A day to discover Les Sables d’Olonne
Discover Les Sables d’Olonne
Take off for a rich day in the heart of Les Sables d’Olonne
This seaside resort is the second largest town in the Vendée.
In summer, the population doubles with the arrival of holidaymakers.
As you can see, it’s a must.
Swimming in Les Sables d’Olonne is nothing new.
During your visit, you’ll learn more about the city and its history.
With the sun’s rays at dawn, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting off for this seaside town.
It’s a 20-minute drive.
First and foremost, to make the most of your day, we advise you to be well equipped.
Here’s a short, non-exhaustive list of things we think about :
- a good pair of shoes
- beach kit
- a cap
- water
- picnics are not necessary here. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving delicious food.
If you can think of anything else, please let us know so that we can complete our list.
A word of advice from the team:
To avoid the hassle of parking, don’t hesitate to bring your bikes with you. You can park in the free parking lots, which are generally set back from the town center.
Les Sables d’Olonne is very well equipped in terms of bike paths and bike parking.
You’ll see, your visit to Les Sables d’Olonne by bike will be all the more enjoyable!
Route to Les Sables d’Olonne
Why take the road to the Vendée if not to discover its most beautiful seaside resort? Once you’ve arrived in Les Sables d’Olonne, you can finally start your tour.
The town enjoys a worldwide reputation thanks to the Vendée Globe race.
You can start your visit at Port Olonna. The starting point for this famous race.
You can admire the boats from the quays along the channel. This is often the moment when our imagination takes over: “If I had a boat too…”.
As you stroll along the quays, you’ll come across the landing stage for the Chaume district.
The crossing takes just 3 minutes.
On the spot, you will discover a neighborhood that has remained authentic and has an incomparable charm.
Stroll through its alleys, you could stay for hours contemplating the houses.
A little further on, the Prieuré Saint Nicolas offers a breathtaking panorama of the ocean. Le Prieuré is open daily in high season.
The sound of bells calls you to order: it’s time to eat!
To eat, we recommend you turn back to Port Olonna.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants lining the quayside.
For delicious seafood, visit La Cotriade.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that has everything, head to Vintage LSDO.
Most restaurants work with local produce.
The nap can wait…
Have you ever seen a giraffe made of shells?
Before lounging on the fine sand of the beach, head for Penotte Island.
It’s a must-have. Everyone in Sablais knows this neighborhood, where Danièle Arnaud-Aubin creates giant frescoes entirely decorated with shells.
This open-air museum has won over many vacationers before you.
Visits to this district are free and open to all.
It only lasts a few minutes.
Continuing on your way, you’ll find yourself in cobbled streets lined with small stores.
It’s hard to resist the handcrafted creations of its shopkeepers. If you don’t leave with a souvenir of Les sables d’Olonne, you’ll leave with a lovely piece of jewelry.
Enough visiting, it’s time to enjoy!
La Grande plage
This large, sandy beach faces due south. Ideal for perfecting your tan.
You’ll have plenty of room to put your towels down.
But beware: when the tide is high, it’s best to be on the edge of the embankment.
With the heat in full swing, there’s nothing better than a delicious ice cream to cool you down.
On the embankment, you’ll be spoilt for choice, but if we can point you in the right direction, we recommend “Pétales de Roses“. One of Sablais’ best-known ice cream parlors.
It is on this tasty note that your day in Les Sables d’Olonne will end.