Plage de Vert-Bois is a sandy beach on the southwest coast of Île d’Oléron in Dolus-d’Oléron, known for its surf spots. Vert-Bois offers different ways to spend your stay: surfing on the coast, a trail through dunes and pine forest, as well as routes for walking and cycling.
Surfing at Plage de Vert-Bois
Oléron Surf Club is a year-round club at Plage de Vert-Bois. It offers surf lessons and courses there. Surf instruction is aimed at beginners as well as those who want to improve their skills. Courses are available both for those starting out and for those looking to continue learning. Availability may change; check the course schedule before your visit.
Coastal trail, dunes and plants
The Sentier de la CĂ´te Sauvage runs along the coast past Plage de Vert-Bois and leads through dunes and pine forests. Its features include coastal panoramas. The beach, dunes and forest are all part of the same route described here. The trail offers a different perspective on the coast from a stay at the beach alone, while also showcasing the changing landscape along its route.
The dunes at Plage de Vertbois are home to marram grass, lichens, sea holly, immortelles, pinks and spurges. These plants are specific features of the dune area. They also shape the natural character along the coastal trail.
Cycling and fitness trails in the forest
The 12.9-kilometre cycling route “L’océan à Vertbois par la forêt” runs from Dolus-d’Oléron via Le Riveau to Plage de Vertbois. The return to Dolus-d’Oléron is along cycle paths through the forest. The route can therefore be described as a loop with named stages. Check the current route before setting off, as conditions may change.
The Parcours sportif Vertbois - l’Ecuissière is 2.2 kilometres long and located in the state forest near the sea. Fourteen platforms are equipped with exercise equipment, including parallel bars, a slalom course, obstacles, a balance beam and a horizontal ladder. Unlike the cycling route, with its places and total distance, this is a fitness trail with individual stations. Near Vert-Bois, the Forêt de Saint-Trojan-les-Bains has a fitness trail.
The ForĂŞt domaniale de Saint-Trojan, near Vert-Bois, is mainly planted with maritime pines and holm oaks and is designated as a Natura 2000 site. Alongside the activities, the character of the forest and its protected status are also part of the landscape around Vert-Bois.
Parking and picnic area
Vertbois car park has 160 spaces, including five for people with reduced mobility. It also has dry toilets and bicycle parking. These facilities may change; check the current situation at the car park before setting off.
At the Vertbois picnic area, there are wooden tables installed by the ONF. Some are suitable for people with reduced mobility. The tables are located on both sides of the road to the beach, providing a specific landmark when looking for the picnic area.
Discover more destinations: Nieul-Sur-Mer, Fléac-sur-Seugne, Saint-Xandre, Dirée, Montlieu-La-Garde, Lagord, Courcelles, Saleignes
For the regional travel overview: Charente-Maritime.
