Les Boucholeurs: the authentic fishing village | Office de tourisme Châtelaillon-plage

Les Boucholeurs: a secret to share!

Les Boucholeurs is the perfect getaway for breathing in the sea air and exploring a lesser-known part of Châtelaillon. Straddling the commune of Yves to the south, this small village of fishermen and oyster farmers has managed to preserve the soul of the ocean and the pride of the people of the sea. A land of tradition and know-how, simple and beautiful, far from the crowds. Quite different from the heart of the resort, it seems!

Fishing for good ideas

Let’s pack up our rucksacks, get on our bikes and off we go for a short 4km ride along the sea! We’ll take a break at the marina if the kids get thirsty. On the day’s programme: a few rides on the handlebars, a visit to the heart of the Boucholeurs, a diversion through the marshes and pretty views of the Ile d’Aix, Fort Enet and, in fine weather, the Ile d’Oléron. And we almost forgot the most important part: the oyster tasting!

A culture of land and sea

We arrived by bike on the small Boucholeurs beach. The timing was perfect, the tide was out and we could see the oyster farmers in action in the distance. The kids never imagined them in tractors! Look, there’s one coming towards us in a barge! These small flat-bottomed vessels are typical of the local shellfish industry. And those black stakes stuck in the sand in the distance? These are the famous “bouchots” (mussel beds) to which the mussels quietly cling. Hence the name of the village! The children marvel and the parents learn just as much. There’s definitely something extra here, like an air of the countryside… but by the sea!

Find out more about oyster farming

Calm after the storm

Once you’ve reached the immense promenade des Boucholeurs, you look up: what a view! You can see the imposing walls of Fort Enet and the curves of the Ile d’Aix. We also learn that everything is brand new under our feet, following the passage of storm Xynthia. A great deal of work has been carried out: the promenade has been raised by 10 metres and enlarged, with a magnificent rotunda at its centre. We sit down for a moment on the benches decorated with mosaics, the handiwork of a local artist.

A tasting that's got it all!

4 km by bike is a long way to go! Head for the tasting huts to savour the treasures of the sea. We stop off at Maud Chollet’s, where she explains how she grows mussels, before dropping anchor at Ambiance Cabane. The terrace overlooking the sea offers a breath of fresh air and whets our appetites. The adults enjoy an excellent seafood platter, and the oysters are delicious! Direct from producer to consumer. For the youngsters, it’s sardines and rillettes de la mer. Yummy… We’ll be back!