LES SABLES D OLONNE

• Latitude: 46.5
•
• Longitude: -1.79094
•
• UK Coast & Atlantic
•
• Port in France

Address: Les Sables-d'Olonne Pays de la Loire 85100 France

Phone number: +33 2 51 95 00 00

Web-site: http://www.lessablesdolonne.fr

Les Sables-d'Olonne is a well-known maritime port located on the Atlantic coast in the Vendée department, western France. Historically, it has been an important fishing port and a hub for maritime activities, and today it continues to thrive, particularly noted for its marina, commercial, and passenger port facilities.

Port Description

Location:

• Latitude: 46.4961° N
• Longitude: 1.7833° W

Les Sables-d'Olonne is strategically located on the Bay of Biscay, making it a convenient access point for Atlantic maritime routes.

Port Facilities

Marina:

• Capacity: Over 1,000 berths
• Depth: Varies from 2 to 5 meters
• The marina caters to a wide variety of pleasure craft including yachts and sailing boats.

Fishing Port:

• Historically significant with a substantial modern fleet.
• Facilities for landing, storage, and processing of fish.
• Regular fish markets are held.

Commercial Port:

• Facilities to handle cargo ships, though on a smaller scale compared to France's larger ports.
• Depth at the quays varies, typically around 5 meters.
• Supportive infrastructure for intermodal transport, including road and potentially rail links.

Passenger Services:

• Ferry services may operate seasonally or based on demand, connecting to other ports in the region.

Additional Features

Vendée Globe:

• Les Sables-d'Olonne is famously known as the starting and finishing point for the Vendée Globe, a prestigious solo, non-stop, around-the-world yacht race which occurs every four years.

Nautical Services:

• Comprehensive maintenance and repair services including dry docks and shipyards.
• Chandlers, fuel stations, and waste disposal facilities.
• Sailing schools and clubs offering training and recreational sailing opportunities.

Accessibility

By Sea:

• Easily accessible from the open Atlantic, providing a safe harbor with breakwaters.
• Tidal restrictions and depths should be taken into account when planning entry and exit.

By Land:

• Well-connected to the French road network, allowing efficient transfer of goods and passengers.
• The town has a train station offering regional services which can connect to larger cities and high-speed train networks.

Environmental Considerations

• The port actively participates in environmental sustainability programs and practices, aiming to protect its marine and coastal environment.
• Waste management and pollution control measures are in place.

Nearby Attractions

• Les Sables-d'Olonne is a popular tourist destination known for its long sandy beaches, seaside promenades, and maritime heritage.
• The town offers numerous restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, making it a well-rounded port of call for visitors.

In summary, Les Sables-d'Olonne stands out as a multifaceted marine port with significant facilities for fishing, commercial shipping, and recreational boating. Its reputation as a sailing hub, especially linked to the Vendée Globe, further accentuates its standing in the maritime community.