What to do in Les Sables-d’Olonne: our top 7
Published on updated: - 5 min read - By Théo Mercier-Balaz
Contents
Key takeaways:
- The Grande Plage stretches for almost 3 km of fine sand, bordered by the famous Remblai.
- Les Sables-d’Olonne holds the “surf city” label and has 3 surf schools along the coast.
- L’île Penotte is home to unique shell mosaic murals found nowhere else in France, free to visit.
- The Écozoo is home to more than 500 animals from 60 different species, in a setting focused on conservation.
- The Olonne salt marshes let you meet salt harvesters who gather salt using age-old methods.
Les Sables-d’Olonne is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the Vendée. As the starting port of the Vendée Globe, the town charms visitors with both its Grande Plage and its maritime heritage. Wondering what to do in Les Sables-d’Olonne on your next holiday?
Between surfing, strolls through unusual neighbourhoods and nature discoveries, there’s no shortage of activities! From a nearby campsite with a water park, you’ll enjoy quick access to all these sites.
Here’s our selection of the 7 must-dos in Les Sables-d’Olonne!
La Grande Plage and Le Remblai, the heart of the resort
La Grande Plage remains the must-visit spot to enjoy Les Sables-d’Olonne. Nearly 3 km long, it offers plenty of space for swimming, sandcastle building and lazing around. Le Remblai, the promenade that runs the length of the beach, is lined with restaurants, ice cream parlours and lively terraces. In season, the beach is supervised and equipped with kids’ clubs. For more peace and quiet, the beaches of Tanchet and Sauveterre, to the south, offer a wilder, more unspoiled setting. It’s the ideal place to start a day of holidays in Les Sables-d’Olonne.
Discover water sports in Les Sables-d’Olonne
Les Sables-d’Olonne holds the official “surf town” label, which speaks volumes about the quality of its waves. Tanchet attracts experienced surfers thanks to its consistent reef break, while La Grande Plage suits beginners. Three surf schools offer lessons for all levels. Beyond surfing, the resort offers a wide range of water activities: paddleboarding, sea kayaking, sailing, jet-skiing and land yachting. Thrill-seekers will also find towed buoy rides in the bay.
Claire’s tip: for a first family surf session, choose La Grande Plage. The sand is flat, the waves gentle, and instructors take children from age 6.
L’Île Penotte, an open-air museum
L’Île Penotte is arguably the most surprising neighbourhood in town. Just a few metres from Le Remblai, this maze of small pedestrian streets reveals mural frescoes made entirely of seashells. Fish, mermaids, marine motifs: every wall tells a story. These mosaics are the work of Danièle Arnaud-Aubin, a local artist who has been creating them since the late 1990s with residents’ permission. The visit is free and unrestricted, ideal for a break between swims.
It’s an original outing in Les Sables-d’Olonne that appeals to children and adults alike!
Local heritage between harbour and church
Les Sables-d’Olonne has a rich maritime heritage best explored on foot. The Prieuré Saint-Nicolas, built in the 11th century by the monks of Sainte-Croix-de-Talmont, overlooks the channel entrance and offers a panorama over the ocean. Below, the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Port church, a listed historic monument, bears witness to the town’s past as a major cod-fishing port. On the food side, Les Halles Centrales market deserves a stop. Open every day except Monday in winter, it’s especially lively on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The upper floor is reserved for organic and local produce.
The Écozoo in Les Sables-d’Olonne
The Écozoo stands apart from classic zoos through its strong commitment to protecting endangered species. More than 500 animals live here, across 60 species: lions, Amur leopards, giraffes, red pandas and dwarf otters, among others. The route winds through carefully landscaped grounds that showcase local flora. Educational activities punctuate the visit, particularly the commented feeding sessions. The zoo is open from February to mid-November. It’s a family activity in Les Sables-d’Olonne that combines entertainment with biodiversity awareness.
” I recommend planning your visit in the morning: the animals are more active and the paths less crowded. Allow around 2.5 hours for a full tour.” – Claire
The salt marshes and the Forêt d’Olonne
Just minutes from the town centre, the Olonne salt marshes offer a complete change of scenery. Salt harvesters still gather salt and fleur de sel there using techniques passed down since the Middle Ages. Guided tours let you learn about this know-how and take home some local salt. A bird observatory nearby lets you watch the migratory birds that stop over in the marshes. Extending the walk, the Forêt d’Olonne offers shaded trails accessible on foot or by bike.
It’s a welcome nature break during a seaside stay!
The Vendée Globe, a legendary race
Les Sables-d’Olonne is inseparable from the Vendée Globe, the solo, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world sailing race. The harbour channel, from which the skippers set off, turns into a true festival hub at every edition. Outside of the race, the harbour remains a lively place to explore. The docks host pleasure boats and fishing vessels, and several restaurants serve fresh fish straight from the quay. For sailing enthusiasts, the town also houses exhibitions dedicated to the history of the race and offshore sailing.
Now you know what to do in Les Sables-d’Olonne for a varied holiday combining beach, culture and nature. Want to round off your days with some relaxation by the pool? Discover our campsites with a water park in the Pays de la Loire and make the most of the Vendée coast.
FAQ – What to Do in Les Sables-d'Olonne?
Frequently asked questions
Sources
This selection of resources was consulted to write and verify certain points in the article.
Related articles
Nos campsites with water park — Pays de la Loire
Feel like staying here? Here are some water park campsites to discover to extend the experience.
