Ile d’Orleron

Ile d’Oleron is good-sized island off the coast of France in the western France on the Bay of Biscay. Accessible by car, bus or ferry, the island features a network of small towns. Each has it’s own personality, but the rhythm of the island is driven by the tides, oyster harvesting and sailing harbors.

I met friends in Bordeaux, and then we drove about two hours north and west to get to the island. We stopped for lunch just before the bridge at Manger sur la plage. Sitting right across from the beach, the small restaurant, which of course features seafood, was the perfect beginning to our visit.

After bottle of wine, a gorgeous salad and whole fish, we headed over to the island to check in to our Airbnb. We stayed just outside of St. Pierre at a small “chai,” which means cellar. The place had been lovingly renovated and suited our needs perfectly. The house was within walking distance to La Continere, a small village on the coast.

We didn’t have the greatest weather, but each day we explored a bit, including the top of the island to the north and as well as the south.

We were able to ride bikes along the beach, enjoy great wine, chats and company.

The standout restaurant of our visit was Le Relais des Salines, a Michelin Baby Gourmand that is in a small fishing village tucked in the island. The food was superb. We left the island well fed and reinvigorated..