Fancy taking part in a real cultural adventure? Head to Les Sables d'Olonne, where activities and artistic discoveries come together in perfect harmony! From iconic museums to captivating workshops, children of all ages can explore our history at the MASC or marvel at the creative splendour of Madame Nature. Between enriching visits to historic monuments and playful escapades in the Salt Works, culture and adventure come together to offer an unforgettable experience at the heart of our heritage!
Get your fill of culture in Les Sables d'Olonne!
From visit to visit in our museums
Your cultural adventure begins in the museums of Les Sables d'Olonne!The Musée d'art Moderne et Contemporain (MASC) is renowned in France and abroad for its ambitious exhibitions and its two exceptional collections devoted to Gaston Chaissac and Victor Brauner, two key figures in modern art.
Or perhaps you'd prefer to travel the world thanks to the Museum du Coquillage 's incredible collection of 80,000 shells from all over the world?
The Musée du Blockhaus Hôpital takes you back to our past, and offers you a visit dedicated to memory. Immerse yourself in history with a visit to this authentic WW2 hospital bunker.
Finally, from the Musée des Traditions Populaires, where history comes to life before your very eyes, to the Musée de l'Automobile with its roaring machines, there's something for everyone!
When culture rhymes with nature
In the heart of nature in Les Sables d'Olonne, take part in a cultural adventure!Just a stone's throw from the Grande Plage, the Salines unveil their secrets, offering visitors an immersive dive into the fascinating world of salt.
On the programme: enlightening encounters with the Sauniers, guardians of the salt marshes, reveal their harvesting techniques.
Children can learn the art of salt harvesting in fun workshops and take part in educational games.
The Salt Adventure Park, with its breathtaking panoramas and living reconstructions, takes you on an enchanting journey through the history and biodiversity of the marsh.
A small grain of curiosity ...
Places steeped in history
Why not take a look at the historic sites in Les Sables d'Olonne?From the mysterious Prieuré Saint-Nicolas to the majestic ramparts of the Château Saint-Clair, history will sweep you away in a whirlwind of emotions. The Church of Notre Dame de Bon Port, a listed historic monument, bears witness to Les Sables d'Olonne's rich maritime past as a major cod port in the 17th century. The Church of Saint Pierre, an architectural gem, reveals the divine aspirations of past generations, and the Arundel Tower, a proud sentinel of history, guides us towards unexplored horizons. To further anchor you in our past, the trompe-l'oeil fresco by artist Manfred Landreau transports you into the atmosphere of yesteryear 'A la chaumoise', in Place Sainte Anne!
The Belle Epoque
A time suspended between two centuries, between two wars, between two worlds, from the end of the 19th century until the dawn of the First World War, Villa Charlotte overlooking the channel was built in 1867 by a Nantes canning industry industrialist before being extended in 1910 by Joseph Chailley, Member of Parliament for the Vendée, and became the property of the town in 2016.
This elegant residence will soon be restored to its former glory as a musical and heritage stopover, a 'Villa Medici of the sea'.
Every year, the Villa Charlotte International Classical Festival takes place, with major international talents from the contemporary music scene stopping off at Les Sables d'Olonne to revive the soul of the place and of Charlotte Vormèse, violin virtuoso and wife of Joseph Chailley.
Frequently asked questions about
cultural activities in Les Sables d'Olonne
Where is the town of Les Sables d'Olonne located?
The town of Les Sables d'Olonne is located on France's Atlantic coast, in the department of Vendée, in the Pays de la Loire region. More precisely, the destination is on the Côte de Lumière, around 100 kilometres south-west of Nantes, the region's prefecture.
Which museums to visit in Les Sables d'Olonne?
For your next cultural visit to Les Sables d'Olonne, here is our selection of museum ideas: