Le Château d'Oléron

Population

Le Chateau d'Oleron has 3,900 inhabitants, called Chapelains.

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.

In the eighteenth century, ramparts were built around the city.

Remarkable places

• The beautiful fountain dating from the nineteenth century must be seen.
• The Church called Notre-Dame de l'Assomption was built in the eighteenth century. It has beautiful woodwork in its choir.
• At the port, artisans have set up their workshops in oyster shacks.
• The dolmen of Ors village dates from the Neolithic. Its size makes it one of the largest of France.
• The fauna and flora of Oleron island are presented by the House of Nature.
• The Napoleon bridge crosses the channel "des Brandes". The path to access it is indicated from the "road of the oysters".

Accomodation

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