Île d'Oléron, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France

Dolus Beaches

Overview

Dolus-d'Oléron, located on the picturesque Île d'Oléron in France, is a wonderful choice for a beach-focused getaway. The area presents a diverse array of sandy beaches, many bordered by charming pine forests, ensuring there's a perfect spot for every type of visitor. Whether you're looking for a lively atmosphere or a peaceful retreat into nature, Dolus offers a memorable coastal experience.

Among the editor's top recommendations, Beach of Remigeasse stands out as Dolus' main beach, ideal for families with its calm waters. For those seeking stunning natural beauty, Plage de Gatseau provides a scenic and tranquil escape. Another highlight is Plage de Boyardville, famous for its fantastic views of the historic Fort Boyard.

The coastline also features other notable beaches such as Plage de Vert Bois, popular for its beautiful natural setting and good waves. Dolus-d'Oléron truly caters to varied tastes, from exciting water activities to simply unwinding by the sea. To discover all the coastal gems this area has to offer, be sure to explore our complete list of beaches in this guide.

Top Beaches

FAQ

What are the beaches in Dolus-d'Oléron like for families?

Plage de la Rémigeasse in Dolus-d'Oléron is particularly recommended for families. It offers a more protected beach, a peaceful atmosphere, and is supervised during the summer. It's known for its fine sand and picturesque dunes, making it a safe and beautiful choice for those with children. Plage de Vert Bois can also be suitable for families, though it's also popular with surfers.

Beach of Remigeasse

Plage de Vert Bois

Can you swim in the sea at Dolus-d'Oléron beaches and what's the water like?

Yes, you can swim at the beaches in Dolus-d'Oléron. Plage de la Rémigeasse is ideal for swimming at high or low tide and is supervised in season. Vert Bois beach is also popular for swimming, though it's known for waves suitable for surfing. The water quality on Île d'Oléron is generally high, with several municipalities awarded Blue Flag status. Water temperatures are warmest from June to September, averaging around 18-22°C (64-72°F), peaking in August at about 20°C (68°F).

Beach of Remigeasse

Plage de Vert Bois

Are there any beaches in Dolus-d'Oléron good for surfing?

Yes, Plage de Vert Bois in Dolus-d'Oléron is a well-known surfing spot, popular with board sports enthusiasts due to its waves. The Oléron Surf Club is based at Vert Bois beach and offers lessons. Plage de la Rémigeasse is also mentioned as a spot for surfing and kitesurfing.

Plage de Vert Bois

How do you get to the beaches in Dolus-d'Oléron and is there parking?

All of Dolus-d'Oléron's beaches are accessible by cycle paths, and bike parking is available. For cars, Plage de la Rémigeasse has a car park on the roadside, about 200 meters from the beach. Vert Bois beach also has car parking nearby. Some parking areas may have height restrictions (e.g., 2.2m bars) that are sometimes removed out of season.

Beach of Remigeasse

Plage de Vert Bois

What kind of accommodation is available near the beaches in Dolus-d'Oléron?

There is a range of accommodation near Dolus-d'Oléron's beaches, including campsites with direct beach access or in close proximity. For example, Camping Ostrea is located on the oyster road facing the sea. Other options include holiday homes and hotels, some of which are just a short walk or bike ride from the beaches. Many campsites offer mobile homes, chalets, or pitches for tents and caravans.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Dolus-d'Oléron?

Dog access varies by beach and season. L'Ecuissière beach in Dolus-d'Oléron is reportedly allowed for dogs all year round. However, Plage de la Rémigeasse and Plage de Perroche in Dolus-d'Oléron typically prohibit dogs from mid-June to mid-September during daytime hours (e.g., 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.). Pets are generally not allowed on Vert Bois beach.

Passe de l'Écuissière

Beach of Remigeasse

Plage de la Perroche

Plage de Vert Bois

What's the best time of year to visit Dolus-d'Oléron for a beach holiday?

The best time for a beach holiday in Dolus-d'Oléron is generally from June to September. During these months, air temperatures average 20-25°C (68-77°F) and water temperatures are around 18-22°C (64-72°F). The peak for hot-weather activities is from mid-July to late August. Beaches like La Rémigeasse and Vert Bois are supervised during the summer season.

Beach of Remigeasse

Plage de Vert Bois

Are there quiet or less crowded beaches near Dolus-d'Oléron?

While Dolus-d'Oléron's main beaches like Rémigeasse and Vert Bois are popular, the Île d'Oléron has long stretches of coastline. Even on busy beaches, walking a little further can often lead to quieter spots. For example, Vert Bois beach stretches for several kilometers. Exploring beaches further afield on the island, or visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn), might also offer a more tranquil experience.

Plage de Vert Bois

Beach of Remigeasse

People Also Ask

What facilities are available at the beaches in Dolus-d'Oléron (toilets, showers, food)?

Facilities vary by beach. Plage de la Rémigeasse is supervised in summer and has amenities like toilets. Vert Bois beach has a lifeguard station in summer and nearby parking; some sources mention picnic areas. Some beach parking areas also have public toilets. Restaurants or snack bars can be found near some popular beaches, like the restaurant near Rémigeasse beach mentioned in the Michelin Guide.

Beach of Remigeasse

Plage de Vert Bois

Is Dolus-d'Oléron a good destination for a general beach holiday?

Yes, Dolus-d'Oléron, as part of Île d'Oléron, is a good destination for a beach holiday. It offers a variety of beaches, from family-friendly and supervised ones like La Rémigeasse to surf spots like Vert Bois. The island is known for its sandy beaches, opportunities for water sports, and natural beauty, including forests bordering the beaches. The overall water quality is high.

Beach of Remigeasse

Plage de Vert Bois

Are the beaches in Dolus-d'Oléron suitable for water sports other than surfing?

Yes, besides surfing at Vert Bois, Plage de la Rémigeasse is mentioned as a spot for kitesurfing and sand yachting. Plage de la Perroche is primarily known as a sailing spot. The wider Île d'Oléron offers numerous opportunities for various water sports including kitesurfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Plage de Vert Bois

Beach of Remigeasse

Plage de la Perroche

What should I know about tides at Dolus-d'Oléron beaches?

Tides are an important factor on Île d'Oléron. Plage de la Rémigeasse is noted as being suitable for swimming at both high and low tide. On the east coast of Île d'Oléron (not Dolus's main ocean beaches), tides can be more pronounced, affecting swimming times. It's always good to be aware of tide times for safety and to make the most of beach activities like shore fishing or exploring rock pools at low tide.

Beach of Remigeasse

How do Dolus-d'Oléron beaches compare to others on Île d'Oléron?

Dolus-d'Oléron offers popular beaches like the family-friendly La Rémigeasse and the surf-oriented Vert Bois, both on the west coast with ocean waves. Other parts of Île d'Oléron have different characteristics: the east coast beaches (e.g., near Boyardville) tend to have calmer waters and views of Fort Boyard. Southern beaches like Grande Plage in Saint-Trojan are vast and bordered by forest. Northern beaches like Les Huttes are also known for water sports. Dolus provides a good mix, but the island offers diverse options depending on your preference for wave action, scenery, or specific activities.

Are there any specific rules or safety advice for Dolus-d'Oléron beaches?

Yes, it's important to swim in supervised areas, especially on beaches with waves like Vert Bois. Look for the lifeguard flags (red and yellow flags indicate supervised swimming zones). Some beaches have restrictions, such as no dogs during peak season on certain beaches or no pets at all on others like Vert Bois. Be mindful of tides and sun protection. The island has a guide to beaches with safety information and flag meanings.

Plage de Vert Bois

Is Dolus-d'Oléron more for a lively holiday or a quiet nature escape?

Dolus-d'Oléron can cater to both. While beaches like Vert Bois attract active crowds for surfing, and La Rémigeasse is popular with families, the area is also known for its natural setting, with beaches bordered by forests and dunes. The presence of cycle paths encourages exploration of nature. The broader Île d'Oléron offers opportunities for quiet enjoyment, especially if you explore beyond the main access points or visit outside peak season. The oyster route and Marais aux Oiseaux offer nature-focused alternatives to beach days.

Plage de Vert Bois

Beach of Remigeasse