Visit Les Sables d'Olonne: a town to discover!
Looking for a lively, charming destination? Les Sables d'Olonne, the pearl of the Côte de Lumière, awaits you. Located in Landevieille, our L'Orée de l'Océan campsite is the ideal place to start your adventure in this dynamic seaside resort. What to do in Les Sables d'Olonne ? Find the answer here!Les Sables d'Olonne: between history and the ocean
Les Sables d'Olonne, sub-prefecture of the Vendée in the Pays de la Loire region, is a major seaside resort on the Atlantic coast. Its history is deeply linked to the sea, dating back to the founding of Olonne harbor in 1218 by Savary I de Mauléon. The port was a major fishing and trading center, even becoming France's leading cod port in the 17thcentury1. From the 19th century onwards, the town embraced tourism, transforming itself into a popular social resort. Today, it is world-famous as the birthplace of the Vendée Globe, an iconic sailing race.
Leisure and nature
Visiting Les Sables d'Olonne means having access to a wide range of outdoor activities, all within easy reach of your accommodation at L'Orée de l'Océan campsite.
La Grande Plage
The Grande Plage is a must for relaxation and activities. It's an ideal spot for swimming, lounging, surfing, sand yachting... Water sports centers offer jet ski, paddle and sailing lessons.
Access: La Grande Plage, Promenades Lafargue et Clemenceau, 85100 Les Sables d'Olonne, 20 km via the D32 from our campsite. Parking: Base de Mer parking lot 400 m from La Grande Plage (fee payable).
Please note! Dogs are allowed on a leash from October 1 to March 31. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April 1 to September 30. Smoke-free beach from April 1 to September 30.
Les Sables d'Olonne Zoo
Just a stone's throw from the beaches, the Zoo des Sables d'Olonne is an oasis of greenery housing over 400 exotic animals, including lions, giraffes and red pandas. Address: Route du Tour de France 85100 Les Sables d'Olonne. Located 21 km from our campsite.
Opening hours: open April to June and September, 9:30 am to 7 pm, July-August until 7:30 pm, October-November 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Prices: adults (11 years and over) pay €20 and children (3-10 years) pay €15.50.
Eating out and shopping: opt for the zoo snack bar for a gourmet break. Buy souvenirs in the on-site store.
Les Salines: the salt marshes
Discover the salt marshes on a guided boat trip, or a more active discovery in a canoe or paddle on the salt river. This salt adventure park features educational games for the whole family.
Address: Route de l'Aubraie, 85100 Les Sables-d'Olonne, 17 km from our campsite.
Opening hours: open at variable times. Please check the park website before visiting.
Prices: depending on the package chosen, adult prices range from €16 to €26. Children's rates (3-12 years) range from €11.50 to €17.
Culture and heritage
It's impossible to visit Les Sables d'Olonne without discovering its historical and cultural treasures: an experience not to be missed during your stay at our L'Orée de l'Océan campsite.
Penotte Island
Just a few meters from the embankment in Les Sables d'Olonne, Île Penotte is a unique pedestrian district, transformed into an open-air museum by a Sabloise artist, "la dame aux coquillages". Its walls are adorned with colorful frescoes made entirely from shells, offering an artistic and unusual walk.
Address: 5-7 Rue d'Assas, 85100 Les Sables-d'Olonne. 20 km from our campsite via the D32. Free access at all times.
Port Olona and the Vendée Globe
Built in 1979, Port Olona is the first marina in the Vendée and the legendary starting point for the Vendée Globe, the solo round-the-world sailing race.
Address: 1 Quai Alain Gerbault, 85180 Les Sables-D'Olonne, 19km from our campsite.
Open 24/7.
Talmont-Saint-Hilaire Castle
A visit to Les Sables d'Olonne is an opportunity to discover this ancient medieval fortress, once the residence of Richard the Lionheart. Attend chivalry and falconry shows, take part in workshops (crossbow, calligraphy), and walk the ramparts. One notable advantage is that pets are allowed on a leash.
Address: 8, rue du Château, 85440 Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, 30km from our campsite.
Opening hours: open from April to September, with opening times varying according to the season.
Prices: prices vary from month to month, with special prices for night-time shows and Day+Night Passes.
Store and restaurant: the castle store offers a wide range of souvenirs. The tavern offers fast food.
The flavours of Sables d'Olonne
Don't leave without tasting the Préfou VendéenThis soft garlic bread is ideal as an aperitif. La Mogette VendéenneThis tender white bean goes perfectly with Vendée ham. Also try the famous Sardine des Sables d'Olonnethe pride of traditional fishing, and the sweet Gâteau Sablé. Le salt from Marais d'Olonne is also a treasure to be discovered. Here are a few addresses for your gourmet breaks if you're planning to visit Les Sables d'Olonne :- La Pilotine: a restaurant located at 7 Prom. Georges Clemenceau, 85100 Les Sables-d'Olonne, France, 20 km from our campsite. It's renowned for its seafood cuisine, overlooking the fishing port. You'll enjoy the famous sardine des Sables and shellfish.
- Le Quai des Saveurs: small modern restaurant located at 8 Pl. de Strasbourg, 85100 Les Sables-d'Olonne, France, 20 km from our campsite. Try mogettes de Vendée, lamb from Olonne Island, or Vendée brioches for dessert.
Key points to remember
| Point of interest | Distance from campsite | Key information |
| La Grande Plage | 20 km | Ideal for swimming, surfing, sand yachting, jet skiing, paddling and sailing. |
| Les Sables d'Olonne Zoo | 21 km | Over 400 exotic animals (lions, giraffes, red pandas). Snack bar and store on site. |
| Les Salines | 17 km | Guided boat trips, canoeing and paddling on the salt river. Salt adventure park with educational games. |
| Penotte Island | 20 km | A pedestrian district with facades decorated with shells by a local artist. |
| Port Olona | 19 km | Vendée's leading marina, starting point for the Vendée Globe. |
| Château de Talmont-Saint-Hilaire | 30 km | Former medieval fortress (Richard the Lionheart). Chivalry shows, falconry, workshops. Pets allowed on leash. |
So, are you ready to start your adventure? Now you know exactly what to do in Les Sables d'Olonne! This destination has everything to please campers: a wealth of history, varied leisure activities, vibrant culture and delicious gastronomy. Your stay at the ideally located Camping L'Orée de l'Océan gives you the freedom to explore all these treasures at your own pace. Book your pitch and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Vendée!
