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When Oleron was an island
From the 1960's, with the fast expansion of tourism, the
ferries were no longer sufficient to transport the cars of the
tourists to and from the island.
Since the opening of the bridge in 1966, Oléron isn't really
an island any more. It is perhaps the moment to recall the
ferries which used to cross between Le Chapus and Ors.
From the 1960's, with the fast expansion of tourism, the
ferries were no longer sufficient to transport the cars of the
tourists to and from the island.
The General Council of Charente-Maritime decided at that time
to construct a bridge. The work was, for that time, a
remarkable technical exploit.
It was the first one of a series
which completely transformed the movement of traffic in the
region. The bridge of Seudre in 1972, the bridge of the island
of Ré in 1988 and the bridge of Rochefort on the Charente in
1991 were built after the construction of the bridge to
Oléron.
The postcard of the title, produced at the beginning of the
1950's, shows a ferry in service at that time carrying an
advertisement for the first fair of the island of Oléron at
Saint Pierre. |
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The old ferry
The
photo opposite, taken in 1960, shows the ferry "Admiral
Duperré" , sailing majestically on a calm sea, and protected
from damage when docking at the landing stage, by a belt of
old tyres.
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La Cotiniere
The
fishing port of La Cotinière was enlarged in 1979, trawlers
used the port and the scene previously depicted on the
postcard of the 1950’s changed dramatically.
At that time, the Chapelle des Marins, built in 1967 on the
dune on the right side of the port, did not exist.
Shrimps were the big speciality of the small boats.
The auction, fish sale, was not yet computerised! |
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The lighthouse of Chassiron
The lighthouse of Chassiron was already encircled white and
black.
The
current lighthouse dates from 1836. It replaced the first
lighthouse built in 1685. The lantern was equipped with electricity in 1930. |
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Sponsored Links |
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Camping Le Sous Bois
Island of Oleron, La Cotinière,
traditional campsite and mobile homes for rent.. |
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Camping Airotel Oléron
Campsite at
Le Chateau d'Oleron, the choice of beach and water sports,
family activities and the tranquillity of a wooded park. |
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Camping-Club Verébleu
Island of Oléron,
mobile homes, chalets or
traditional campsite.
The greatest aquatic space. |
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Résidence Les Figuiers
Gites and studios,
Saint-Georges d'Oléron,
quietly situated in a lovely garden with private
parking |
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