Ile d'Oléron, Charente-Maritime

The Ile d'Oleron is almost 19 miles long and 6 miles across at its widest point, and has over 44 miles of coast line. It is the largest of the French western islands. It has a resident population of around nineteen thousand and the mainstay of the island is its ostreiculture; the finest oysters you will ever taste are here. Another excellent local product is Pineau, the Islanders favourite aperitif. The wines of the island are also well worth sampling, the whites being a perfect partner to the wonderful seafood. The island has much too, of historical interest for the visitor. The citadel at le Chateau, the Romanesque church at St Georges, and the Napoleonic Fort Boyard to name but a few. The pretty villages and colourful bustling harbours draw artists to the island and many studios are open to visitors with exhibitions regularly held in most towns. For occasional trips to the mainland, La Rochelles, Rochefort and Saintes are worth a visit, and the zoo at La Palmyre is one of France's largest.

The island is easy to get to, the most direct route being from St.Malo, (5hrs) but Caen and Cherbourg are also within comfortable driving distance.  The airport at La Rochelle with flights from Stanstead  (Ryanair) and also Flybe flying from Southampton and Birmingham to La Rochelle is only a 1 hour drive for anyone who prefers to hire a car, SNCF trains run to La Rocehlle, Rochefort and Royan.