Sables d'Olonne
Do you know the Sables d’Olonne ?
If you’ve never been to Sables d’Olonne, it’s definitely time to discover this famous seaside resort with its pedestrianized streets, 4km sea front, fine sandy beach, cycle routes and charming Ile Penotte ditrict, a little corner of paradise ! The legendary departure port of the Vendée Globe round-the-world yacht race, « Les Sables » as locals call it, can justifiably boast of having the finest beaches on the coast of Vendée. The main beach has 3km of fine sand and is ideal for swimming with all the family, while Plage de Tranchet is for surfing fans. Apart from the sea, there are plenty of other attractions, like the numerous restaurants along the sea front and by the harbour. Nature lovers can enjoy a bike ride along the unspoilt coast and admire the magnificent panoramic views. Discovery trips, leisure activities and relaxation in an idyllic setting are the name of the game on a holiday with family or friends at Sables d’Olonne !
La Côte de Lumière
Among the ‘absolute musts’ to visit on the Côte de Lumière, let’s start with Ile Penotte. This famous district is very popular with tourists as the walls of its streets are decorated with seashells depicting seascapes, landscapes and figures from mythology. A traditional neighbourhood to stroll around and explore to your heart’s content ! On the other side of the channel lies the delightful fishing village of La Chaume. Although it is part of Sables d'Olonne, it has its own independent atmosphere with picturesque narrow streets and white-washed cottages. Here you can also visit the Prieuré Saint Nicolas, an ancient chapel overlooking the sea and dedicated to St Nicholas, patron saint of fishermen and riverboatmen, plus the Château Saint-Clair and Tour d'Arundel.
Sables d’Olonne is a perfect place for people who enjoy shopping or simply wandering around ! The streets between Rue Travot and the sea front are packed with small independent shops and chain stores and as you get nearer the sea front, there are souvenir shops and several jewellers among the restaurants and ice cream parlours. Sables d’Olonne is also a venue for major events. Every 4 years the spotlight falls on Port Olonna, the number 1 marina in Vendée, for the start of the mythical Vendée Globe, a round the world, single-handed, non-stop, unassisted yacht race known as the Everest of the Seas !
Activities for all the family at Sables d'Olonne
As you have no doubt realised, there is no time to be bored at Sables d’Olonne !
The town has a whole host of activities for adults and children. In July and August, beach clubs organise games and competitions for children and the zoo with its 400 animals is a great place for a family outing ! There is plenty for grownups too. Vendée is the department of France with the largest network of cycle paths, so it is easy to plan a day out with family or friends in the area around Sables d’Olonne to discover the varied scenery of Château d'Olonne, Olonne sur Mer, Ile d'Olonne, Vairé and Sainte-Foy. At Sables d’Olonne and Château d'Olonne you can cycle along the sea front and the rugged coastline of the Bay of Cayola, whereas Olonne and Ile d'Olonne take you through the forest and salt marshes, a reserve for migratory birds. Finally enjoy a ride around the villages of Vairé and Sainte-Foy to see their attractions. Surfing enthusiasts love the beaches of Sables d’Olonne, especially Plage de Tanchet ! You can try many other board sports too, including stand up paddle-boarding, and kite surfing.
""For me, the town of Sables d’Olonne reminds me of winter Sundays during my childhood when, far removed from the hustle and bustle of July and August, we used to walk along the sea front, then have a crepe before going home to get warm in front of the fire …""
Getting to Sables d’Olonne is very easy. The railway station is near the town centre and the nearest airports are at Nantes or La Rochelle. Don’t delay, book your next seaside holiday today !
Discover Vendée with Gites de France Vendée : Puy du Fou, Ile d'Yeu"
