Camping in Les Sables d'Olonne, the nautical capital of the Côte de lumière

Toegang tot het strand in Les Sables d'Olonne © iStock

"The most beautiful beach in Europe" is said to be in Les Sables d'Olonne. Why not... The sand is as fine as you could wish and the beach stretches for three kilometres. That's at least two good reasons to dedicate it. Ideally situated on the edge of the Atlantic coastline, it's certainly its main asset, even if its surroundings are as precious as the walks you can take along its wild coastline, marshes and forests. Water sports such as sailing, of course, but also diving and canoeing are just some of the activities that will make you fall in love with the capital of northern Vendée.

17/04/2017

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

Les Sables d'Olonne© iStock

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.

Mosaics on Penotte Island in Les Sables d'Olonne© iStock

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