Built in 1966, the Oléron bridge is a vital axis for travel between the island and the mainland, used daily by many residents, workers, visitors, and professionals. Facing challenges to its durability, requiring significant restoration work, and the preservation of the island's fragile natural heritage, a public consultation has been initiated by the President of the Department of Charente-Maritime.
The Communauté de communes de l’île d’Oléron is relaying this initiative. Residents and users are invited to consult the presentation documents and share their opinions between October 9 and November 9, 2026. The consultation dossier, a summary leaflet, and a digital register are accessible on a dedicated website, allowing for online contributions. A paper dossier and register are also available at the town halls of the island (Dolus-d’Oléron, La Brée-les-Bains, Le Château-d’Oléron, Le Grand-Village-Plage, Saint-Denis-d’Oléron, Saint-Georges-d’Oléron, Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, and Saint-Trojan-les-Bains), as well as at the Departmental House in La Rochelle.
It is also possible to ask questions by email to Ms. Denis-Dintilhac, the independent expert in charge of the process. A specific questionnaire collects user opinions on the possibility of a toll, covering its objectives, revenue use, pricing methods, and payment options.
For those who could not attend the initial meetings, replays of public meetings and video chats are available online. Several workshops and discussion sessions are scheduled until the consultation closes: on October 20 in Brouage, on October 21 in Bourcefranc-le-Chapus, on October 28 in Saint-Georges-d’Oléron, on November 6 via video chat, and the closing public meeting on November 9 in Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron.
Following this consultation, a report will be drafted by the expert and published on the website of the Department of Charente-Maritime.
