Opening 270° to the sea, Les Sables d’Olonne is undoubtedly one of France’s most popular seaside resorts: an immense bay bordered by a magnificent beach of fine sand, a marina hosting the legendary Vendée Globe race, the marine district of La Chaume, a rich historical heritage, districts with typical narrow streets such as Ile Penotte… quite a program.
Take advantage of your stay at Camping La Ventouse to visit the illustrious town of Les Sables d’Olonne, just 20 minutes from Jard sur Mer.
Ideas for outings :
There’s plenty to do in Les Sables d’Olonne, but I’d recommend starting your visit at the main beach and embankment, not forgetting the fishing port and picturesque La Chaume district.
Things to see and do :
- Its sandy beaches, natural seawater swimming pool (in the Chaume district), seawater swimming pool on the embankment side heated to 29°C and thalassotherapy.
- 2 casinos: “Les Atlantes” and “Le Casino des pins”, bars, bowling alley and nightclubs.
- Fairground and food markets: don’t miss the Halles Centrales covered market.
- Its fishing/commercial port and Port Olona, which hosts the famous VENDEE GLOBE race every 4 years.
- Water sports: jet skis, canoeing, kayaking, towed buoys, surfing, amateur sea fishing, diving, sailing…
- Its historic heritage: La Tour d’Arundel, Prieuré St Nicolas, Abbaye de Sainte Croix, Notre Dame de Bon Port church and the splendid seafront villas of the late XIXᵉ century.
- Museums, zoo, guided tours…
The Penotte Island district
Situated between the main beach and the fishing port, the Ile Penotte district has become a curiosity in Les Sables d’Olonne over the years. With its narrow, winding streets, the district owes its fame to facades adorned with mosaics made from shells, like an immense fresco. In 1997, Danièle Aubin-Arnaud decided to bring her childhood neighborhood back to life by decorating the facades of the houses. Today, thanks to the lady now known as “la dame aux coquillages”, and with the help of local residents, Penotte Island has become a pretty pedestrian area, as picturesque as it is fun.
