Oléron

The island of Oléron, which is connected with the mainland by France's longest viaduct (3027 m/3310yd; 45 piers), is the largest French island after Corsica, with an area of 180 sq. km/70 sq. mi (30km/19mi long, 6km/4mi across) and a population of 15,000. In summer it is a very popular holiday resort, offering the attractions of its beautiful beaches and pleasant walking in its woods. The chief place on the island is the little port of Le Château- d'Oléron, with a 17th C. citadel.

The economic center of the island, however, is the little town of St-Pierre-d'Oléron, farther north. In Place Camille- Memain, on the site of the old churchyard, is a 30 m/100ft high lanterne des morts ("dead man's lantern"), erected in the 13th C., when