Forêt d'Olonne & Marais de Olonne
Just minutes from the beach crowds, the Forêt d'Olonne and the adjacent Marais d'Olonne form a vast, tranquil nature corridor of maritime pine forest, salt marshes and bird-rich lagoons that feels like a different world entirely. Together they protect over 1,500 hectares of habitat and are among the finest spots for birdwatching and cycling in the Vendée.
The Forest
The Forêt d'Olonne is a planted maritime pine forest that runs parallel to the coast, acting as a natural windbreak and stabilising the dune system that would otherwise migrate inland. Shaded cycling and walking trails criss-cross the forest, and the smell of warm pine resin on a summer afternoon is deeply restorative.
Several picnic clearings are dotted through the forest, and the trails connect directly to the coastal cycle path, making it easy to loop from the beach through the pines and back without ever getting in a car.
The Marais & Birdwatching
The Marais d'Olonne is a mosaic of salt pans, reed beds and shallow lagoons that sits between the forest and the town of Olonne-sur-Mer. It is a designated Natura 2000 site and a critical staging post for migratory waders, herons, egrets and, in winter, vast flocks of wigeon and teal.
The Maison du Marais visitor centre on the Route des Marais provides free entry, a helpful map of the observation hides and a seasonal guide to which species are likely to be present — even non-birders tend to be captivated by the sight of a grey heron standing motionless in the golden light of early morning.
How to Explore
The best approach is to hire a bicycle in Les Sables-d'Olonne and follow the signed Vélodyssée coastal route westward into the forest, then loop north along the minor roads that skirt the marsh edge — a circuit of around 18 km that takes two to three leisurely hours.
Dawn and dusk are the most rewarding times in the marais; bring binoculars, wear muted colours and expect to see marsh harriers quartering the reed beds if you arrive quietly.
More of Les Sables-d'Olonne
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Les Sables-d'Olonne →
