The best sites to visit and discover on the Ile d'Oléron in Charente Maritime Sporting activities on the Ile d'Oléron and the surrounding area Surfing, paddle & kitesurfing Ideal beaches: Vert-Bois, Grand-Village-Plage, Saint-Trojan-les-Bains Famous spots for beginners and experts alike Cycling and mountain biking on the cycle paths Over 130 km of signposted trails through forests, marshes, dunes and harbours Hire available in Dolus, Saint-Pierre or Saint-Trojan Recommended walks : Boucle des marais, la Vélodyssée Tree climbing - Parc Myocastors (Dolus-d'Oléron) Family park with tree climbing, mini-farm and play area Suitable for children aged 3 and over Canoeing, sea kayaking & paddling on the channels or in the sea Departures from Le Château-d'Oléron or Boyardville Calm sailing in the marshes or sea outings around Fort Boyard Horse riding in the forest or on the beach Saint-Trojan equestrian centre, sunset rides An unforgettable experience on the wild coast Fishing on foot or at sea Discover the marine fauna at low tide (Saint-Denis, La Brée-les-Bains) Sea fishing excursions departing from La Cotinière. The best places to visit and discover in Charente Maritime Charente Maritime is a region rich in natural beauty, history and culture. Whether you're looking for picturesque landscapes, historic monuments or family attractions, here are a few must-see places: * La Rochelle - Explore La Rochelle's historic Old Port, with its iconic towers and maritime museum. The city is also home to the La Rochelle Aquarium, one of the largest in Europe, perfect for a family visit. * Île de Ré - Known for its sandy beaches, charming villages like Saint-Martin-de-Ré and picturesque lighthouses like the Phare des Baleines, this island is a paradise for cyclists and nature lovers. * Royan - A seaside resort renowned for its modernist architecture, including the impressive Notre-Dame de Royan church. Don't miss the sandy Grande Conche beach, ideal for a day at the seaside. * Fort Boyard - This famous fortress located between the islands of Aix and Oléron is an iconic monument. Although it is not open to the public, boat tours allow you to discover this historic site up close. * Île d'Oléron - A nature-lover's paradise, with wild beaches, lush forests and the impressive Fort Louvois. It is also home to the Chassiron lighthouse with its breathtaking panoramic views. * Rochefort - This naval town is home to the Corderie Royale , a fascinating maritime museum, and the reconstruction of the Hermione , a replica of the ship that helped America win its independence. * Talmont-sur-Gironde - Listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", this charming village perched on a cliff is famous for its Romanesque church of Sainte-Radegonde and its breathtaking views over the Gironde estuary. * Zoo de la Palmyre - One of the largest zoos in France, located near Royan, with over 1,600 animals. This is a popular park for families, with attractive exhibitions and animal conservation programmes. * Marais Poitevin - Often referred to as the 'Green Venice', this network of canals and wetlands is perfect for a peaceful boat trip through nature. It's a unique and tranquil experience for those looking for a countryside escape. * Saintes - Explore the ancient Gallo-Roman ruins of this historic town, including the Amphitheatre and the Arch of Germanicus. The Abbaye Sainte-Marie-des-Dames is another must-see. Charente Maritime offers a diverse range of attractions, from beaches and islands to historic monuments and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable visit for all.