In Saint-Trojan-les-Bains, the coastal experience extends beyond the beach: a vast coastal forest, a protected natural area, an oyster harbour and historic landmarks each offer something distinctive. Alongside the Atlantic and the sand, you’ll find marked trails, opportunities to observe nature and a stroll around the harbour—all practical ideas to include in your travel plans.
Take the P’tit Train to Gatseau and Maumusson
From Saint-Trojan-les-Bains station, the P’tit Train de Saint-Trojan runs a 12-kilometre round trip towards the wild edges of the Pertuis de Maumusson. It serves Gatseau and Maumusson beaches on the Côte Sauvage. The service is seasonal and may change. If you’re planning to take the train to visit the beach, check the timetable and operating dates in advance.
Explore the coastal forest on foot and by bike
The Forêt domaniale de Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is a coastal forest and natural area covering almost 2,000 hectares. A network of marked hiking trails crosses the forest and is maintained by the Office national des forêts (ONF) and the municipality of Saint-Trojan-les-Bains. Several secure cycle paths also cross the forest and are part of the Île d’Oléron cycling network. This gives you two different ways to explore this natural area: marked hiking trails and several cycling routes.
Between the nature reserve and the Atlantic beach
Le Marais des Bris is a 37-hectare sensitive natural area between the sea and the forest. On Île d’Oléron, it is freely accessible as a protected natural area. You can spot wild orchids and birds there, including grey herons. At 37 hectares, it is a considerably smaller natural area than the coastal forest, which covers almost 2,000 hectares. These figures illustrate two different scales of nature experience: a clearly defined area and an extensive forest.
Grande plage offers a different view of the coast: it is a long, fine-sand beach overlooking the Atlantic and its waves. There is a sand-yachting school and a surf school at Grande plage. The focus at the Marais is on plants and birds, while Grande plage offers sand, Atlantic waves and the two schools—different things to consider when planning your trip.
Harbour and local history
Port de Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is an oyster harbour that you can explore on foot, with brightly coloured huts and a chance to take a stroll. Individual businesses and displays may change. The harbour offers a different experience from the forest trails and beach: here, the focus is on exploring a harbour town.
Église Saint-Trojan-les-Bains is dedicated to Saint Trojan and has been listed as a historic monument since 1992. You can also explore the Quartier balnéaire at your own pace. Individual visits are possible at any time; works or events may temporarily change access conditions.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Pierre-De-Juillers, Aigrefeuille-D'aunis, Rouffiac, Brives-sur-Charente, Archingeay, Fouras, Crazannes, Foulerot.
For the main travel overview: Charente-Maritime.
