# Tag 71 Les Sables d'Olonne

The coast north of Gironde is the heart of French oyster production. Small pools, canals, breeding stations, and sales outlets are scattered along the road. Oysters dominate life here.

Poitou Charentes

This sector of the Atlantic coast is home to the largest oyster production in Europe in terms of quantity. The annual production is 30,000 tons of Pacific rock oyster (2004). The region of Poitou Charentes extends from La Rochelle in the north to the mouth of the Gironde and includes the island of "Île de Ré". The most significant oyster farming in France is located in the sub-region of "Marennes-Oléron"....(Wikipedia)

Here you will also find the two famous offshore islands, Ile de Ré and Ile d'Oleron (the second largest French island after Corsica). The area is well equipped with pitches and camping facilities. But we want to go further to cover a few more kilometers.

I am completely unfamiliar with the seaside resort of Les Sables d'Olonne. However, the name sounds nice, so I chose it. A campsite about 8 km away is listed on the ACSI Campingcard and is said to cost only €18. For that price, it offers a 5-star site with a pool complex and outstanding reviews for its sanitary facilities. Camping Le Littoral - Camping Sandaya Vendée

We treat ourselves to this at the end of the trip and we are not disappointed. At first glance, you can tell that quality is important here. Everyone has a friendly "Bonjour" on their lips, the young ladies at the reception explain the site and confirm the ACSI price of €18, including all facilities.

The pitches are exceptionally large at 90 sqm and all have electricity and water connections. You can really enjoy yourself here.

But what does the town of Les Sables d'Olonne have to offer us?

According to Wikipedia, it is one of the largest French seaside resorts and is particularly popular with the French. Foreign tourists are rather rare here.

In addition, the town is the starting point for the single-handed sailing race Vendée Globe every 4 years, the toughest single-handed race around the world with the start and finish in Les Sables d'Olonne.

We'll take a look at that.

The next morning/noon, the bikes are ready and we explore the city. It becomes evident very early on that bike paths have been created here and are being used. The entire route to the city (8 km) can be covered on separate cycle paths along the coast without having to drive on the main road.

And then comes the first impression of the city - the cycle path runs right along the beach and promenade. Le Ramblai is the name for the promenade (as everywhere in the south) and it lives up to its name. Spacious and with wide promenades, a wide beach along the promenade, plenty of restaurants and cafes along the buildings - delightful. The first impression is positive. And in between, you can also find beautiful Art Nouveau houses with impressive facades.

We quickly agree that this is a really great, clean French city that we like, even though it has a population of 45,000 and is considered a major city, it still exudes a certain tranquility. This may be due to the off-season, as the beach is only moderately filled with people, despite the perfect beach weather. However, you can still find a place in the restaurants along the promenade.

Regarding the campsite: it lives up to its 5-star status. The sanitary facilities are top-notch, with shower and toilet cleanly separated. The pool complex is top-notch, with indoor and outdoor pools, a whirlpool, counter-current system, and supervision, leaving nothing to be desired. The facility is geared towards young children, although there are few at this time of year. Therefore, we were able to enjoy the pool complex in peace.

We initially check-in for 2 days but would extend if the weather and our well-being permit - both are fulfilled, and we stay until Wednesday. This is also the last date for the return journey.

Our calculations are running at full steam every day. After weighing all obligations, we want to be home by Friday, which means shortening the trip by one week.

This means that we will skip or postpone Brittany, Normandy, and the Dutch North Sea coast. We can do that at another time.

Although it is difficult for me not to fill the 80 days, considering all the circumstances, we have to make this decision.

When we start the next morning and the road moves away from the sea, there is a hint of sadness. The Atlantic Ocean is behind us, and the journey will take us across France.