Discover Les Sables d'Olonne during your camping holiday
It was the main town on the Côte de Lumière in the 19th century and was recognised as a seaside resort in the early 20th century. To the south, over eleven kilometres, the wild coast offers a landscape of golden sand interspersed with rocks. A succession of small, pleasant beaches, almost secret because less frequented. The site is ideal to recharge your batteries in the fresh air, to stroll and take a few dips, before returning to the bustle of the seaside resort.
Les Sables d'Olonne is also home to the Vendée Globe.image
L'Île Penotte, the seashell lady
As its name suggests, Île Penotte is a highly original pedestrian area of the city. The birthplace of the artist Danièle Arnaud-Aubin, nicknamed "la dame aux coquillages" (the shell lady) and much loved by visitors, she embellishes the area with a variety of exotic shells, as well as more local ones such as oyster, mussel, scallop and clam shells, creating real frescoes on the walls. Now a must-see, this magnificent and unusual place is not to be missed in Les Sables d'Olonne. It gives the place a poetic and even magical atmosphere.
Les Salines, learning while having fun
Exploring the salt marshes, learning about their history and learning about the profession of salt worker while having fun - that's what Les Salines has to offer. Children can learn how to harvest salt and meet a salt worker, all while playing games and solving puzzles. This discovery can be done on foot, but also by boat or canoe to add a playful side to an activity that already has plenty!
Prices: Boat + Park + Saunier meeting (2h30): €24/adult and €14/child
Les Sables Zoo, the eco-zoo
Here you will discover 500 exotic animals in a natural, wild setting. Located next to the beaches, you can admire penguins, red pandas, panthers, giraffes, monkeys and giant anteaters... as well as many birds in the Oceania aviary, all in an atmosphere of biodiversity, animal conservation and environmental protection. Shows and events are presented to raise awareness of species conservation.
Prices: €18/adult and €14/child (up to 10 years) and free for children under 3.
Talmont Castle, home of Richard the Lionheart
Built on a rocky promontory overlooking the town of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, Talmont castle is less than 15 kilometres from Les Sables-d'Olonne. Listed as a historic monument, it is a place steeped in the history of the Middle Ages. In summer, you can watch magnificent falconry shows and take advantage of medieval workshops to discover a mini-farm or how to handle a crossbow, among other things. The castle offers tours and events between April and November.image
Where should you stay when visiting Les Sables d'Olonne?
To help you organise your camping holidays in the Vendée and your visit to the town of Les Sables d'Olonne, we have selected 10 campsites near Les Sables d'Olonne.
Practical information:
Les Sables d'Olonne Tourist Office: Tel: +33 (0) 2 51 96 85 85
Website: lessablesdolonne-tourisme.com