Les Salines proches des campings Chadotel

There are days when you don't need to go far to feel out of place... and then, sometimes all it takes is a few kilometres to stumble across a little gem: Les Sables d'Olonne. Just a few minutes from the Chadotel campsites, this town has a holiday feel to it.

First stop: the town centre. Leave your car in the Hôtel de Ville underground car park at 7 Rue du Maréchal Leclerc. This solution will allow you to avoid the explosion in charges after 2 hours.

A walk in the footsteps of art and sailors

Start your journey with an unusual visit to Île Penotte, a hidden district where the walls tell stories. Keep your eyes peeled: every nook and cranny of the alleyway is adorned with marine mosaics, shell-like works of art created by local artist Danièle Arnaud-Aubin. It's an artistic, poetic, almost enchanted walk, unlike anything else. Let your eyes wander, they'll know where to stop.

Then take a short walk through the Chaume district. A former fishing village, it has retained the soul of its seafaring ancestors. It's well worth the diversions, but if you prefer a shorter version, head straight for the Armandèche lighthouse.

💡To wit.

Install Visorando to follow the route
Do this 7 km, 2 hour loop to make the most of the beauty of the area...

Gourmet break

You can take the time to stop off at places you like, and even have a picnic if you feel like it. But once back in the centre, you can also let your nose (or a GPS) guide you to La Fontaine, a restaurant-bar-café where the welcome is warmer than a July sun. Generous charcuterie, homemade cakes, cold drinks and genuine smiles: you'll feel right at home here. The new owners have a knack of making you forget the weather, and it doesn't matter if it's not facing the ocean, the atmosphere is worth all the sea views.

Nature adventure: Les Salines

In the afternoon, change atmosphere and head for Les Salines, just 10 minutes from the town centre. This unique natural site takes you on the white gold trail, the fascinating story of sea salt. Park easily, take a deep breath and set off on an adventure.

There are several options open to you. Follow a passionate salt-maker, harvest salt and enjoy a family experience that's as fun as it is educational. It's also possible to navigate the salt river either by boat, by prior arrangement, or by canoe, by contacting Les Salines in advance. As you pass through the ponds, you can learn about the traditional skills of the salt worker and breathe in the marsh air. It's a perfect blend of nature, history and poetry.

💡Bookings can be made on the official Les Salines website. Times vary from week to week, but are regularly in the early afternoon.
Rates and packages available:

For the Salt adventure park: €16/adult, €11.50/child (7 to 12 years inclusive), €8/child (3 to 6 years)
The Salt River by boat: €26/adult, €15/child (7 to 12 years inclusive), €11.50/child (3 to 6 years)
The Salt River by canoe: €23/adult, €17/child (including children aged 3 to 12)

A gentle closing

Before you leave, take advantage of the services on offer and treat yourself to a moment of relaxation: a shaded terrace is the perfect place to sip a drink or enjoy an ice cream in complete tranquillity.

💡Good to know: there's a shop selling local produce on site, ideal for taking some of this magical day home.