Top 10 things to do in Les Sables d'Olonne

Les Sables d'Olonne is THE most emblematic seaside resort in the Vendée. It is located in the center of the famous Côte de Lumière. It adjoins the Marais Poitevin to the south and is located not far from the Marais Breton Vendéen. It hosts the Vendée Globe and the Vélodyssée. It therefore offers its visitors all kinds of leisure and sporting pleasures, while being a very pleasant resort area for families. We have prepared a Top 10 of the best things to do in Les Sables d'Olonne for you, during your next stay in Vendée.

Opening photo: JbLamouliatte / AdobeStock

1) Walk around the seaside resort

Les Sables d'Olonne is the leading seaside resort in Vendée and one of the largest in France. The town has been developed for tourism, with easy access to monuments, services suitable for families and views of the Vendée landscapes. Here are the must-see sites:

Arundel Tower
Chateau Saint-Clair
The Promenade du Remblai
The Pontoon of the Vendée Globe
The Green Lighthouse

Have you worked up an appetite? Take a break at Angani. An elegant setting, refined cuisine and signature cocktails to savour, that's what awaits you at Angani if you step through the door of this pretty Brasserie in Les Sables-d'Olonne. With roasted meats, beef fat fries and homemade desserts, you're in for a treat at this gourmet address, perfect for organising events.

The good idea: The seaside resorts of Vendée

2) Île Penotte, a museum district

Penotte Island is an amazing open-air museum. Over the years, the facades of the houses have been covered with works of art in mosaics and shells, created by a lover of Les Sables d'Olonne. Today it is a cheerful and colorful district, which really deserves a stroll.

Set down your suitcases in the typical Sablais districts for an unforgettable stay in the Vendée. The Escale en Côte de Lumière team welcomes you all year round. Passionate and friendly, they'll find you the rental nuggets in Les Sables-d'Olonne where you can spend your holidays in complete peace of mind. Whether you're looking for a house or flat overlooking the sea, or a beachfront getaway for two, with friends or with the family, you'll have access to prime accommodation in some of the Vendée's best locations. Let the professionals at Escale en Côte de Lumière guide you, offering you a quality service and ensuring your stay is perfect, with a concierge service attentive to your every need.

3) The island of Olonne

The island of Olonne is a former island of salt workers, which will charm you with its authentic character. You will feel like a sandpit of yesteryear. However, the salt marshes are still alive and exploited. They also shelter a natural and calm space, favorable to the walk and the observation of nature.

L'Île-d'Olonne, read our presentation

4) Visit Les Sables d'Olonne like an adventurer during an urban-game

The Sables d'Olonne tourist office organizes treasure hunts in the town. For about 2 hours, with family or friends, you will have to solve puzzles to discover the seaside resort differently, through its beautiful monuments and its most unusual sites.

5) Show the children the animals of the Zoo des Sables d'Olonne

The Zoo des Sables d'Olonne is integrated into a natural area, equipped for animals and very pleasant for visitors. You will see all kinds of animal species and birds, especially exotic ones. It is an eco-zoo, involved in the preservation of endangered specimens. It is an interesting site to discuss ecology and the preservation of nature with your children.

6) Swimming on the beaches of Olonne

Les Sables d'Olonne has a long frontage on the Atlantic, with 8 beautiful beaches. Some are very typical, with old-fashioned beach cabins. Others are famous surf spots. Families will enjoy many leisure activities, water and aquatic sports of all kinds.

The 10 most beautiful beaches in the Vendée

7) Go surfing on the Grande Plage spot

Surfing is a very complete sport, quite technical and with multiple variations. It is very trendy among the youngest, but you can get into it at any age. Here is a new activity to practice on the Vendée beaches and in particular on the Grande Plage des Sables d'Olonne.

Vendée surf spots

8) Shore fishing around Les Sables d'Olonne

If you are looking for an activity to practice with the family, consider shore fishing. It is a very fun hobby, which will be very popular with children. The little ones are infinitely patient when it comes to shellfish hunting. The older ones will apply more advanced fishing techniques to catch some nimble shrimp... In short, you're going to have a lot of fun!

Everything you need to know about shore fishing in the Vendée

9) Explore the roads of the Vélodyssée

Whether you like the coastal paths or rather the forest paths of the Forêt de Monts, the Vélodyssée takes you along the dunes and inland. The routes are varied and offer you splendid views of the ocean, the marshes and the Vendée landscapes. Around Les Sables d'Olonne, there are also many cycle routes, greenways and cycle paths.

Cycling in the Vendée: cycle paths, greenways and walks

10) Hike

If you prefer hiking, the tourist office will also be able to advise you on the most suitable nature outings for your family, your sporting level and your desires. In any case, the walks near the seaside resort are easily accessible. It is therefore over the duration and the distance that the great walkers will be able to have fun.

The good idea: Le Tanchet - Les Sables d'Olonne Château d'Olonne district

Find out more: Hiking in the Vendée: circuits, itineraries and tips

Here is this Top 10 which is coming to an end and we hope to have given you some good ideas to make the most of your Vendée holidays in Les Sables d'Olonne.

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