beaches of les Sables d'Olonne

The beach at Les Sables d'Olonne also known as Le Grande Plage, is one of the safest in the Vendee. This long crescent of gently shelving sand is protected to the north by the harbour wall, not only on the Les Sables side, but also by the breakwater that stretches out from the Fort de Saint Nicolas. This headland gives protection to shipping entering and leaving the port from the rocks of la Baleine on the tip of the headland at Chaume. This protection includes disrupting the tidal currents and Atlantic swells that cause undercurrents. This protection lessens as you move south towards la Tanchette . La Tanchette may be the province of the surfer and wind surfer, but le Grande Plage is home to the dingy sailor, and these often colourful boats add great atmosphere and interest to this part of the beach.

There are surveillance posts on the beach and, as you would expect from a tourist centre as large as Les sables d’Olonne, there are a wealth of facilities including restaurants, cafes and bars as well the usual gift and tourist shops close at hand.
If you want a break from the beach you can visit the Zoo , or take a walk around the fishing harbour or the pleasure port which, every four years in November, hosts the start and finish of the world famous Vendée Globe sailing race.