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Les Sables-d'Olonne (Vendée, France)

Les Sables-d'Olonne is a lively seaside town on the Atlantic coast of the Vendée. A nautical resort and fishing port, it combines long beaches, historic districts and a harbour life always in motion. The town is best known for its central role in the Vendée Globe race, which starts and finishes there. It offers cultural and gastronomic activities focused on the sea.

Heritage and history

The La Chaume district retains an old appearance, with the Tour d'Arundel, a medieval relic overlooking the port. The town centre features 19th-century seaside villas and shopping streets where one feels the history of seaside resorts. The Musée de l'Abbaye Sainte-Croix offers collections of modern and contemporary art housed in a historic building; it also illuminates local history.

Nature and landscapes

The large Plage des Sables d'Olonne stretches for several kilometres, ideal for walking and sea bathing. The salt marshes and dune areas to the west offer wilder walks, good for birdwatching. The seafront, called Le Remblai, provides a direct panorama of the ocean and allows you to enjoy the sunsets.

Outdoor activities and leisure

The port and bay encourage sailing, kitesurfing and offshore fishing; nautical schools welcome beginners and experienced sailors. The town has a large marina, Port Olona, and connections to nearby islands via neighbouring ports. In season, regattas and events punctuate local life.

Gastronomy

Local cuisine highlights seafood: shellfish, fish and preserved products from the Vendée coast. Regional specialties can also be found in markets, where fresh and artisanal products come together.

Not to be missed

• Plage des Sables d'Olonne — promenade, swimming and fine sand.
• Vendée Globe — departures/arrivals and a unique maritime atmosphere.
• Port Olona — large marina and lively seafront.
• Tour d'Arundel — medieval relic in La Chaume.
• Musée de l'Abbaye Sainte-Croix — contemporary art and cultural programming.