The Saint-Clair castle at Les Sables-d'Olonne

Les Sables-d’Olonne – Saint-Clair Castle

The Saint-Claire castle at the harbour entrance of Les Sables-d’Olonne is not big, but has a strategic position to repel attackers coming from the sea.

Castle Tower Lighthouse – Phare de la Chaume

The most important part of the castle/fortress is the tower, known as the “Tour d’Arundel“. On top of this high tower is a lighthouse known as the “Phare de la Chaume“. The lighthouse was placed here in 1855, replacing the one from 1593.

The Tour d'Arundel of the Saint-Clair castle with its lighthouse
The Tour d’Arundel of the Saint-Clair castle with its lighthouse

The base of the castle dates back to the 12th century while the rest was built in the 14th and 15th century.

The moat around the Saint-Clair castle at Les Sables-d'Olonne
The moat around the Saint-Clair castle at Les Sables-d’Olonne

There used to be a 2nd tower, but it was demolished in the 17th century.

The main gates and cannons of the Saint-Clair castle at Les Sables-d'Olonne
The main gates and cannons of the Saint-Clair castle at Les Sables-d’Olonne
Access to the Saint-Clair castle at Les Sables-d'Olonne
Access to the Saint-Clair castle at Les Sables-d’Olonne

Museum

Today the castle is a museum dedicated to the sea (what else?).

Sea Museum entrance at the Saint-Clair castle at Les Sables-d'Olonne
Sea Museum entrance at the Saint-Clair castle at Les Sables-d’Olonne

The Sea Museum is opened everyday during the summer, from April until Septembre.

Click here to access the museum’s web site.

Access to the tower will cost you extra.

The grounds of  the Saint-Clair castle at Les Sables-d'Olonne
The grounds of the Saint-Clair castle at Les Sables-d’Olonne

Conclusion

It’s a nice little castle, and if you visit, you’ll not be spending the day. Count an hour.

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