What to do in Les Sables-d'Olonne?
Thanks to the Vendée Globe, the town of Les Sables-d'Olonne is renowned throughout the world. This very popular seaside resort attracts many people every year, who come to enjoy the charms of the region. If you are passing through Vendée, here are some natural and historical places to discover, and some activities to practice to make the most of your stay in Les Sables-d'Olonne.
The historic sites of Les Sables-d'Olonne
The town of Les Sables-d'Olonne is not just a seaside resort, it also has a very rich historical heritage, due in particular to its past as a major commercial port. Saint Clair Castle and its famous Arundel Tower figure prominently among the architectural marvels that you can discover in the city. This ancient fort dating from the 15th century is truly the emblem of Sables-d'Olonne. The tower is accessible to the public during a visit to the Museum of the Sea.
The Saint-Nicolas Priory testifies to the religious past of the town. This imposing building, built in the 11th century, is a must-see in the city. It can be visited all year round, and regularly hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
The Church of Saint-Martin de Vertou, on the Île d'Olonne, is another magnificent building from the 11th century. From its bell tower, you can access a splendid panoramic view of this town full of charm as well as the countryside and the marshes of the region.
To make the most of the region, we recommend that you take a hotel or go to the Les Sables d'Olonne campsite to enjoy nature and have more.
Natural sites in Les Sables-d’Olonne
The region of Les Sables-d'Olonne is also full of magnificent natural places, to be absolutely admired during a visit to Vendée. In this seaside resort, you can of course enjoy the beauties of the Atlantic Ocean. Water sports enthusiasts can indulge in surfing, paddleboarding, sailing or even diving.
In addition to the sea and the beaches, the city offers a great diversity of natural sites. From the Dunes of Paracou and Sauveterre to the salt marshes, many places are accessible to hiking enthusiasts. The ornithological marsh of the island of Olonne is a protected site which is home to many animal and plant species, and which has a bird observatory.
The coast of Vendée is not nicknamed the "coast of lights" for nothing. Cayola Bay, located in Château-d'Olonne, is a protected natural place where you can enjoy an exceptional panorama. Many plant species are preserved along this rocky coast, and the place is perfectly equipped to accommodate hikers and visitors who want to enjoy a moment of relaxation.
The cultural places of Sables-d'Olonne
The city also makes a great place for art and culture, and throughout the year, exhibitions and museums are accessible. The Maritime Museum, in the Arundel Tower, is particularly famous for its very large collection of model ships. It allows you to discover more about the daily life of sailors in the Pays des Olonnes over the centuries.
The Musée de l'Abbaye Sainte-Croix is a modern art museum that showcases the works of some great artists who have been in the region, or have lived there. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, special events are organized in this modern museum, to allow young and old to discover contemporary creations.
If you want to discover the local culture, a passage through the market of the central halls is essential. In this symbolic place of the city, you can enjoy the authentic atmosphere of Les Sables-d'Olonne, and taste all the typical specialties of the region such as oysters and sardines from the Sablais. You can also taste the most renowned products of the Vendée region, such as mogettes, Vendée ham and local wines.
