Quartier du Vieux Chapus

This small fishermen's and oyster farmers' district, with its low houses and narrow streets, is a charming place to discover. It is a district that has existed since the 15th century. The toponymy of the streets of Vieux Chapus evokes the activity of the time, which was turned towards the sea: the Rue des Mousses, the Rue des Pêcheurs, the Place des Pilotes (the pilots were the people who drove the boats into the port). The Place des Pilotes is really the heart of the district. At number 18, you can see a very original seaside villa from the early 20th century. The owner has decorated the various facades of this house with mosaics of his own creation, made from small pieces of earthenware. Head towards the quay of the Chapus beach. This is where the port was located in the Middle Ages. At that time, the inhabitants of the village lived mainly from the maritime economy. This quay (which has been restored) is a reminder that salt and fishing were traded here. Later, with the construction of Fort Louvois in the 17th century, the port was moved to the Pointe du Chapus. Today, the bay is used for oyster farming with, to the north, the Daire channel and its colourful oyster huts. It is a very beautiful place. From there you can see all these huts but also the ramparts of the citadel of Château d'Oléron. To go further, ask for the "Le Vieux Chapus" tour sheet available at the Bourcefranc - Le Chapus Tourist Office.