Discovering Les Sables d’Olonne: 10 Activity Ideas
Les Sables d’Olonne, the pearl of the Côte de Lumière in Vendée, is a destination in the Pays de la Loire with many sides to it. With its lively coastline and rich heritage, the town promises memorable moments. From Flower Camping Au Bois des Biches, you’re ideally placed to discover its treasures. Wondering what to do in Les Sables d’Olonne? Follow our suggestions for a great stay.
Les Sables d’Olonne at a glance
| Category | Must-sees | Why we love it |
|---|---|---|
| Beaches & Watersports | La Grande Plage and the Tanchet spot | For fine sand, watersports for everyone and the lively atmosphere of the seaside resort. |
| Culture & Heritage | The Île Penotte district, the MASC, the Arundel Tower, the La Chaume district | For open-air art, the maritime history of the old town and the modern art collections of the Abbaye Sainte-Croix. |
| Nature & Walks | The salt marshes, the Forêt d’Olonne, the Zoo des Sables | For unique landscapes to explore on foot or by bike, amid protected wildlife and plants. For the chance to meet endangered species. |
| Events & History | The fishing port, the start of the Vendée Globe | For the authentic atmosphere of the port and the buzz of the biggest sailing race. |
| Local Food | Sole sablaise, préfou, local markets | For the authentic flavours of the sea and Vendée specialities. |
1. The salt marshes, the white gold of the Olonnes
Just a few steps from the beaches, the salt marshes of the Île d’Olonne unfold their unique landscapes. At the Parc d’Aventure du Sel “Les Salines”, discover the history of harvesting this “white gold”. You can visit in several ways: by boat for a guided trip along the salty river, or more actively by canoe or paddleboard. You’ll also have the chance to meet a saunier (salt harvester), who will explain their age-old craft.
2. The Grande Plage and the Remblai
The beating heart of the resort, the Grande Plage des Sables d’Olonne stretches for three kilometres of fine sand. Facing due south, it’s a lovely spot for a swim with the whole family. The Remblai promenade running alongside it is always lively, with its shops and restaurants. In the evening, the atmosphere is especially pleasant, with summer entertainment on offer. It’s a must-see if you’re wondering what to do in Les Sables d’Olonne.
3. The Île Penotte district
Get ready for a poetic stroll through the Île Penotte district. This corner of the town centre is a real open-air art gallery. Since 1997, local artist Danièle Arnaud-Aubin, known as “La Dame aux Coquillages” (the Shell Lady), has been decorating the house façades with mosaics made from whelks, oysters and other seashells. The scenes draw on mythology and fairy tales, creating a world like no other.
4. Les Sables d’Olonne Zoo
The Les Sables d’Olonne zoo is a perfect family outing. Ranked as the 3rd most visited attraction in the Vendée, it stands out for its eco-zoo approach and its commitment to protecting endangered species. The park is home to around 300 animals in a green, leafy setting. You can meet lions, giraffes, red pandas and even giant anteaters. The shaded route makes for a pleasant visit, even on hot days.
5. Water sports
With its long stretch of coastline, the town is an ideal playground for board sports enthusiasts. Surfing is king, especially at the Grande Plage and Tanchet surf spots. Many schools, such as l’Institut Sports Océan or La Vague Sablaise, offer lessons and equipment hire for all levels, whether you fancy surfing, sailing, paddleboarding or even jet-skiing. There is no shortage of things to do in Les Sables d’Olonne.
6. Museums not to be missed
For a day of culture, the museums of Les Sables d’Olonne are an excellent choice.
- The MASC: housed in the former Sainte-Croix Abbey, this museum of modern and contemporary art is well known for its collections of works by Gaston Chaissac and Victor Brauner.
- The Muséum du Coquillage: it houses a private collection of more than 45,000 shells from around the world, unique in Europe.
- The Musée du Blockhaus Hôpital: step back into the history of the Second World War with a visit to this authentic German bunker of 350 m², left untouched since 1943.
7. The harbour and the Vendée Globe
The fishing port is the soul of the town. As France’s fourth-largest fishing port by value, fishing in Les Sables d’Olonne moves to the rhythm of the tides. Don’t miss the daily sight of the trawlers coming back in at around 16:30. Port Olona is also where the start of the legendary Vendée Globe, the solo round-the-world sailing race, takes place every four years. The race village, free to visit with advance booking, is a chance to see the boats and meet the skippers.
8. Nature walks and bike rides
For nature lovers, the area around Les Sables d’Olonne is perfect for hiking. The Forêt Domaniale d’Olonne stretches for 11 kilometres along the coast of western France and is crossed by many footpaths and cycle paths. The famous Vélodyssée cycle route passes through the town, running alongside the forest and the marshes, for memorable rides between land and sea.
9. Local food and drink
A visit to Les Sables d’Olonne is also a chance to discover its flavours. The local cuisine looks to the sea: sole sablaise, sardines, langoustines and oysters take pride of place. Do also try some Vendée specialities such as préfou, mogettes (white beans) with Vendée ham, or gâche. Markets such as the Halles Centrales or the Arago market are ideal for finding these local products.
10. The old town and local heritage
The historic heart of Les Sables d’Olonne is best discovered by wandering its little streets and getting lost along the way. The La Chaume district is the cradle of the town, with its fishermen’s houses and authentic atmosphere. The Le Passage district, with its narrow lanes, links the quays to the town centre and is home to former shipowners’ houses. Don’t miss the Tour d’Arundel, a remnant of Château Saint-Clair, and the Prieuré Saint-Nicolas, which both offer stunning views over the bay. It’s also worth making time for a day trip to Talmont-Saint-Hilaire and its castle.
Your stay in Les Sables d’Olonne promises plenty to discover. With nature outings, cultural visits and days on the beach, there’s no shortage of things to do. After a full day, the comfort of Flower Camping Au Bois des Biches is waiting for you, for a well-earned rest.
INTRODUCING LES SABLES-D’OLONNE
Located on the Côte de Lumière, Les Sables-d’Olonne is its largest seaside resort, with a year-round population of more than 44,000. You’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants, a casino, 3 working harbours, a thalassotherapy centre, lots of hotels and kilometres of beach. It’s also where the Vendée Globe race sets off every 4 years.
Our 4-star campsite near Les Sables d’Olonne is just 34 km from the resort.
Its history only goes back to 1218, when the town grew thanks to the activity of its port and the trade in salt, wine and grain, and later fishing. In 1754, the communes of Les Sables-d’Olonne and Chaume merged. In 1866, the railway began bringing the first tourists. Tourism then developed with the introduction of paid holidays, and again in the 1950s.
Today, Les Sables-d’Olonne is a town focused on fishing and tourism. Holidaymakers are drawn to its varied natural surroundings of beaches, marshes and forest, and to the many activities on offer for adults and children alike.
