Île d'Oléron

The postcard-perfect island of Oléron, located due west of Rochefort, is the biggest French island in the Atlantic Ocean. It is also, after Corsica, the second-largest island in Metropolitan France. It has several attractions, including great white-sand beaches, attractive fishing villages, cliffside walking pathways, excellent oysters and shellfish, and fortifications dating from the medieval period until World War II. A lengthy road bridge, built-in 1966, connects the island to the mainland.

What to Do: Begin by visiting the spectacular fortified Chateau d'If, a former castle and (later) jail immortalized by Alexandre Dumas in "The Count of Monte Cristo." Pomègues, the most picturesque of the Frioul's four islands, is rough and green, with spectacular coastal treks, abundant flora, and wild swimming in coves and sea streams. It also has historical military defenses.
Meanwhile, Rattoneau is a fantastic alternative for families looking for safe, tranquil beaches and gentler treks, with the famed Saint-Estève beach only a 30-minute walk from the pier. Finally, the tiny "Tiboulen de Rattoneau" island is a popular snorkeling and diving destination.

Location: Atlantic coast of France (due west of Rochefort)
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5