Passe de l'Écuissière is a well-regarded beach located on the island of Oléron, which is part of Dolus-d'Oléron, France. The beach is known for its natural beauty, with minimal human interference, offering visitors a pristine and tranquil environment. It is situated on the west coast of the island, between the beaches of la Rémigeasse and Vertbois, and is bordered by the St-Trojan forest.
This sandy beach is frequented by a variety of visitors, including campers, campervans, and those with reduced mobility who come to enjoy the scenic views. It is a popular spot for walking, running, and fishing, particularly at low tide. A sports course is provided for those interested in walking and jogging.
One of the distinctive amenities of this beach is an overhanging parking lot that provides a stunning view of the ocean. This makes it a popular spot for visitors who want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the beach without getting into the water. Additional facilities include bicycle parking and it is also pet-friendly.
At high tide, a large rocky area is exposed which provides an ideal location for fishermen to collect clams and cockles, and for children to catch crabs. The beach also features a fish lock, which is the southernmost one on the island. Although the local Town Hall has removed the explanatory panel that was previously installed on the fish lock, the beach continues to attract visitors due to its natural beauty and tranquil environment.
Despite its popularity, there are several issues related to the beach that need to be addressed, such as insufficient capacity of the distant bicycle park, dangerous access to the beach, outdated signage, poor site readability, and inadequate water drainage and evacuation. Efforts are being made by the CdC île d'Oléron and ONF to redevelop the beach and create a sustainable and organized environment. This initiative is part of the "Oléron Qualité Littoral" program, which focuses on the sustainable development of beaches in the region, and is supported by the "Oléron 21" funding program from the Department of Charente-Maritime.
While the beach is open during certain periods, specific opening hours are not provided. It is also worth noting that the beach is not supervised and there are no lifeguard services available. Despite these factors, Passe de l'Écuissière remains a popular destination due to its natural beauty, tranquility, and unique amenities.
