Les Sables d'Olonne

Open at 270° to the sea, Les Sables d’Olonne is undoubtedly one of the most popular seaside resorts in France: an immense bay bordered by a magnificent beach of fine sand, a marina hosting the mythical Vendée Globe race, the marine district of La Chaume, a rich historical heritage, districts with typical narrow streets such as that of Ile Penotte… quite a programme.

Take advantage of your stay at Camping Parfums d’été to visit the famous town of Les Sables d’Olonne, only 20 minutes from Jard sur Mer.

Ideas for outings :

There are many things to do in Les Sables d’Olonne, but I advise you to start your visit with the large beach and the embankment, not forgetting the fishing port and the picturesque La Chaume district.

À voir, à faire :

Its fine sandy beaches, its natural seawater pool (in La Chaume district), its seawater pool on the embankment side heated to 29°C and its thalassotherapy.
2 casinos: “Les Atlantes” and “Le Casino des pins”, bars, a bowling alley, discotheques.
Its fair and food markets: don’t miss the Halles Centrales covered market.
Its fishing/trade port and Port Olona which hosts the famous VENDEE GLOBE race every 4 years.
Its water sports: water scooters, canoeing, kayaking, towed buoys, surfing, amateur sea fishing, diving, sailing…
Its historical heritage: The Tower of Arundel, the Priory of St Nicolas, the Abbey of Sainte Croix, the church of Notre Dame de Bon Port and the splendid seafront villas from the end of the XIXᵉ century.
Its museums, zoo, guided tours…

The Penotte Island district

Located between the main beach and the fishing port, the Penotte Island district has become a curiosity in Sables d’Olonne over the years. With its narrow and winding streets, this district owes its fame to the facades decorated with mosaics made of shells, like a huge fresco. In 1997, Danièle Aubin-Arnaud decided to revive the neighbourhood of her childhood by decorating the facades of the houses. Today, thanks to the woman who is now known as “the lady of the shells” and with the help of the local inhabitants, Penotte Island has become a pretty pedestrian area that is as picturesque as it is fun.