What to do in Les Sables d'Olonne

Discover the activities to do in Les Sables d'Olonne! Famous for being the starting point of the Vendée Globe, Les Sables d'Olonne also offers plenty of other things to do throughout the year!

Right in the center of the Vendée coast, Les Sables d'Olonne is a key destination in the department not only because it hosts the Vendée Globe event every 4 years, but also because there is a lot to do in the area. Water sports are the most common activity, with the Atlantic Ocean and the salt marshes of Les Sables d'Olonne as playgrounds!

The many beaches in the area, such as Sauveterre beach, Granges beach and Tanchet beach, are ideal for surfing, kitesurfing and sailing, the most popular water sports on the Vendée coast. From the port, other water activities allow you to have fun in Les Sables d'Olonne: parasailing, scuba diving, boat and jet ski rides take you to discover the coast and its richness in terms of landscapes and biodiversity.

The salt marshes of Les Sables d'Olonne are an attraction in their own right, with many things to do to visit them. Boat, kayak and stand up paddle excursions take place in the water of the marshes, while on land, cycling, horse riding or simply walking allow you to enjoy this corner of nature peacefully. Birdwatching in the marshes on the Ile d'Olonne is another must-do activity in the salt marshes!

Les Sables d'Olonne is full of other pleasant walking routes in the middle of nature, but also in the town center with the discovery of the Ile Penotte district, or the port which you can walk along to the Prieuré Saint-Nicolas chapel. If you are looking for things to do in Les Sables d'Olonne on the cultural side, a few museums such as the Blockhaus Hospital or the Museum du Coquillage will keep you busy for a few hours. The zoo in Les Sables d'Olonne is also a must-see, especially if you have children to look after! And if you can get around easily, don't hesitate to visit the Château de Talmont in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, a historical site offering events and activities related to the medieval period.

Finally, if you are looking for something a little more original and spectacular in Les Sables d'Olonne, skydiving over the landscape of the Vendée coast will give you the adrenalin and wonder you need! But if this experience is a little too extreme for you, a microlight flight over Les Sables d'Olonne and the surrounding area will be just as appealing and will bring unforgettable memories to your stay.

In Vendée, Les Sables d'Olonne is a destination where you will be sure not to get bored. Between cultural and sporting activities, whether on land or at sea, you will not lack for things to do in Les Sables d'Olonne!