Transport
Getting there
| By Train | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| From | Via | Time | Time |
| Calais | A16, A28, A11 | 6:30 hours | via Paris (station change) and Nantes: 7 hours |
| Paris | A11, A87 | 4:30 hours | on TGV to Nantes, change there: 3:30 hours |
| Dieppe | A28, A11 | 5 hours | via Rouen, Paris (station change): 6:45 hours |
| Le Havre | A28, A11 | 4:45 hours | via Paris (station change): 6:45 hours |
| Cherbourg | A84, N137, A83 | 4:45 hours | via Paris (station change) and Nantes: 8 hours |
| Marseilles | A61, A62, A10 | 9 hours | via Paris (station change): 8 hours |
Air: Although there’s an airport at Les Sables-d’Olonne, it’s used for leisure aircraft and parachuting.
The closest airports with international flights would be Nantes (the biggest by far) and La Rochelle.
Nantes airport is 123 km, La Rochelle is 105 km from the city.
Ferry: There are no direct ferry operators to this city. Closest international one is Cherbourg (450 km away), while St. Malo (290 kms) serves the Channel Islands.
Bus: Only one long distance bus operator travels to this city.
Within Les Sables-d’Olonne
Les Sables-d’Olonne is not flat, but the older part is easy to walk. Driving on the other hand can prove difficult since some of the roads are VERY narrow. There’s a rather large car park in front of the Saint-Clair castle. It even has a Electric Car charger.
The city operates a shuttle bus service that takes you around the city, but also from parking areas to downton. They have a smartphone app that allows you to buy tickets. The city also rents out (electric) bicycles.
The city also operates a boat shuttle service.
Click here to access the Les Sables-d’Olonne transportation website.
Restaurants
If you like eating in restaurants, you’re in luck. The city counts some 200 restaurants, ranging from expensive to fast food. However, you’ll not find any Michelin star restaurants.
Hotels
There’s enough hotel choice to satisfy anyone. Some 30 hotels from luxury spa hotels to 1 star hotels!
Things To See/To Do
- Visit the Sea Museum inside the Saint-Clair castle (click here to read our review)
- Climb the tower of the Saint-Clair castle for a breathtaking view
. - Visit the Saint Nicolas Priory and sea wall
. - Visit the lighthouses, but beware of massive rogue waves!
. - Visit the pleasure boats marina and admire the yachts and race sailboats
. - Visit the German WWII bunker hospital (click here to find opening times)
- Visit the Tourist Office
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