Les Sables d’Olonne

Discover Les Sables d’Olonne

A pretty destination on the Côte de Lumière, Les Sables d’Olonne is famous for its beaches and sand dunes. It attracts tourists with its rich heritage and culture, which includes museums, galleries and theaters. The town has a lively nightlife with many bars and restaurants on the Port des Sables d’Olonne or on the Remblai.

What to discover in Les Sables d’Olonne

• Stroll through the central covered market and discover the historical and architectural past of Les Sables d’Olonne.
• Ile Penotte, with its winding lanes and little houses covered in shell frescoes, not forgetting Rue de l’enfer, one of the narrowest streets in the world.
• Musée d’art contemporain de l’Abbaye de Sainte Croix
• Olonne Island canals

A little history

The first mention of Les Sables d’Olonne dates back to 1144, when it was known as “Les Sables”. The name comes from the sandbanks formed by tidal action. In 1814, Napoleon Bonaparte granted Les Sables d’Olonne city status. In 1881, a railroad line opened linking Les Sables to La Roche-sur-Yon and Angers. The railroad contributed to the development of Les Sables’ economy, as it enabled the rapid transport of goods and raw materials to other French ports such as Bordeaux and Nantes.

Camping Les Sables d’Olonne

Where to camp in Les Sables d’Olonne?

There are many campsites in the area, but it’s best to choose one that’s close to the beach. Camping Les Alouettes offers a wide range of mobile homes and canvas bungalows, as well as pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes. Our 4-star campsite in Bretignolles Sur Mer, 20 km from Les Sables d’Olonne, is ideal for families and groups of friends, and is just a stone’s throw from the beach.

Take advantage of our aquatic area with indoor heated pool and outdoor pool, our many activities and our 4-star services. Les Alouettes campsite in Les Sables d’Olonne is an excellent way to enjoy a holiday close to the beach and nature.

How to get to Les Sables d’Olonne?

There are many ways to get to Les Sables d’Olonne. You can take a train from Paris and get off at Les Sables-d’Olonne station. You can also take a ferry from Le Havre or Honfleur to Les Sables-d’Olonne, which takes around three hours. The best way to get there is by car, taking just two hours from Paris.

Weather in les sables d’Olonne

The weather in Sable d’Olonne is classified as a “Cfb” climate. This means that the average temperature over the year is between 0 and 18 degrees. The average temperature in Sable d’Olonne in July is around 17 degrees, but it can reach 23 degrees.

Nautical activities

Water sports fans? Les Sables d’Olonne is a certified surfing town. The Vendée has over 120 clubs and associations, ideal for water sports enthusiasts.

With 250 km of coastline and 140 beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to water sports in the Vendée: surfing, kite surfing, canoeing, paddling, sailing and more.

Les Sables d’Olonne beach

Les Sables d’Olonnes has a unique landscape and beaches. The coastline is characterized by a succession of sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and high marine dunes, with breathtaking views over the horizon. It offers an ideal setting for water sports and other beach activities such as sunbathing and kite surfing.

Enjoy the many beaches of Les Sables d’Olonne :

• Les Sables d’Olonne beaches for sunbathing and relaxation: La Grande plage, la plage des résidents, le bassin Dombret
• Surf beaches: Sauveterre beach, Tanchet beach
• Wild beaches: Paracou beach, Granges beach, Aubraie beach

Thalasso Les Sables d’Olonne

During your stay at Les Sables d’Olonne campsite, don’t miss a wellness session at one of the town’s many spas:

• The Relai Thalasso in Les Sables d’Olonne offers relaxation and rejuvenation in a 1500 m² space with 26 treatment rooms. Take advantage of the marine spa, massage and treatment sessions.
• The Spa at the 4-star Atlantic hotel, in the heart of Les Sables d’Olonne and facing the sea

Restaurant Les Sables d’Olonne

The gastronomic scene in Les Sables d’Olonnes is a perfect example of how French cuisine has evolved over the years. There are many different cuisines in this small town, and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out:

• Tradition and brasserie,
• Gourmet restaurant,
• Master restorers,
• Taste and gastronomy,
• On the beach,
• The unusual,

Vendée Globe

Don’t miss the Vendée Globe, a veritable institution in Les Sables d’Olonne. The non-stop, non-assisted, single-handed round-the-world race takes place every 4 years. The famous race began in 1989, with 13 sailors setting out on the first edition of this 3-month race, only 7 of whom would return safely to port.

Also known as the Everest of the seas, the Vendée Globe is a race where you have to brave bitter cold and huge waves. The race record now stands at 74 days for 44,996 km around the world, across the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific and back to the Atlantic.

Discover the salt marshes and salt pans of Les Sables d’Olonne for a stroll and a playful journey into the adventure of salt.

Les Sables d’Olonne Zoo

Spend a day at the zoo in Les Sables d’Olonne and admire almost 60 species and over 500 exotic animals: maki catta, lion, giraffe, maned wolf, ibis, iguana, etc. The zoo is open daily from 9.30am to 7pm.
Stroll through 3 hectares of lush vegetation. Numerous activities await you throughout your visit, including animal feedings.

Stay at our campsite