Ile D'Oleron by Default. Part 1. Saint Trojan les Bains.

 We had decided to make our next stop on the Ile De Re. However a bit of research and a few searches online, threw up the information that most of the sites were full and the Ile De Re was packed.

Time for a rethink. We decided to give the Ile D'Oleron a go. A lot bigger, less crowded, more campsites and not quite as popular with holiday makers, but plenty and sea and sand. It sounded good.

A bit more communication with Google, Camper Contact and Searchforsites and we came up with a site.

Huttopia Oleron des Pins. Sounded good, an eco friendly site in the south of the island near the village of Saint Trojan les Bains. We arrived to find the campsite relatively empty. We were surprised Oleron was so big, a very impressive bridge announced it's arrival and it was toll free.

The trip over the bridge was interesting. Our first time on the island, so all was new.

Camping Les Pins was a very large family site with swimming pool, bar and all the facilities. The toilet block was clean and the showers were hot. Quite expensive at 40 euros a night. We booked in for 4 nights.

A very nice pitch under the pins with some shade. Sandy but not too sandy Krystal managed it OK.

The campsite was very family orientated with loads of small children enjoying themselves.

There was a bar and entertainment on our first night. Not much choice of food though and I guess that was the only downside to this site. We did try the bar food one night and got a very disappointing burnt pizza!

Lots to like here though. A fabulous beach up the road 10 mins on the bikes through the forest on a bike path.

Plage de Gatseau.

Further around the coast another massive fine sandy beach Grande Plage.

 Truly spectacular and very empty mid week. We were so lucky though as the temperature was well into the 30's.

The nearest village down the bike track in the opposite direction, or a 20 minute walk was the town of Trojan les Bains. A seaside resort surrounded by St Trojan les Bains national forest. The national forest was planted to protect villages from being blocked by sand.  There was a small collection of bars and restaurants with the  added attraction of a big market. There was also a night market. Shopping was tricker but there were a few large supermarkets. A little train ran from here up to the coast and we went for a run.

The Little Train of Oleron

Through the forest and up to the coast making stops on the way. Lots of people and families use it for a day out. We did the round trip which took around an hour and 40 minutes it was a very hot day, so we were pleased at the breeze. Another time we would take a picnic and stop off at one of the beaches on the way.

We really enjoyed our time on the island and decided to explore a bit more. Our next site would be further north, near Saint Denis D'Oleron, Les Lauriers. Ile de Re would have to wait for another day D'Oleron had obviously won this time.