Take a breath of fresh air on the beaches, dunes and marshes of the Côte Lumière. Why not rent a boat in Les Sables d’Olonne and follow one of our sea itineraries?
Famous for the Vendée Globe, the sunny seaside resort of Les Sables d’Olonne deserves its reputation as the star of the Côte Lumière. Its monuments and historic sites are as imposing as they are charming. It’s also a great place for strides to viewpoints and coastal paths.
But the most spoiled are the ocean lovers. This blue jewel opens its arms to all lovers of water sports, intense swimming or simply relaxing on the warm sand. But also to sailors who dream of re-enacting some epic scenes from the Vendée Globe… or simply savoring the pleasures of a humble ocean getaway. How and where to rent a boat in Les Sables d’Olonne
Ideas for boat trips from Les Sables d’Olonne
Itinerary 1: 1 day from Les Sables D’Olonne to Ile d’Yeu
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pierre-Olivier
Start with a proper tour of Les Sables d’Olonne. Discover the famous Saint-Nicolas priory, its charming little houses and quaint streets in the Chaume district. Climb up to the panoramic bell tower and take a tour of the Château Saint-Clair.
Then take in the Musée de la Mer or the Île Penotte district, a veritable open-air art museum. Then, browse from stall to stall in the Halles market, from designer workshops to tempting bric-a-brac, from garage sales to flea markets. Finally, let yourself be tempted by an itinerary along the water, an inseparable element of the town. Renting a boat in Les Sables d’Olonne will give you an unusual and sensational view of the coastline.
If you opt for a yacht charter in Les Sables d’Olonne, you absolutely must visit one of the surrounding islands. One of these isIle d’Yeu. This small island, characterized by its varied relief and lush vegetation, is bathed in a unique atmosphere. The light is brilliant at any time of day. Once you’ve landed, it’s time to take a walk: there’s no better way to discover its unspoiled landscapes and historic vestiges, including the unshakeable feudal castle.
Return to your starting point in the evening.
Itinerary 2: 2 days on Ile d’Yeu, Belle-Île, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Christian Musat
This itinerary dedicated to yacht charter in Les Sables d’Olonne lets you explore two must-see islands in the north of the coast. The first is Île d’Yeu, mentioned above. The second is Belle-Île. Spend the morning on the first and the second part of the day on the second.
Belle-Île is aptly named. It’s undoubtedly the jewel of Brittany’s Morbihan Gulf. It unfolds along rolling countryside and fragrant moors, beautiful beaches and charming fishing villages. When you dock here, you’ll immediately be seduced by its ambience and sites of interest: a coastal path for hiking enthusiasts, beaches and coves for idlers, the intense, bubbling natural spectacle of Pointe des Poulains and the charming village of Sauzon.
On the second day, discover the coastal town of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. This former shipping center boasts a fishing port and a marina, both anchored in the heart of the town. You’re sure to love its colors, old quarters and unspoiled traditions. It’s also one of France’s largest sardine ports. This says a lot about the delicious dishes you’ll find in the fish restaurants. At the end of the day, glide gently towards Les Sables d’Olonne.
Itinerary 3: 3 days between the southern islands and La Rochelle
Photo credit: Shutterstock – trabantos
Just an hour’s sailing away, start by discovering the islands of Ré andOléron: two pristine pearls whose treasures are too numerous to count.
The first has preserved its authenticity, and unfolds along ten small, typical villages. The second is particularly recommended for nature lovers and cyclists, who can easily spend a day on each island, between picturesque villages, beaches, gourmet breaks and hikes to stretch their legs.
Extend your stay with a third day in La Rochelle. This thousand-year-old city, steeped in maritime traditions, is now a cultural jewel on the coast. It also boasts the largest marina on the Atlantic coast.
Spend a whole day there. The beautiful city is home to numerous historic monuments in sumptuous architectural styles. Each is linked by arcaded streets of equally captivating charm. Things to do during your stopover in La Rochelle include a visit to the Vieux Port, theaquarium, theHôtel de Ville, the Cathédrale Saint Louis, the Maison Henri II, theEglise Saint Sauveur, the Palais de Justice and the Cloître des Dames Blanches. And don’t forget a little galette and cider combo before getting back on board your boat.
What type of boat can I rent in Les Sables d’Olonne?
We offer a wide range of boats for charter:
- semi-rigid ;
- motorboats ;
- yachts ;
- catamarans.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Les Sables d’Olonne?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Thomas Pajot
Renting a boat in Les Sables d’Olonne, with or without a skipper, costs from €125 per day (for a small 7-person sailboat) to €850 per day (for a twelve-person, 900 hp motorboat). This price does not include fuel.
How to rent a boat in Les Sables d’Olonne?
Our first tip is to hire a boat in Les Sables d’Olonne with a skipper. These professional sailors, whose daily services are relatively affordable, are a guarantee of safety for any traveler unfamiliar with sailing. What’s more, skippers are usually excellent local guides.
If you’re hesitating between a professional rental company and a private boat rental platform in Les Sables d’Olonne, we recommend the second option. By opting for a leader in this field (e.g. Samboat), you’re assured of quality service and competitive prices. Choose your sailboat, catamaran, RIB or motorboat according to your criteria of price, size and availability, fill in your details and send your request to the owner. In just a few clicks, your boat is booked!
Do I need a permit to sail in Les Sables d’Olonne?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Christophe Cappelli
If you choose to rent a motorboat in Les Sables d’Olonne, you’ll need a license. Unless it’s a boat with less than 6 HP. If not, you’ll need the expertise of a skipper. To rent a sailboat or any other boat without a motor (with or without a skipper), you don’t need a license.
Our advice for sailing in Les Sables d’Olonne
The port of Les Sables d’Olonne is ideally anchored, just 100 meters from the town center. Before and during your getaway, here are our recommendations:
- Check the weather forecast regularly and remain flexible on dates in case of bad weather;
- Check the reliability of the equipment before departure;
- Tell your friends and family on land about your sea voyage;
- Find out about the regulations governing navigation in the bay and the different areas you will be passing through (lurking, swimming, etc.);
- Beware of the winds in this region.
When is the best time to sail in Les Sables d’Olonne?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Images01
The best time to sail along the Côte Lumière is from May to September. You can also leave in April or October, depending on the weather. In any case, avoid the stormy months of January and February.