A charming fishing port that has retained its authenticity
The first fishing port you’ll come across during your stay on the Ile d’Oléron is located to the west of Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron: La Cotinière. In fact, this port is ranked among the top 10 fishing ports in France! Still artisanal, it specializes in noble fish and shellfish such as lobster, langoustine, cep, sole and sea bass. More than a hundred species were observed at the auction in a single year, an impressive variety.
The port of La Cotinière is a lively place, much to the delight of visitors who enjoy the picturesque spectacle. A daily spectacle with the ballet of boats entering and leaving the port, and the unloading of their seafood products, the result of the day’s fishing. In the morning, fishermen can still be seen untangling their nets. The fish market is the subject of guided tours organized by the Saint-Pierre tourist office in summer and during school vacations.
A paradise for gourmets and gourmands
At the port of La Cotinière, you’ll find fresh seafood of the highest quality. Fish and shellfish are on sale at the fish auction and at the Victorine market, open every afternoon from 3:30 pm.
You’ll also find plenty of local produce on the stalls of the market held on the port every morning in season, and from Monday to Saturday the rest of the year.bustling all year round, the port of La Cotinière is home to over 25 shops in the off-season. From April to October, a further 50 or so shops open their doors. In summer, they’re open every day, even on Sundays. Among them are numerous restaurants featuring local produce and seafood.
A festive village
A veritable village, the port of La Cotinière is an ideal place to stroll, store, discover local produce and soak up the culture of the Olivetan people. After the beach, enjoy an ice cream on the terrace or stroll along the seafront. In the evenings, during July and August, the port is particularly lively: the atmosphere is festive with the funfair, many shops open until 11 p.m. and the bars and restaurants have a lively, often musical, atmosphere.
Every evening, a night market is also held on the port: from 6 p.m., it brings together the stalls of local producers and craftsmen, jewelry, toys and fun gadgets. Street shows and concerts enliven the quayside, to the delight of holidaymakers of all ages.
A remarkable heritage to discover
The port of La Cotinière also attracts visitors for its authentic setting and preserved heritage. The Notre-Dame-des-Flots chapel, built in 1966, features sublime stained-glass windows and an impressive exposed framework. You can reach the port of La Cotinière in around twenty minutes from our campsite on the Ile d’Oléron!
Visit our region
Cycle paths on the Ile d’Oléron
Visit Château-d’Oléron
Château-d’Oléron Citadel
Le Marais aux oiseaux
Boyardville
Port des Salines
Chassiron lighthouse
Fort Boyard
The beaches of Ile Oléron
Campsite Saint-Denis-d’Oléron
Camping La Brée-les-Bains
Camping Saint-Georges-d’Oléron
Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron campsite
Boyardville Campsite
Camping Dolus-d’Oléron
Camping Saint-Trojan-les-Bains
Camping Le Grand-Village-Plage
