Les Sables d’Olonne
Les Sables d’Olonne: many visits, activities and discoveries for an unforgettable vacation
Close to the 4* Camping Le Petit Paris, come and enjoy walks and bicycle rides on the paths, picnics in the forest, relaxing on the beach, visits to the markets, and the shows and activities in Sables d’Olonne.
A combination of activities and relaxation awaits you.
Be sure to discover the nautical activities in Les Sables d’Olonne, detailed in the section ” Sea Side “.
Discover the wonders of the animal world and marine life at the Sables d’Olonne zoo and the Vendée aquarium.
Are you looking for a quiet spot surrounded by nature? No worries, the Zoo of Sables d’Olonne is the answer. Located just a stone’s throw from the beaches, the Zoo is a haven for more than 500 exotic animal species and century-old trees. You will see lions, giraffes, panthers, maned wolves, cape penguins, macaws, flamingos and many other animals!
For a more complete immersion, you can participate in the mealtime activity with the qualified carers.
At Les Sables d’Olonne Zoo the preservation of the biodiversity is their priority.
Do you prefer the aquatic world? Visit the Aquarium de Vendée and marvel at the more than 500 aquatic species in over 60 aquariums. With family or friends, come and admire the sea life, let yourself be enchanted by the beauty . You may even partake in the workshops proposed by the team during your visit to the Aquarium!
During your vacation at Le Petit Paris, you can visit the center of Les Sables d’Olonne with its promenade, its villas and its quaint neighbourhoods.
The promenade, along the vast beach of Les Sables d’Olonne, is steeped in history. You can go back in time, thanks to the plaques all along the promenade, showing the architecture of the town in 1930. In particular, you will see the clock tower, measuring 8 meters high, which was built on an old blockhouse and inaugurated on July 1, 1956.
The waterfront promenade is very popular with holidaymakers and locals alike who enjoy the many bars and restaurants with views of the ocean, not to mention the stores and nightlife in July and August.
Just a few steps from the promenade, you can continue your shopping in the pedestrian streets, shop for fresh and local products at the Halles market and visit the fishing port, the Church of Notre Dame de Bon Port and the charming streets downtown.
Neighbourhoods you don’t want to miss:
L’Ile Penotte: small neighbourhood with narrow streets, where the facades and walls are decorated with shell mosaics. These decorations, inspired by mythology and fairytales, were created in 1997 by Danièle Arnaud-Aubin, a local resident and artist. She is nicknamed “the lady of the shells” and has made this spot a place not to be missed in Sables d’Olonne.
La Chaume : you will enjoy an exceptional view of the bay of Sables d’Olonne from the Château Saint-Clair and the Arundel Tower, built in the 15th century by the Princes of Talmont. Originally, La Chaume was an independent neighbourhood of immigrant Spanish fishermen.
Today, we can find pretty, colourful houses, many facades made of ballast stones and low, whitewashed houses, signs of the architectural influence of the habitants of the time.
You can access the Chaume, the oldest part of the city, from Les Sables, by taking the maritime shuttle to cross the channel, the mythical departure point of the Vendée Globe.
You will discover its narrow streets, the Tower of Arundel and its fortress, the Priory of Saint Nicolas and the Great Pier.
And its ports
The fishing port, dating from the 16th century, very close to the city center. The commercial port, dating from the 19th century, located on the island of Cabaude, just opposite the fishing port. But also the marina ‘Quai Garnier’ in the heart of downtown Les Sables d’Olonne, near the lively neighbourhoods with bars and restaurants.
Finally, the Port Olona, built in 1979, it is the first marina in the Vendée. It hosts many events including the famous Vendée Globe!
