Tourist information:
City known worldwide as a starting and finishing point of the Vendee Globe, it is also known for its surroundings. Here, sea, city and nature live in glorious sunshine with beautiful scenery to offer. Les Sables d'Olonne is built on the banks of beautiful sandy beaches, the Grand Plage is the most popular beach, and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Its arc form protects it from wind and then allows athletes to indulge in the joy of water sports!
Nature is everywhere in Les Sables d'Olonne. In addition to the famous Grand Beach there is also Paracou Beach near the district of La Chaume. The city is known for its dunes that surround and protect it from the tides and winds. In return, we must also preserve its dunes which are a fragile natural balance. Puits d’Enfer pit is an example of rocky coast. It lies south of the Tranchet beach.
With a long history, Les Sables d'Olonne has a remarkable architectural heritage. The Chateau Saint-Clair dating from the thirteenth century was bombed in 1796 by the Anglo-Dutch army and rebuilt in the 1980s. It houses the Museum of the Sea in the tower of Arundel.
Its religious heritage is also very interesting. In the heart of the city can be found Gothic-styleNotre-Dame-de-Bon-Port, the church of Saint-Nicolas dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen and boatmen and the church of Saint-Pierre with its amazing neo-Byzantine style.
The Vendée Globe has become a legendary race, linked to the town of Sables d'Olonne where it starts from. Born of a bet between three friends in 1989, the race has quickly become one of the most famous ocean races. Since its launch, rules are the same. You need to circle around the world on your own, nonstop and without assistance.
