Fort-Royer oyster and nature site

Who they are

The Site ostréicole et naturel de Fort-Royer is run by a non-profit association, registered on 3 June 1992, which for some thirty years has looked after this former oyster-farming village on the island of Oléron. It was built about 150 years ago by salt workers seeking another livelihood, and today brings together some forty coloured huts, which the association has been rebuilding to the original model. It is at La Perrotine, next to Boyardville, inside the Moëze-Oléron national nature reserve, and is a living working site: nine oyster farmers work it. The association holds the FamillePlus label, won the first regional prize for tourist entertainment in 2002 and the one for cultural innovation in 2006, and the site has a star in the Michelin Green Guide.

What visits and activities it offers

• Guided oyster visit (1 hour): the natural oyster and the trade, from rearing in the beds to finishing in the claires, with the museum hut and a 1907 film on oyster farming on a big screen. €6 (€5 reduced).
• Guided oyster walk (2 hours): the Marennes-Oléron, its traditions and its fines and spéciales de claire, also with the museum hut and film. €8 (€7 reduced).
• Discovery tasting (1 hour): a short explanation and three oysters. €7.
• Clue game and treasure hunt (3 hours), for families from age 3, with eight or nine routes to choose from and two tastings of island products. €10 (€8 reduced). In school holidays, May, June and September, on Wednesdays at 9:30 and 14:30.
• Investigation game (2 hours), with the same format and tasting. €15.
• "P'tit scientifique" workshop for children aged 6 to 12, in holidays, at the same time as the afternoon visits. €5.

It also organises nature outings along the shore to recognise plants and see birds, excursions to other corners of Oléron and workshops for schools. Only for those taking part in the activities there are tasting plates: three oysters for €4, six for €6.50 or a sweet island dish, each with a glass of Oléron white wine or local lemonade. During the tasting there is a children's corner with books and games.

Bookings and rules

It opens from February to November (in 2026, from Tuesday 10 February) and all visits are by reservation. You book on 05 46 47 06 48, where you can leave a message for them to call back, or at [email protected]. The days and times of each activity are confirmed when you book. Adult groups of more than 15 people have a special rate. Outings away from the site require a minimum number of participants and may be postponed because of bad weather; they notify those registered in advance.

Being inside a nature reserve, animals are not admitted, not even on a lead, and picking plants and shellfish gathering are forbidden. The website is in French and does not mention visits in other languages; if you need one, ask when booking.