Le Chateau d'Oleron

Le Chateau d'Oleron is surrounded by ramparts. The medieval district is located near the citadel. The city center was built in the eighteenth century.

Outside the fortifications, a suburban housing area has recently been developed between salt marshes. These marshes are now used for oyster farming.

A bit of history

The town takes its name from the castle of the dukes of Aquitaine, built in the tenth century. It is in this castle that Aliénor d'Aquitaine has enacted the first maritime code of the world, the Roles of Oleron.

The castle was demolished in 1630 when Richelieu ordered the construction of the citadel.

At the end of the seventeenth century, ramparts were built around the city according to the plans prepared by Maréchal de Vauban, a famous military architect. The city center can be reached by crossing the ramparts through two doors.

Population

Le Chateau d'Oleron has 3,900 inhabitants, called "Casteloleronais". Before 1962 the town was just named "Le Chateau" and its inhabitants were called "Chapelains".

The walled town

The Church

The Church called Notre-Dame de l'Assomption has beautiful woodwork in its choir. The altarpiece and the stained glass windows are remarkable.

This church was built since the early eighteenth century, but was not completed until the late nineteenth. A sundial has been installed on its southern flank.

The city center

Many shops are located in the shade of plane trees in the main square called "place de la République". Other shops are located in adjacent streets.

In front of the old market of the village, there is a beautiful Renaissance fountain dating from the mid-nineteenth century.

The citadel

The citadel of Le Château d'Oléron is classified as a historical monument. It can be discovered freely or through a guided tour. An exhibition presents its three dimensional map ("Plan Relief") in the Powder Room.

In July and August, dramatized tours of the citadel are held once or twice a week by night.

Visits

The fauna and flora of Oleron island are presented by the House of Nature.

The five hundred years old bread oven located in the basement of the "Maison du Prévôt" as well as the museum displaying antique objects and furnitures can be visited by appointment.

Remarkable places

At the port, artisans have set up their workshops in oyster shacks.
The Napoleon bridge crosses the channel "des Brandes". The path to access it is indicated from the "road of the oysters".
An oyster port is installed along the canal of "Ors".
The dolmen near Ors dates from the Neolithic. It was one of the largest in France.
The remains of the roman road are located near the bridge. It was used to load ships, allowing it even at low tide.

Accomodation

There are five hotels and six camping sites in Le Château.

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