Les Sables d'Olonne > Discover > Patrimony > Maritime Patrimony
Patrimony
Maritime Patrimony
History of the fishing harbour
The first stones were laid in the 15th century on the orders of Louis XI.
In the 16th century, whale fishing, and the salt, wine, corn and sailing cloth trades made it one of the busiest harbours. Then the great cod-fishing era took off on the banks of Terre-Neuve. The fish was salted on the boat immediately after being caught, using salt from Olonne. This was then followed by the sardine and tuna fishing eras. A series of works were undertaken in the 18th century to give the fishing harbour the form we see today, with its jetties and quays…
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Silos de la Cavac
A découvrir sur le port de pêche, la fresque géante "De Sable et de Sel" sur les Silos de la Cavac.
La fresque réalisée par Taroe illustre :
- le tourisme balnéaire ;
- l’économie du sel …
Réalisation en 2 mois par l’artiste basque Taroe et l’association "The Next Movement".
Pour la réalisation de cette fresque :
Utilisation de 775 litres de peinture pour colorer la surface de 2 500 m², d'une hauteur de 25 mètres de haut, tout au rouleau et au pinceau.
Certains visages mesurent jusqu’à 5 mètres.
Quelques infos sur les silos ...
La capacité totale de stockage des silos sablais de la Cavac est de 22 000 tonnes.
Le site stocke des céréales (blé tendre, blé dur et maïs) provenant des départements de la Vendée et des Deux-Sèvres.
Chaque année, le port de commerce des Sables-d’Olonne exporte vers l'Europe toute entière, soit plus de 350 000 tonnes de céréales pour notamment le groupe agro-alimentaire italien, Barilla.
Artisanal fishing
No less than 2 lighthouses and 7 port lights guide sailors into Les Sables d’Olonne harbour.
Small-scale fishing harbour ranking 4th nationally for the value of the produce landed (noble fish: sole, sea bass, cuttlefish), 59 boats, 170 sailors/fishermen.
To visit :
Guided tour of the fishing harbour
(in French) Let our local guides show you what happens behind the scenes at the fishing harbourin a 1 1/2 hour tour.
Explanation of the dealer’s and trader’s role, observation of sales transactions and different fish and seafood. Film showing images of today and yesteryear.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.15 am from 16th June to 15th September (only Tuesday in June and September).
Admission 2016 : 6,10€/adult, 4€/5 to 16 years.
Bookings compulsory at the Tourist Office of Les Sables d’Olonne.
Jetties and lighthouses
Château Saint-Clair and Arundel Tower La Chaume
Built by the Princes of Talmont in the 15th century, the château was seized by the Protestant leader, Soubise, in 1622, who had fortifications built. First a garrison under Louis XIII, then bombed in 1796 by the Anglo-Dutch, seized by the government in 1835, and finally restored between 1986 and 1994, the château currently houses the Sea Museum. The tower forms part of the Château Saint-Clair’s defences. The first port light was introduced in 1593. In the 18th century, the La Chaume lighthouse was the only lighthouse in the Vendée. Its present appearance is the result of restoration work undertaken between 1857 and 1858. When visiting the sea museum, take the unique opportunity to go to the top of the tower: stunning panoramic view Viewpoint indicator. The last lighthouse keeper left in 1995.
The grand jetty
Quai des Boucanniers
St. Nicolas jetty was first sketched as early as 1764 and completed in 1910 with the construction of the lighthouse.
The small jetty and the green lighthouse
Joffre promenade
Built in the 18th century, the small jetty protects the harbour from silting up. In the 19th century, together with the grand jetty, it served as a tow path.
L’Armandèche lighthouse
The Corniche du Nouch
Standing 36m tall and 42km wide, the lighthouse was built to replace Arundel lighthouse.
Les Barges lighthouse
The Corniche du Nouch
Designed in 1861, originally to mark the harbour entrance. It stands 24.81m high and its operation has been automated since 1970.
Guided tour
The Vendée Globe
Vendée Globe new start : 6th November 2016 at 1.02pm
Les Sables d’Olonne, the starting and finishing point of the legendary roundthe- world solo yacht race, non-stop, unaided and unassisted: the VENDEE GLO BE,
created in 1989 by Philippe Jeantot.
From one year's edition to the next, the Vendée Globe has forged its legend and the successes of its winners. Titouan Lamazou (winner of the Vendée Globe 1989-1990), Alain Gautier (1992-1993), Christophe Auguin (1996-1997), Michel Desjoyeaux (2000- 2001) Vincent Riou (2004-2005), Michel Desjoyeaux (2008-2009) and François Gabart (2012-2013).
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Vendée Globe The Vendée Globe is the only sailing race round the world, solo, non-stop and without assistance. Departure from Les Sables d'Olonne.
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Sables d’Olonne Exploration
1/ With Léo & Arundel, direction to the district of la Chaume.
only in french !
Between the Prieuré Saint Nicolas and the Port Olona.
- 10 points;
- 1h30 to 2h course;
- 2kms distance;
- From 6/7 years old.
From the Middle Ages to the Vendée Globe, many fishermen, sailors, merchants, explorers, privateers and skippers have crossed the barrier of barges to attempt an adventure on the seas of the Globe.
They have all written a part of the great maritime history and shaped the identity of Les Sables d'Olonne.
Always accompanied by his faithful companion Arundel, a tern or sea swallow, Léo will help you solve the riddles along the way.
So without further ado, accompany Léo and Arundel on this fabulous exploration of Sables d'Olonne by following in the footsteps of the ocean adventurers.
2/ With Lalie & Penotte, direction to the beach of Les Sables d'Olonne.
On the seafront:
- 13 stages;
- 1.5 hour walk;
- 2kms journey;
- From 6/7 years old.
This tour will take you along the Grande Plage, on the Remblai and its adjacent streets where you will have challenges to face.
After the challenge, you will receive the comfort of a souvenir gift!
Are you ready to join them in the challenge?
Application available for download on Google Play & App Store.
