Olonne-sur-Mer, former commune in Vendée, France
Olonne-sur-Mer is a small coastal town in the Vendée region in northwestern France. It has simple house facades, well-kept gardens, and quiet streets that lead toward the sea, lined with pine trees and open spaces near the water.
The place was established as its own town centuries ago and became an important fishing and salt-harvesting center. In early 2019, it merged with the nearby city of Les Sables-d'Olonne and became part of a larger administrative unit.
The name refers to a small river and the town's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Fishing and salt harvesting have shaped life here for generations, and this connection to the sea remains visible in how people work and gather each day.
The area is easily accessible by car via the A83 motorway and near La Rochelle-Île de Ré Airport. Hotels and campsites offer straightforward lodging options, and the flat landscape is ideal for cycling and coastal walks.
The nearby port of Les Sables-d'Olonne is the starting point of the Vendée Globe, a famous sailing race where solo sailors journey around the world non-stop. This race takes place every 4 years and draws many spectators who follow this remarkable feat.
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