What to do in Les Sables-d’Olonne?
Welcome to the activities page for Les Sables-d’Olonne, your guide to the best things to do in Les Sables-d’Olonne during your stay at Blue Dune. Discover all the activities available near our accommodation: from lazy days on the beach to nature outings, cultural visits and gourmet breaks, we help you plan unforgettable holiday activities in Vendée.
Destination
An emblematic seaside resort on the Atlantic coast, Les Sables-d’Olonne welcomes you with its fine sandy beaches, lively fishing harbour and picturesque streets. Just a short walk from our accommodation, you will find everything you need for a perfect holiday: markets, restaurants, shops, cycle paths and a wide choice of Les Sables-d’Olonne tourism experiences for all ages.
🌊 Sea & Beach
Among the many activities in Les Sables-d’Olonne, the sea naturally plays a central role. Surfing, paddleboarding, sailing, diving… There are countless ways to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean, whether you are looking for gentle family fun or adrenaline-filled sessions. The large main beach is perfect for classic Vendée beach activities such as swimming, sandcastle building and beach games, while nearby coves offer quieter spots to relax.
Our recommended providers
- Octopus Glisse — Multi-board school: surfing, paddleboarding, sea kayaking
- Surfzone — EFS-certified surf school
- La Vague Sablaise — Surf and bodyboard school
- Paddle Aventure — Kayak rental and tours
- La Terrasse des Salines — Paddleboarding and kayaking in the salt marshes
🚴 Nature & Outdoors
Lovers of nature and fresh air will be in their element in Les Sables-d’Olonne. Cycle paths, hiking trails, salt marshes… Nature is everywhere, making it easy to enjoy holiday activities in Vendée without even taking the car. Set off from the house by bike, follow the coastal paths through the dunes or explore the forest and marshes at your own pace for a peaceful break in the great outdoors.
Our recommended providers
- Destination Les Sables-d’Olonne – Cycling — Map of cycle paths and routes
- Le Veloo de la Forêt — Bike rentals in the forest
- La Route du Sel — Guided nature walks and salt marsh tours
- Les Sables-d’Olonne Agglomération — Walking and mountain bike routes
⛵ Sailing & Nautical
Les Sables-d’Olonne is a world capital of sailing and the starting point of the Vendée Globe. The town offers a wide range of nautical activities for all levels, from first-time sailing lessons to full-day sea trips. Whether you dream of steering a catamaran, trying your hand at windsurfing or simply discovering the coastline from the water, Les Sables-d’Olonne tourism offers something for every sailor.
Our recommended providers
- Sports Nautiques Sablais — Sailing school and nautical activities
- Gregloc — Rigid inflatable boat rentals
- Voile et Vie — Boat rental and preparation
- Barcasse — Boat rentals for licence holders
🏛️ Culture & Discovery
What can you do in Les Sables-d’Olonne when the sea hides behind the clouds? Head for culture! The town is full of museums, art galleries and guided tours, ideal for discovering the local history, maritime heritage and artistic life of the region. These cultural outings are perfect for completing your list of things to do in Les Sables-d’Olonne beyond the beach.
Our recommended providers
- Musée de l’Abbaye Sainte-Croix — Modern and contemporary art
- Destination Les Sables-d’Olonne — Official guides and tours of the town
- Visits & Excursions — Sightseeing ideas around the region
👨👩👧 Family
Les Sables-d’Olonne is an ideal destination for families. Between the zoo, leisure parks and nature activities, children will have plenty to enjoy and parents can relax knowing there is always something to do nearby. From morning beach games to evening strolls on the Remblai, you will quickly build up your own favourites among the many holiday activities in Vendée.
Le Puy du Fou
Puy du Fou is an unmissable experience for the whole family, located just 1 hour from Les Sables-d’Olonne and widely considered one of the greatest theme parks in the world. It is a fantastic day trip to add to your programme of things to do in Les Sables-d’Olonne and the surrounding region. Discover spectacular shows for all ages and plan your visit on the official Puy du Fou website.
Our recommended providers
- Zoo des Sables — Family-friendly zoo with over 500 animals
- Destination Les Sables-d’Olonne — Family activities guide
- Parc de Loisirs Nature — Tree-top adventure, paintball, quad biking
- La Route du Sel — Nature activities suitable for families
- Dino’s Park — Dinosaur theme park in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez (near Les Sables-d’Olonne): fossil digs, 4D cinema, mini-golf, electric cars and animated dinosaur shows
- Puy du Fou — The greatest theme park in the world, only 1 hour from Les Sables-d’Olonne 🌐 www.puydufou.com
- Planète Sauvage — Zoo and safari park, 1h30 from Les Sables-d’Olonne 🌐 www.planete-sauvage.fr
🍽️ Restaurants
After a busy day enjoying the many things to do in Les Sables-d’Olonne, treat yourself to a delicious meal by the sea. From seafood restaurants on the harbour to relaxed brasseries on the Remblai, you will find plenty of options for your evenings and gourmet holiday activities in Vendée.
On the port
- La Cotriade — Seafood, fresh fish 🌐 www.lacotriade.fr
- Le Port — Traditional cuisine, local produce 🌐 www.leport-restaurant.fr
- Fleurs de Thym — Traditional cuisine, local produce 🌐 www.fleursdethym.fr
On the Remblai
- Le Quai des Saveurs — Gastronomic, sea view 🌐 www.lequaidessaveurs.fr
- L’Estran — Modern cuisine, local produce 🌐 www.lestran-restaurant.fr
- Le Reef — Burgers 🌐 www.reef-club.fr
☕ Sunday brunch (outside summer season)
- Nonna — Italian, gourmet brunches 🌐 www.nonna-restaurant.fr
🌍 This page is also available in: Français · Nederlands
