Travel deals Atlantic Coast - endless beaches & wild ocean!
Wild sea, steep cliffs and jagged rocks dominate the charming and uniquely beautiful landscape along the Atlantic Coast. In contrast to neighbouring Côte d'Argent, one won't find endlessly long sand beaches on the Côte Basque; rather, enchanting, with interspersed bays. The numerous seaside resorts wound along this bizarre coastal landscape remind one of an illustrious past. Palatial 17th century villas can be found in nearly every coastal town, as well as the odd casino or two. After a relaxing day at the beach, the larger resorts such as Biarritz or Ondres attract visitors to stroll among their many chic boutiques or colourful markets of all kinds. The Côte d’Argent, the silver coast, which stretches from the mouth of the Gironde to the Adour at Bayonne, owes its name to the glittering sea. The endless, 250 km long beaches, with their powerful surf, don't just attract beach bathers, but also water sports fans. The largest forest area in Europe (10,000 km²) stretches out in the hinterland and invites visitors on an extensive tour of discovery. Atlantic Coast - endless beaches & wild ocean!
Les Sables d'Olonne is located between Nantes (108 km) and La Rochelle (100 km), directly on the Côte de Lumière. The popular coastal resort is an ideal starting point for day trips and hikes along the 10 km long, partially rugged coast or in the bordering forest areas. Sights in the resort include the yacht harbour "Port Olona", the fishing harbour and both districts "Ile de Penotte" and "Quartier de la Chaume". Since 1989, "Port Olona" has been known as the starting point and destination of the round-the-world single-handed yacht race "Vendeée Globe", which takes place every four years. The district "Ile de Penotte" is a picturesque quarter in the town's centre, with houses decorated with shells by a regional artist. "Quartier de la Chaume" is considered the town's cradle and the fishermens' quarter. A foreshortened painted house wall on "Sainte-Anne" square is particularly fascinating.
