Frequently asked questions:
Frequently asked questions about booking and paying for your stay
How can I book my stay?
You can book directly online or print out the booking form and send it to us by post. In both cases, you will be asked to pay 30% of the rental price as a deposit.
What information do you need?
To make a reservation, you’ll need to give us your contact details, the number of people staying with you and their names and dates of birth. For pitches, we will need the size of your installation (tent, caravan, camper van).
What payment methods are available?
You can pay online by credit card or bank transfer. It is also possible to pay by cheque or vacation voucher by post. Choose your payment method from the drop-down menu. As soon as we receive your payment, we’ll send you a confirmation e-mail.
When is the balance due?
For rentals, the balance must be paid 30 days before arrival. For bookings made less than 30 days before arrival, full payment will be required at the time of booking.
How do I pay my balance?
By accessing your customer area (with your email + file number), you can pay for your stay directly online by credit card or bank transfer, or by selecting “cheque” or “ANCV”, which you will send us by post (ANCV by registered mail). As soon as we receive your payment, we’ll send you confirmation by e-mail.
Are you VACAF approved?
Yes, we are VACAF approved. Reservations can be made by telephone or email. You will need to provide us with your Department and your benefit number to establish the file. Find out more about assistance at www.vacaf.org
Do you accept vacation vouchers?
Yes, we accept vacation vouchers to pay for your stay. If you wish to pay your deposit or balance by this method, simply send your ANCV vouchers by registered post. As soon as we receive your payment, we’ll send you confirmation by email.
Can we arrive any day of the week?
Yes, it’s possible in low season from April to June and in September and October, depending on availability. In high season, your stay must last at least 7 days, with a Saturday arrival.
Do you offer cancellation insurance?
You can insure your stay for 5% of the total amount. Find out more
I don’t have a car. How can I get to the campsite by public transport?
By plane, you can land at La Rochelle airport, then take a boat from the port of La Rochelle to the Ile d’Oléron. When you disembark in Boyardville, you can take a cab, or we can provide a shuttle service on request.
By train, the nearest station is Rochefort, and there is a bus service to Saint Pierre d’Oléron.
Do you accept dogs?
Yes, we accept dogs, but they must be vaccinated, tattooed and kept on a leash at all times. First and second category dogs are not accepted.
Dogs are allowed (max. 2) on pitches and in some of our mobile homes, for which a daily fee is charged.
It is forbidden to leave your pet alone on a pitch or in a mobile home. You must accompany your pet outside the campsite to relieve itself, and take care to clean up its droppings for everyone’s comfort.
My child is a minor and would like to go away for a few days with his friends. Is this possible?
In accordance with the house rules, minors must be accompanied by an adult family member (father, mother, brother or sister). If they come with their brother or sister, they must show proof of identity, the family record book and parental authorization. Otherwise, they will not be allowed to stay on the campsite.
Is it possible to choose your location/mobilhome?
You can make your request in the comments when booking (No., close to playgrounds, quiet, shady plot…). We can’t guarantee this, but we’ll do our best to meet your expectations. Pitch allocations are subject to occupancy and dates of stay.
Is it possible to book a stay that includes catering?
If you would like to include breakfast or half-board during your stay, please ask us for more information.
Practical information about the campsite
What are the reception opening hours?
Reception is open at the following times: Low season: 9.00am-12.00pm / 5.00pm-7.00pm High season: 9.00am-12.00pm / 4.00pm-7.00pm Except Saturday and Sunday 8.00am-12.00pm and 2.00pm-7.00pm For all inquiries outside these times, please contact the Bar/Restaurant LE COUTIA.
The campsite is made up of two villages. Where will my pitch be?
All pitches and rental accommodation are located in Village 1, as close as possible to the beach access, bar/restaurant/grocery, children’s play area and reception.
How do entry and exit barriers work?
You don’t need a code or card to activate the gates, which can be read by license plate. You will be asked for this information on arrival. Traffic is one-way and speed is limited to 10 km/h. The gates are active from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Outside these hours, vehicles can be parked in the outdoor parking lot.
Can we park several cars on our plot?
Only one vehicle may be parked per pitch. If you have a second vehicle, it must remain outside the campsite. Indoor parking spaces are available subject to availability and a daily fee.
Friends are coming to see me. Are they allowed to join me on the campsite?
All visitors are required to report their presence to reception or, failing that, to the bar. We are on private property and are obliged to know the identity of anyone present on our campsite.
Do you have a swimming pool on the campsite?
No, we don’t have a swimming pool; the Atlantic Ocean is only a few minutes away from the campsite, with direct access. The beach at La Perroche is ideal for swimming, especially for children, as there aren’t many waves.
Does the campsite have playgrounds?
For our younger guests, we have two play areas and a ping-pong table (rackets and balls can be borrowed from the bar). Entertainment is available in July and August. A board games and library area is located in the bar.
Do you have WIFI?
Yes, we have a wifi network throughout the campsite, with various packages on sale at the Le Coutia bar. A free WIFI connection is available for bar-restaurant customers.
Do you offer bike hire?
Yes, we have our own bike rental service for adults and children, as well as accessories (helmet, trailer, child seat). We advise you to make a reservation when purchasing your stay. Book your bikes online
Can we have a barbecue?
Collective barbecues are available in Village 1, near the sanitary facilities. Charcoal and firelighters are on sale in the grocery store. Individual charcoal barbecues are forbidden, but grills/planchas are permitted (please note that electrical power is limited).
Do you have selective sorting garbage cans?
The region, and particularly the outdoor hotel industry, is very committed to waste sorting and recycling. Oleron’s campsites even have their own waste collection system, through their association. The garbage can at Village 1, near the restaurant, has a grey container for household waste, a yellow container for selective sorting (all packaging except metal), a green container for glass and a bin for aluminum cans and tins. You can dispose of plastic and cork stoppers, as well as used batteries, in the bins provided at the bar.
Do you have laundry facilities?
The campsite has a washing machine (including detergent) and tumble dryer, located in the main sanitary block. Payment is by coins.
Do you rent out baby equipment?
Yes, you can select a baby kit (high chair, cot, bathtub) as an optional extra when booking. What are the opening hours of the bar/restaurant/grocery? Coutia opens at 8 a.m., so you can take advantage of the bar and grocery store, breakfast service, bread, newspapers… Catering services are available from 12 to 2:30 p.m. and from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Closed on Wednesday evenings except in July and August, 7 days a week.
What can you eat in a restaurant?
We serve fish dishes, mussels, oysters, meats, salads and pizzas. We value home-made products and short supply chains. Hot and cold drinks, cocktails, ice creams, crêpes, waffles at all hours. Check out the COUTIA menu!
How do I reserve a table at a restaurant?
To reserve a table at the restaurant, you can either visit us or call us on 05 46 75 60 50. We also offer formulas for group meals, so please don’t hesitate to ask for a quote.
Do you do takeaways?
All dishes, pizzas and desserts on the menu are available to take away. Order on site or by telephone 05 46 75 60 50
Can I bring my pet to the restaurant?
You and your dog can eat on the terrace only.
What can I find in your grocery store?
The grocer’s shelves are stocked with food products (dry and fresh), local produce, toiletries, beach games, books… Bread and pastries baked on site every day, regional press, postcards, cigarettes…
Do you offer any entertainment?
Activities are offered in July and August. They are numerous and varied, aimed at the widest possible audience, for young and old alike. At no extra charge, they are an integral part of your stay. Evening entertainment takes place several times a week (ending around 11pm) in the bar/restaurant. Theme meals are also available (mussels/fries, grills, paella, sardinade, Thai…).
Frequently asked questions about staying in a mobile home or chalet
What are the arrival and departure times for rentals?
We make your rental available from 4pm. On the day of departure, the accommodation must be vacated by 10am at the latest. In the event of early arrival, please report to reception. If you expect to arrive after reception has closed, please contact us for details.
Do I need to pay a deposit on arrival?
Absolutely! You will be asked to pay two deposits: one of 300 euros to guarantee that the rental accommodation will be respected, and the other of 90€ to guarantee that the accommodation will be clean when you leave. The campsite will check your accommodation after your departure. Bank cheque deposits will be destroyed and credit cards automatically cancelled, subject to deduction of any missing items, damage and/or cleaning costs.
Can I rent sheets and towels?
Bed linen and towel kits can be hired from reception with or without a reservation.
How is the mobile home/Chalet fitted out?
Each mobile home is fully equipped: crockery, SENSEO coffee maker, kettle, toaster, comforters, pillows, television, broom, mop. Each mobile home has a covered terrace and outdoor furniture. Sheets, pillowcases, household linen and cleaning products are not supplied.
Do I need to make an appointment for departure?
As the inventory of fixtures is carried out by our staff on your departure, it is necessary to make an appointment with reception on your arrival or at the latest the day before your departure. In any case, you must leave before 10.00 am.
Are dogs allowed in rental properties?
Dogs and other pets are only allowed in Comfort mobile homes sleeping 4.
Family and/or friends are planning to join me for a few days in the mobile home. What is the procedure?
The number of people may not exceed the number of beds in the accommodation. So, no extra person is allowed. Even in their cot or bassinet, babies are considered people in their own right and cannot be added to the number of people.
Can we install an extra tent on our plot?
No, for safety reasons, tents are not allowed on mobile home pitches.
Do I have to clean up before I leave?
When you leave, the apartment must be left clean and tidy. Be sure to empty the cupboards, closets, refrigerator and garbage cans.
Do you offer a cleaning service at the end of your stay?
Yes, it is possible to select and pay for this option (65€) directly at the time of booking.
Frequently asked questions about a stay in COCO SWEET
What are the arrival and departure times for rentals?
We make your rental available from 4pm. On the day of departure, the accommodation must be vacated by 10am at the latest. In the event of early arrival, please report to reception. If you expect to arrive after reception has closed, please contact us for details.
Do I need to pay a deposit on arrival?
Absolutely! You will be asked to pay two deposits: one of 300€ to guarantee that the rental accommodation will be respected, and the other of 90€ to guarantee that the accommodation will be clean when you leave. The campsite will check your accommodation after your departure. Bank cheque deposits will be destroyed and credit cards automatically cancelled, subject to deduction of any missing items, damage and/or cleaning costs.
Can I rent sheets and towels?
Bed linen and towel kits can be hired from reception with or without a reservation.
How is COCO SWEET laid out?
Each rental is fully equipped: crockery, SENSEO coffee maker, kettle, toaster, comforters, pillows, broom, mop. Coco Sweet has two bedrooms, a covered terrace and outdoor furniture. However, sheets, pillowcases, household linen and cleaning products are not provided.
Does COCO SWEET have bathroom facilities?
THE COCO SWEET is an alternative between a tent/caravan and a mobile home. The latter, although very comfortable, is not equipped with sanitary facilities. Communal toilets, showers and washbasins are only a few dozen meters away. You will be given a shower access card on arrival. A private water point is installed close to your accommodation.
Are dogs allowed in rental properties?
Dogs and other animals are not allowed to stay at COCO SWEET.
Do I have to clean up before I leave?
When you leave, the apartment must be left clean and tidy. Be sure to empty the cupboards, closets, refrigerator and garbage cans.
Do you offer a cleaning service at the end of your stay?
Yes, it is possible to select and pay for this option directly at the time of booking.
Do I need to make an appointment for departure?
As the inventory of fixtures is carried out by our staff on your departure, it is necessary to make an appointment with reception on your arrival or at the latest the day before your departure. In any case, you must leave before 10.00 am.
Stay in a bare pitch (tent, camper van, etc.)
What are the arrival and departure times for pitches?
Pitches are available from 2pm. On the day of departure, the plot must be vacated by 12 noon at the latest. In the event of early arrival, please report to reception. If you expect to arrive after reception has closed, please contact us for details.
What type of electrical outlets are available on campsites?
Camping pitches are equipped with electrical boxes with European plugs. You will need a European adaptor and an extension cord if you wish to have an electrical connection on your pitch. European adapters are on sale at the campsite grocery store.
How do I access the washrooms?
Toilets, washbasins and dishwashing basins are freely accessible. You will need a magnetic card (given to you on arrival) to access the showers.
Do you have an emptying area for my motorhome?
Your crate can be emptied in the sanitary facilities, in an area provided for this purpose. However, we do not have an emptying platform for grey water.
Can I rent a refrigerator?
You can rent a fridge when you book, subject to availability. This will be installed on your plot on arrival. It will be returned clean on departure.
Where are the bare pitches located?
All pitches are located in Village 1, as close as possible to the beach access, bar/restaurant/grocery, children’s play area and reception.
What does the price per pitch include?
The basic rate is for 2 people + one installation + one car. For other options, please refer to the price list.
Practical information for everyday life
Do I have to pay for the Oléron bridge?
The 3 km-long bridge linking the mainland to the Ile d’Oléron has been free of charge since 1991. No tolls to pay to join us!
Where are the nearest shops?
Le Coutia offers bar, restaurant, ice-cream parlour, grocery store, press, newsagent’s, tobacconist’s. Bread and pastries baked on site from 8 a.m. In La Cotinière, about 2.5 km from the campsite, you’ll find a wide range of shops (fishmongers, supermarkets, newsagents, tobacconists, chemists, souvenir stores, clothes stores, etc.). The nearest supermarket is the INTERMARCHE in Dolus d’Oléron. In Saint-Pierre d’Oléron, you’ll find E.LECLERC, the biggest supermarket on the Ile d’Oléron, as well as LIDL and SUPER U.
I love going to the market. Which one do you recommend?
In La Cotinière, the Victorine market (fish, shellfish) is open every morning and afternoon from 4pm, all year round. In the center of St Pierre d’Oléron, the market is open every morning except Monday before and after the season, and in July and August, it’s open every day from 8am to 1pm. From a picturesque point of view, we recommend the markets at La Brée les Bains, Saint Trojan and Château d’Oléron, which are well worth a visit, especially on Sunday mornings with the “Grand marché” (food market + fair).
Where is the nearest post office?
The nearest post office is at La Cotinière, route des Châteliers. On the campsite, stamps and postcards are sold at the grocery store. Mail leaves around 11 a.m.
What about access to medical care?
There are doctors’ surgeries in La Cotinière and Dolus d’Oléron. There is no hospital on the island, but there is a medical center for “minor emergencies”. The best thing to do is call 15 for advice and guidance.
Where is the nearest ATM?
If you need to withdraw cash, the nearest cash dispenser is at the entrance to La Cotinière. Cash withdrawal is possible at the bar for holders of a Crédit-Mutuel bank card.
How do I get around by public transport?
In July and August, the Navette des Beaches bus provides free travel throughout the Ile d’Oléron. Pick-up point in front of Village 2.
Beach information
How do I get to the beach from the campsite?
The beach is directly accessible. The gates at the end of the paths lead straight to the sea.
Is La Perroche beach supervised?
Plage de La Perroche is an unsupervised family beach, ideal for swimming, fishing, walking and other leisure activities. The sailing school is located here.
Can I swim at any time?
Swimming and fishing are governed by tide times. Consult our dedicated page for times and coefficients during your stay.
What is the water temperature?
The Atlantic Ocean along our coastline is ideal for swimming from spring to autumn, climate permitting. Water temperature averages 18-20°C during this period.
Is La Perroche beach dog-friendly?
Dogs and other animals are prohibited from June 1 to September 30.
What activities does the La Perroche sailing school offer?
The WIND OLERON CLUB sailing school (FFV accredited) offers windsurfing, catamaran, dinghy, sea kayak, Stand Up Paddle & Paddle Collectif, Char à voile… Courses, rentals & private lessons, Jardin des mers for toddlers, Club des moussaillons for older children. Information on 05 46 75 44 16 – www.wind-oleron-club.fr
What can we fish for?
If you’re fishing on foot, the rocks offer oysters, periwinkles, barnacles, shrimps and small crabs. For rod and surfcasting enthusiasts, sea bass are the target. La Perroche is also a great spot for net fishing in search of smelts, shrimps and cuttlefish.
Where are the surfing beaches?
The closest surfing spot is Plage de la Rémigeasse, next to La Perroche. Other spots, depending on ability, are at Saint Trojan-les-bains, Grand-Village plage, Les Alassins, Vert Bois, La Pointe des Boullassiers, Les Huttes and Chassiron.
Is it possible to dive near you?
Diving is practiced on the Ile d’Oléron, and there is even a diving school at the Port de La Cotinière, “Plongée Bouteille Oléron”(0546750834). Two other schools are located in Le Château and St Georges d’Oléron.
La Perroche is an anchorage area. Where can I put my boat?
The cove, sheltered by two rocky plateaus, offers a navigable area at any time of the tide. Further out to sea, lovers of wide open spaces and sporty sailing will find a playground to suit them. The mooring area is accessible via an inclined plane, allowing you to maneuver in and out of the water in complete safety. The anchorage and moorings (temporary rental to visiting yachtsmen between April 1 and September 30) located in the cove are managed by the Association des Plaisanciers de la Baie de La Perroche. For further information, call 06.83.29.44.47.
Where are the naturist beaches on the Ile d’Oléron?
Closer to home, you’ll find the naturist beach of La Giraudière near the passe de l’Epinette, on the route des Allassins between Vert Vois and Grand-Village-plage, and a little further south, the Grand plage of Saint Trojan-les-bains. On the other side of the island, like St Georges d’Oléron, naturists enjoy the Saumonards beach, with its view of Fort Boyard.