What to do in Les Sables d?Olonne? The 17 must-sees© philippe - Adobe Stock
Located in the Pays de la Loire region, in the Vendée département, the town of Les Sables-d'Olonne is a popular seaside destination in summer. The coastline, beaches and natural attractions make it a great place to spend a holiday. Here are 17 not-to-be-missed things to do during a stay or weekend in Les Sables-d'Olonne.
1. Visit one of the museums in Les Sables-d'Olonne
Shellfish in a museum© Tanes - Adobe Stock
There are plenty of museums! You don't have to visit them all, but you can choose from :
- The shellfish museum: an exhibition of species of shellfish that are unique in the world. A fun family visit.
- The MASC: the museum of contemporary art and its superb paintings. More suitable for adults, you'll discover some artistic marvels.
- The Musée des Traditions Populaires, which traces local history and traditions through 6 exhibition rooms. It's an ideal place for holidaymakers who want to learn something new.
- The Musée du Blockhaus Hôpital, which recounts the history of the Vendée during the Second World War.
Some are ideal for family visits on rainy days, while others will appeal to history buffs. If you like museums, you'll also find some in Nantes, just an hour and a half's drive away.
2. The must-see salt marshes
The must-see salt marshes© Thierry RYO - Adobe Stock
There are a few must-do activities in Nantes and the surrounding area: the salt marshes are one of them! The coast and islands of southern Brittany are famous for this age-old activity, which is still going strong today. To understand the process of extracting sea salt, you can walk between the grids. The salt workers are happy to talk to you and teach you the basics of the trade. You can alsotake a boat trip down the salt river. Last but not least, the salt marshes are on the Vélodyssée cycle route. This long cycle route winds its way through the Vendée, giving you the chance to discover its most beautiful spots on foot.
3. Admire the Puits d'Enfer and its rocky coastline
Le puits d'enfer in Les Sables d'Olonne© Christophe Rubin - Adobe Stock
You don't need to set aside a whole day to see the Puits d'Enfer, but this natural curiosity is well worth a visit. Follow the beach as you head south from Les Sables-d'Olonne. This 30-metre-long crevasse has cut into the cliff in an unusual way. A legend surrounds this cavity between the rocks. It seems that the sound coming out of it is that of a spurned fiancée... This deep fault allows the sea to rush in at high tide, making the spectacle even more beautiful. Be careful, though, if you're travelling with children: wild nature in all its splendour is on display at the Puits d'Enfer!
4. Have fun with water activities
A child on a windsurf© yanlev - Adobe Stock
Would you go to the Atlantic coast without taking part in at least one water sports activity? Unthinkable for some! There are plenty of ways to have fun in the ocean waves:
- windsurfing
- surfing
- kitesurfing
- paddle
- jet-skiing
- sea kayaking.
Looking for an adrenalin rush? We recommend you try out towed buoys. The waves of the Atlantic are simply perfect for this kind of activity. Hold on tight, it's going to be a bumpy ride! Parasailing is another great way to get some height and thrills. For a calmer moment in communion with nature, you can approacha diving instructor to go scuba diving.
5. Feast your eyes on the magic festival
Magic show© Alex Vog - Adobe Stock
This is an interesting outing for those travelling out of season. If you live nearby, take a weekend or the winter holidays to see the Festival de la Magie in Les Sables-d'Olonne. It runs from February to March, offering a variety of shows and events linked to the world of magic. Mentalists and magicians will amaze you! Children love this festival... and they're not the only ones!
6. A pleasant day on a boat
Family on a boat© yanlev - Adobe Stock
Where there's an ocean, there's a water. Just like the beaches, boating is one of the activities to try out on your holiday in the Vendée. You can book an excursion to see the coast from the sea. As well as discovering the Salines by boat, you can go for walks on the ocean, or go fishing. Small day cruises are also available, so you can explore the surrounding area a little further afield.
Want to sail your own boat? Sailing clubs are available to introduce you to this hobby.
For a day of 100% fun and relaxation that you'll never forget, we recommend you book a catamaran cruise. Available by the day, they offer a sea voyage like no other.
7. A little idleness on the beach
Children on the beach© candy1812 - Adobe Stock
Making the most of your holidays also means saying yes to a moment of relaxation on the beach from time to time. Children will be delighted... Parents will need to keep an eye out, as the waves can be violent on the Atlantic. The beach at Les Sables-d'Olonne is one of the most beautiful in France, welcoming families, swimmers, boats and water sports.
The beach in the centre of town is the most popular. However, there are others, such as the Plage de Sauveterre, located towards the Olonne forest. We love it for its wild feel, and it also offers surfing. You can also access Paracou beach, one of the quietest in the town. A short cycle path joins it, offering you a pleasant stroll along the way.
8. Connecting with nature at the ornithological marsh
Marais vendéen© Bernard GIRARDIN - Adobe Stock
The marshes are home to many fish. There are plenty of them in the area, including eels and mullet. In fact, the birds of Sables-d'Olonne and the surrounding area have also moved closer to these natural habitats. It's the perfect opportunity to observe a wealth of wildlife that you won't find anywhere else. So let yourself wander along the marshes, silently observing the surrounding flora and fauna. It's the perfect activity for nature lovers who want to see birds up close, in their natural habitat.
9. Hiking in Les Sables-d'Olonne
Family walk© Robert Kneschke - Adobe Stock
Nature lovers love to get out their walking shoes and go hiking. You can follow the path that leads from Sables-d'Olonne to Château-d'Olonne, via the Puits d'Enfer. It's a pleasant walk, allowing you to observe the surf created by this natural cavity in the rock. We also invite you to discover the fleur de sel trail, as well as the crossing of the Olonne forest via the menhir at La Conche Verte.
If you're travelling with the family or looking for an easy walk, you can take a hike along the seafront. Less than 10 km long if you walk the whole way, the gradient is virtually non-existent. The views are magnificent and as bucolic as you could wish! The walk along the sunken paths of Bourgenay is also very pleasant. From Les Sables-d'Olonne, head towards Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, via the corniche, and walk as far as Port Bourgenay.
You can also find a good campsite in the Vendée for your holidays, so that you can enjoy your immersion in nature to the full.
10. Watch a boat race
Boat race© synto - Adobe Stock
Boat racing is practically a national sport in the Vendée! The best known is of course the Vendée Globe. This single-handed race starts in Les Sables-d'Olonne every 4 years, and the racers must return to the same point at the end of the race. Your holiday won't necessarily fall during the Vendée Globe, but other water races can be seen there:
- the Solitaire du Figaro
- the Golden Globe Race,
- the Vendée Va'a.
If you're a maritime race fan, you're in for a treat!
11. Events at the Prieuré Saint-Nicolas
Prieuré Saint Nicolas in Les Sables d'Olonne© julien leiv - Adobe Stock
The Prieuré Saint-Nicolas dominates the entrance to the port. With its cross-shaped building and period cannons, it's a real eye-catcher! This religious building, built in the 11th century by the monks of Sainte-Croix de Talmont, is now an exhibition centre. Contact the tourist office for the dates of forthcoming cultural exhibitions. It's a great opportunity to learn something new, while walking through a religious building with a rich historical past.
12. A relaxing day at the spa
A relaxing day at the spa© pressmaster - Adobe Stock
Les Sables-d'Olonne is an excellent place for a rejuvenating holiday. On the one hand, you can attend yoga and Pilates classes organised on the beach. You can also stay in a hotel with a spa and wellness area, such as Les Roches Noires, Hôtel Arc-en-Ciel and Le Calme des Pins. Some of these establishments welcome guests looking for well-being, with or without accommodation. So you can enjoy treatments even if you're staying at a campsite or in a holiday rental.
13. A family visit to Les Sables zoo
Giraffe at Les Sables d'Olonne zoo© bios48 - Adobe Stock
Not all zoos have a good reputation. However, some have genuinely good intentions and goals that serve the interests of the animals. The zoo at Les Sables doesn't just want you to have a good time: it is fully committed to protecting animal biodiversity. The care team and information panels raise visitors' awareness of the importance of protecting animals and plants around the world. Their eco-conservation actions make this an exceptional zoo, where pleasure and animal interest come together. Children will have a great time, thanks to the 500 animals in the park and the fun activities organised on site.
14. Rendezvous at the fishing port
The channel in Les Sables d'Olonne, view of the Chaume© Olivier - Adobe Stock
The fishing port of Les Sables-d'Olonne is a far cry from the small village port you might see elsewhere... It is nothing less than the largest port in the Vendée, with many fishing boats leaving every day. It dates back to the 15th century and is still home to fishermen and their boats. For some time now, it has also been home to pleasure boats, making your visit all the more varied.
15. The old town of Les Sables-d'Olonne
Arundel Tower© Thomas Pajot - Adobe Stock
You're spending your holiday in a town that's 8 centuries old... Of course, the narrow streets of yesteryear have retained a certain charm, which is a pleasure to discover as you stroll through the old town. There are several interesting districts to visit:
- the Passage district, which was the first port of Les Sables-d'Olonne
- the Olonne district, with its church and manor houses,
- the Chaume district, absolutely charming with its hollyhocks.
Several points of interest will also catch your eye, such as the Arundel Tower and Saint-Jean d'Orbestier Abbey. All of which can be visited with a splendid view of the coast, the lighthouse and the ocean. We'd also love to tell you about the Ile Penotte district, but we'll save that surprise for last!
16. Taste the local specialities
Prefou, one of the local specialities© ALF photo - Adobe Stock
Of course, fish and seafood are a must in Les Sables-d'Olonne. But they're not the only things you can enjoy during your stay. For one thing, flower of salt from the salt marshes is very much in evidence. It can be added to your dishes in the restaurant, but you can also take some home in attractive packaging. We also invite you to discover the famous gâche vendéenne, a brioche that is simply unique. Melt-in-your-mouth and mouth-watering, it's a real treat! The fion vendéen, despite its funny name, is also a local delicacy. It's a flan cooked according to well-kept secrets. On the savoury side, you can try :
- salicornes, which can be eaten raw or cooked like a vegetable,
- mogettes, large elongated white beans,
- préfou, a bread with fillings for an aperitif,
- vendée ham.
While restaurants are the best place to try all this, you can also discover these specialities at the markets. There are several throughout the city(Halles Centrales, Chaume and Aragomarkets, to name but a few).
17. Discover the superb Ile Penotte district
Shell mosaics on Penotte Island© Elodie - Adobe Stock
For once, we've saved one of the best points of interest for last! If you're only coming to Les Sables-d'Olonne for a weekend, a visit to the Ile Penotte area is a must. It's a lovely, romantic walk with a very special charm, thanks to the shell mosaics that adorn the walls of the houses. These frescoes add an artistic touch to the place. Take a stroll through this superb area, whose charm is accentuated by the narrow streets, as well as the hollyhocks and other flowers that invite themselves into the district.
How do I get to Les Sables-d'Olonne?
Although the car is a practical option for getting to Les Sables-d'Olonne, there are alternatives. This isa town with good transport links, which can make your journey a lot easier. For example, Paris is 4? hours away, Le Mans 2? hours and Angers just 1? hours. The train is an excellent option for getting to your holiday destination. Unlike other seaside resorts, your train will arrive directly at the right place, as the town has its own station. It is served by the TGV Paris-Nantes-Les Sables-d'Olonne. TER trains also run on certain routes.
If you prefer to fly, you can land at Nantes or La Rochelle. You can then take the train or a hire car to your rental accommodation.
Where to stay in Les Sables-d'Olonne?
- Families with children can look forward to a warm welcome at the Maison Richet. Every part of this old Sablais mansion invites you to relax and feel at home. With its single, double or family rooms, every traveller will find the one they feel most at home in. Click here for rates and availability!
- In a more modern style and recently renovated, La Villa Saint Jean is a beautiful address. Situated near Cayola Bay, it offers a beautiful view of the ocean and serves tasty local cuisine. Click here to to book your room!
- As we mentioned earlier, theArc-en-Ciel hotel with its spa is a pleasant base for a relaxing holiday. As well as its wellness area, you'll appreciate its location, around 100 metres from the beach. The colourful, personalised decor of the rooms is also a real treat! Tempted by this hotel? Book here in just a few clicks.
Where to go around Les Sables-d'Olonne?
- Nantes is of course an essential city to visit near Les Sables-d'Olonne. After visiting the city centre, the Jardin des Plantes will awaken your senses, as will the Île de Versailles, a superb Japanese garden. Nantes also has a number of museums and other cultural attractions to tempt you.
- For a more nature-oriented walk, you can take a path that starts at the Pointe du Payré and winds its way to Jard-sur-Mer. It's a pleasant nature walk, just under 9 km long. Allow between 2h and 2h30 for this easy walk.
- Finally, you might like to consider a stroll through the Bois Saint-Jean. This forest is located between Château-d'Olonne and Talmont-Saint-Hilaire. You'll be strolling through a pleasant undergrowth of holm oaks. This relatively short path (800 linear metres) is a pleasant way to spend a moment away from the city.
What can you do in Les Sables-d'Olonne when it rains?
As we mentioned earlier, Les Sables-d'Olonne is home to several museums. These are perfect places to spend a few hours as a couple or with the family. Rain is also a good time to visit the Arundel Tower. Be careful, though, as booking is essential for this interesting, low-cost visit. Finally, the Saint-Nicolas priory is also an interesting place to visit when it's raining.
Les Sables-d'Olonne is a very popular destination for tourists on the Atlantic coast. While the sea is of course the first thing that springs to mind, there are many other activities on offer. Lovers of hiking, museums and water sports will be delighted! Don't forget to take a walk along the salt marshes, which are simply a must-see in the Vendée.
Planning a holiday in Les Sables d'Olonne? Take a look at the train fares now and book without delay !
