Grand-Village-Plage and Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

Grand-Village-Plage

Grand-Village has 900 inhabitants, called Grand-Villageois. Its houses are located between marshes and the forest.

The beach is connected to the village by a boulevard that runs through the forest of Saint-Trojan.

The villages of Petit-Village, Trillou and Allassins are part of this district. Petit-Village is located on the edge of salt marshes.

A bit of history

Until the middle of last century, the districts of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains and Grand-Village-Plage were merged.

Thus, the first mayor of Grand-Village-Plage was elected in 1951.

Remarkable places

Oleron's traditional habitat is presented by "la Maison Paysanne" ("Farmhouse"). A collection of costumes and headdresses is also exposed.
During the summer season, the folk group called Déjhouqués who created this museum features traditional dances and songs from Oleron and Saintonge.
The alleys in the center of Grand-Village are typical.
The Chapel of St. Joseph is decorated with frescoes painted by the artist Elias Murat, who was deputy mayor of the town.
Walking trails go through the woods and the dunes from the village to the beach.

Port des Salines

The eco-museum at "Port des Salines" presents the operation of a salt pan. It is located near Petit-Village.

From "Port des Salines", it is possible to make a boat trip in a still active salt pan.

Accomodation

There are one hotel and four camping sites in Grand-Village-Plage.

Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

Saint-Trojan-les-Bains has 1,500 inhabitants, called Saint-Trojannais. It was built three hundred years ago on the site of an older village buried under sand dunes.

Saint-Trojan welcomes holidaymakers for more than a century. In its center, some villas are a reminder of early twentieth century seaside resorts.

The mimosa decorating gardens in Saint-Trojan was imported from the Riviera in the late nineteenth century. It is celebrated in February by a cavalcade.

Remarkable places

Point of Manson, which is at the end of the "Petite Plage" ("small beach"), offers an interesting perspective on Oleron bridge and on the bridge over the Seudre.
The park "Marais des Bris" is a natural protected area. This former marsh can be visited along its discovery trail.
The museum called "Maison de l'huître oléronaise" introduces the history and technique of oyster farming.
The oyster port is lined with colorful huts.
A night market is held every Thursday evening in July and August in the center of the village.
At the peak of the island, on the observatory dune, a surveillance tower is used to prevent fires.
The beaches of Gatseau and Maumusson can be reached from Saint-Trojan by the "P'tit Train".

Accomodation

There are ten hotels, one club and four camping sites in Saint-Trojan.

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