Route: Oyster of of Ile d'Oleron (France)

le d'Oléron is an island off the west coast of France. It's joined to the mainland by a bridge and is crisscrossed by cycle paths. It features pine forests, dunes and sandy beaches. Fishing ports fringe the island, such as the busy La Cotinière in the major town of Saint-Pierre d'Oléron. Le Château d'Oléron, a town known for its oysters, is home to La Citadelle, a huge waterfront fortress. The celebrated French century writer Pierre Loti dubbed the island of Oléron ‘La Lumineuse’ for its light. The countryside is perfect for languid exploration by foot or bicycle, passing pretty waterways with their brightly coloured oyster boats bobbing in the water, and beside them oyster sheds of yellow, red, blue and green.

The 160 km of cycling routes give you access to all the treasures of Oleron island and also makes for great car-free running.  This particular run takes in the Salt Marshes and Oyster Farms of Île d'Oléron in the southern half of the island. It goes from Dolus d'Oléron to Saint-Trojan-les-Bains via Le Château d'Oléron, looping around the island's salt marshes and past 'oyster shacks' where you can sample the local (and famous) Marennes-Oléron treats for yourself! A wonderful run which soaks up all the sites, sounds and smells of this truly stunning Island.