Les Sables d'Olonne (Pays de la Loire) Pop: 17,000 (winter)

An Atlantic fishing harbor, resort town and birthplace of the pirate, Francois I'Ollonais, Les Sables d'Olonne features the internationally renown Vendee Globe yacht race every four years.

This community offers a diversion from the exaggerated tourism world of Paris with its efforts to out-French the Capital. Here you find predominantly French natives, sprinkled lightly with Germans and English.

Les Sables d'Olonne Attractions

Les Sables d'Olonne Zoological Gardens

Musee d'Automobile

Beach activities

Camping, boating

Casino

Promenade du Remblai

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Port - built in 1646