Les Sables d’Olonne is located in the heart of the famous Côte de Lumière in France’s Vendée region. The small town stretches along a long sandy beach filled with surfers of all ages. But it’s far from a soulless resort. Wander through the narrow streets of its Old Town and you’ll discover a world of maritime history, architectural heritage, and charming town squares. Keep on reading for my curated guide on what to see and do in Les Sables d’Olonne.
What to See & Do in Les Sables d’Olonne
If I were to paint Les Sables d’Olonne, I would use a palette of pastel blue, red, and yellow. Its soundtrack would probably have the subtle sound of waves in the background. This charming coastal French town is a perfect spot to unwind, to get some headspace, and immerse yourself in a different pace of life.
I visited in early April when the town was wonderfully serene, though it could get quite busy in the summer months. If you visit in peak season, my tip is to explore more of the natural landscapes just outside the town centre.
⤷ TIP: Read more about the events happening during your visit at the official Les Sables d’Olonne Tourism Board website.
Wander Through its Old Town
Les Sables d’Olonne is home to a picturesque Old Town, filled with narrow streets, historic sailors’ houses, and a delightful mix of architecture styles. Compared to some other French towns, Les Sables d’Olonne felt so peaceful. The streets were clean, and, during my morning walks, I encountered its residents going about their daily lives.
I loved window shopping and checking some of its nice boutiques and small shops. The Old Town is a perfect place to start your visit to Les Sables d’Olonne and get a sense of the place.
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Penotte Island (Île Penotte)
Don’t let the word Île mislead you: Penotte Island is a tiny neighbourhood tucked within the Old Town. During the French Revolution, it was known as the “Lost Island,” hence its name.
It’s a must-visit area for any art lover! I loved exploring it because of its unique street art created entirely from seashells. These beautiful mosaics, which adorn the facades of the houses, were all made by local artist, Danièle Arnaud-Aubin.
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Stroll the Seaside Promenade: Le Remblai
While the Old Town is wonderful, another area I loved exploring was the Remblai (the seaside promenade). Les Sables d’Olonne is located on the Atlantic Coast, so while on the promenade, you get to enjoy the vast expanse of the blue ocean. However, what makes it so powerful at the same time are the waves crashing on the beach.
I could spend hours mesmerised by the changing beauty of the foam and wave shapes. The stone promenade follows the curve of the beach throughout the entire town. Many people were sitting on the colourful benches alongside it, playing chess, or having picnics with their family and friends.
I especially liked walking along it early in the morning, when the lack of people and the sound of waves made it an almost meditative experience.
One of the most recognisable sites at the Les Sables d’Olonne promenade is its Clock Tower. It was built by Maurice Durand, the town’s architect in the 1950s.
You’ll feel the maritime heritage on every corner in Les Sables d’Olonne. And there is no better way to celebrate those brave people living by the sea than with a mythical sailor. The Ulysses Statue was made by the French sculptor, Christophe Charbonnel. The statue is three metres tall, and depending on the tide, Ulysses appears to be either standing tall or half-submerged in the sea.
One of the most beautiful street art works in Les Sables d’Olonne is located on a building at the promenade. The French Fauvist painter, Albert Marquet, was inspired by this charming French town and painted it in several of his artworks. One of them inspired a massive fifteen-metre-high wall painting on one of the residential buildings.
You can see some of his original paintings at the MASC, the modern and contemporary art museum.
⤷ TIP: If you get a bit tired while walking around, hop on one of the free electric minibus known as “Tramouette”.
Beach activities
You shouldn’t miss spending some time at the fantastic, massive sandy beach, Grande Plage, especially if you’re visiting during the warmer months. I was fascinated by surfers of all ages heading to the water with their boards. Whole families would gather there, showing that the sea is still an integral part of everyday life in Les Sables d’Olonne.
Besides surfing, you can also swim, sunbathe, play volleyball, and enjoy many other fun activities at the beach.
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Visit the local market
One of the best things to do in Les Sables d’Olonne is visit the local market, “Halles Ephémères.” Food is a big part of French culture, and each region has its own specialties.
Being a coastal town, you should try the variety of seafood at Les Sables d’Olonne. I loved seeing some unusual shellfish I’d never seen before, and then trying it for lunch at a local restaurant.
Besides seafood, pastry products, wine, cakes, and salt are all the things to browse through at this beautiful market.
Explore the Muséum du Coquillage
This unique museum you shouldn’t miss in Les Sables d’Olonne is entirely dedicated to shells. They have more than 50,000 shells from all over the world in their collection. I was really surprised to see Conus Marmoreus, a shell I knew from one of Rembrandt’s drawings.
You can also just visit their shop to buy beautiful shells or locally designed, maritime-inspired products.
Look for the Viking ship at the harbour
Les Sables d’Olonne’s harbour is home to many interesting ships. You’ll see fishermen cleaning their nets in the morning and tourist boats ready for excursions. However, one of the most unique ships I spotted at the harbour was a historic wooden Viking ship. You might wonder (as I did) what it is doing in this French town?
I learned that this Viking ship is called Olaf d’Olonne and it’s a replica of a 9th-century Viking longship. It was built by 45 volunteers and is used today for educational purposes, though you can also go on a little voyage and sail on it.
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Vendée Globe & Vélodyssée
Les Sables d’Olonne is the starting and ending point for one of the most unique sailing competitions in the world. The Vendée Globe is a single-handed, non-stop, around-the-world sailing race. Founded in 1989, it takes place every four years. You can see some yachts from previous competitions in the marina, and you’ll stumble upon plaques on the promenade celebrating previous winners. The next race will take place in 2028.
If you’re more into cycling, check out the Vélodyssée. It’s part of the North Atlantic cycling route which spans from Norway to Portugal. A section passes through the Vendée region, allowing you to cycle through the diverse landscape around Les Sables d’Olonne.
Explore the La Chaume neighbourhood
La Chaume used to be a fishermen’s neighbourhood in Les Sables d’Olonne. Its streets have preserved that colourful appearance, making it a wonderful area to wander around. You can get there by hopping on one of the small ferry boats operating across the channel.
I loved strolling through its narrow old streets, looking at the many different colours used on the facades. One of my favourite was a small square with a house entirely covered in wall paintings. Just a few steps away, you’ll find the iconic Le Poisson À Roulettes bar, a perfect place for lunch or a drink on a warm day.
The neighbourhood has its own small market for local food. One of the highlights of the neighbourhood is Villa Charlotte. Sitting in its garden, surrounded by fragrant trees with a wonderful view of the Old Town, was one of my favourite things to do in Les Sables d’Olonne.
Also, don’t miss visiting the old medieval monastery, Prieuré Saint-Nicolas. Built in the 11th century, it’s a great example of Romanesque architecture. It’s no longer used as a monastery, it was restored in 2004 and turned into an art gallery.
Gastronomy in Les Sables d’Olonne
I haven’t had a bad (not even a mediocre) meal during my stay in Les Sables d’Olonne. The town (and a surrounding region) is a fantastic gastronomic destination. Here are some of my restaurants recommendations in Les Sables d’Olonne.
LE SLOOP
This nice restaurant is located inside the Atlantic Hotel right on the promenade. It has a wonderful view, especially at dinner time when you can enjoy a beautiful sunset. The service was exceptional and the food was fantastic. I had foie gras as a starter (which is apparently typical for the region) and it was delicious! Visit the official LE SLOOP website here.
Viviers Rocheteau Restaurant
This restaurant has one of the best locations, right on the beach. Located just outside the town, it specialises in seafood. Everything was so fresh and delicious, I would go back right away. I’ll let photos speak for themself. Visit Viviers Rocheteau Restaurant website here.
Villa St Jean Restaurant
Another restaurant with a wonderful location. I had an aperitif on its terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean (another perfect sunset spot) first. We enjoyed a multi-courses dinner, I especially liked a dip made with local white beens (mogette), but everything else was equally wonderful. Visit Villa St Jean Restaurant website here.
L’Estran Restaurant
Located in the harbour, this small restaurant serves high-level, innovative food. The moment you enter, you can tell by the wonderful smell from kitchen that you’ll have a great time! I especially loooved my scampi main dish! Visit L’Estran Restaurant website here.
Around Les Sables d’Olonne
There is so much more to see and do nearby. Exploring Île d’Olonne, its nature, small villages, old churches, and mills, is a must. I was so fascinated by the variety of the landscape surrounding it: from sandy and rocky beaches to marches and forest, you can get lost in the beautiful nature surrounding that lovely French town.
The marches were especially interesting because it’s a landscape you don’t see often. Especially because here, they are filled with seawater and used for salt production. You can visit several of those saltworks there.
They are also a great place for sport activities, like paddling or canoeing. Its peaceful nature is filled with birds, so it’s also a great place for bird watching.
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Useful Tips for Visiting Les Sables d’Olonne
Here are a few more useful tips for visiting Les Sables d’Olonne.
How to get to Les Sables d’Olonne
By train: I travelled to Les Sables d’Olonne from Amsterdam by train, going through Paris and changing at Nantes, where I got on a local train to Les Sables d’Olonne. It was a comfortable journey, mainly on fast trains, and I would travelled the same way again.
By car: If you’d like to explore more of the surrounding region, it might be a good idea to travel by (or rent a) car. I generally find driving in France to be very nice and straightforward, so consider it, as well.
By plane: Nantes Atlantique Airport is the closest airport, so check out the flights to and from there. Other option could be to fly to Paris, and travel to Les Sables d’Olonne from there.
Where to stay in Les Sables d’Olonne
Hôtel les Roches Noires
This is where I stayed during my trip to Les Sables d’Olonne. The hotel is located right at the sea coast, so the location can’t be better. I spent lots of time on my balcony enjoying the view. Breakfast was really nice and great view of the city and waves breaking into the shore.
Hôtel Vertime
Overlooking a marina with beautiful yachts, this is a newer hotel with a lovely sea resort vibe. I visited its rooftop bar, and I would stay in this place only to be able to visit it every single day.
What to buy as a souvenir in Les Sables d’Olonne
I came back from my trip to Les Sables d’Olonne with a backpack full of nice souvenirs. And they were mostly edible. So, here are some of my recommendations on what to buy as a souvenir in Les Sables d’Olonne.
La Sablaise canning-factory products: The area is well-known for its canning products. I bought lots of canned sardines, which are usually packed in beautiful colourful packages. You’ll find La Sablaise shop right in the city centre, but there are a few other locations in the town, as well. They also have wonderful fish and vegetable pates you should try.
A shell from Muséum du Coquillage: Visit the Muséum du Coquillage shop and browse through beautiful shells they are selling there. You can get a single shell or jewellery made of them. In any case, it will be a great reminder of your trip to Les Sables d’Olonne.
Local chocolate: Les Sables d’Olonne is home to some really nice chocolate producers. You’ll find cute chocolate in a shape of sardines in many places around the town. If you’d like to get more of a higher end products, go to Relais Desserts.
Salt: Salt has been produced in the region for centuries, and it can be a great souvenir from Les Sables d’Olonne. You can buy it at the saltworks in the marches, or in many small shops in the town centre.
If you’re looking for a beautiful coastal French town filled with history, cultural heritage, fantastic museums and friendly locals, then Les Sables d’Olonne is the right place for you. I hope this guide with things to see and do in Les Sables d’Olonne will make your visit more fun.
I visited Les Sables d’Olonne on a press trip organised by the Vendée Tourism Board and their local partners in April 2026. Many thanks to all of them for organising a wonderful visit to me. However, as always all opinions are my own.