile D'Oleron. But we enjoyed the drive, the island and our lunch so much that we think it was very well worth spending a day here on this island. read more

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Weather uncertain as we headed for the island Ile d'Oleron this morning. But we need not have worried. As we reached the Viaduc, the sky was clearing. We headed for Le Chateau d'Oleron to watch the oyster farmers at work. Best viewed form the heights of the citadel there you have a terrific view of the harbour and the estuary and the fleet of flat bottomed boats coming and going to the oyster beds. Then up the coast to Boyardville and a little lunch moules a la Italienne + frites, cost nine euro - at a little place near the main parking for the beach called L'ilot. On then to the tip of the island to see and climb the lighthouse, the 150 year old Chassiron. Climbed the 224 steps no bother to enjoy great views, large over the sea in all directions and small to the foot of the building where a very nice garden (a new feature, see photo) has been laid out. Great value for just EUR2.50. Back down the other side of the island to make a call to La Cotiniere where the fishermen land their catches and where the fish auctions take place. Saw some very big meagre delivered to the auction rooms. Then back to the gite, the pool and the barbecue. It is now gone 8.30pm and the sun is still shining strongly on the back of the gite. C'est la vie! read more

Phare de Chassiron - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Saint-Denis-d'Oleron, 17