Church of Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Nicolas de La Cotinière

Imposing building, which comprises elements from different periods and incorporates an octagonal bell tower topped by an observation platform. Like many other churches on Oléron, the church suffered considerably from the impact of the Wars of Religion, and was sacked and partially destroyed during this period.

The church of St. Martin originally consisted of a priory and a crypt church. The crypt and the eastern part under the roof date from the 11th century, and the western part under the vault from the 12th century. The foundations of the nave, destroyed by the English in 1757, are still visible between the entrance arches and the entrance door. The crypt is probably the most remarkable part of this Romanesque church. Its cross vault is supported by 14 columns with capitals decorated with floral motifs.

The church of Sainte-Madeleine was built between 1882 and 1883. But from the end of the 19th century, with the sea baths, the development of the town was considerable and the chapel was too small. The apse was built in 1906. In 1926, further extension work was carried out by adding the left nave. It was decided to add the right-hand nave to the existing building, as well as to install panelling inside the church (1933-1934). In 2019, the creation of a monumental fresco inside the church has been entrusted to the Lille artist Amaury Dubois.