arrondissement of Les Sables-d'Olonne

Heritage sites in the arrondissement of Les Sables-d'Olonne

Regional Heritage Sites

Explore the architectural and archaeological history of the Vendée coast. This selection spans thousands of years, from Neolithic dolmens and menhirs to Gallo-Roman ruins. Highlights include medieval fortresses like the Vieux-château de l’Île d’Yeu, the 16th-century Moulin à vent de Rairé, and the 12th-century Abbaye de Saint-Jean d'Orbestier. The list also features significant maritime heritage, including historic lighthouses and 19th-century military fortifications that have shaped the region's coastal identity.

Regional Heritage Sites — Map

Tirand / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Château de Commequiers

The Château de Commequiers is a castle in Commequiers in Vendée, France.

Selbymay / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Château de Beaumarchais

A 16th-century Renaissance-style castle located in Brétignolles-sur-Mer.

C

Dolmen La Pierre Levée

A Neolithic megalithic tomb, also known as a portal dolmen, located in Brem-sur-Mer.

D

Menhir dit La Minche du Diable

A prehistoric standing stone, or menhir, situated in the commune of Vairé.

Remi Jouan / CC BY 3.0

E

Île d'Yeu Lighthouse

The Île d'Yeu Lighthouse, sometimes called the Grand Phare or La Petite Foule, is a French lighthouse constructed on the Île d'Yeu in 1950.

François de Dijon / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Phare des Dames

Built in 1867, this lighthouse is located in the Bois de la Chaise on Noirmoutier Island.

G

Manoir de la Tuderrière

A manor house dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, featuring late Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements.

H

Château de l'Audardière

A 16th-century castle in Apremont, recognized as a French historic monument.

I

Fort de Pierre-Levée

A 19th-century military fort on Île d'Yeu that once served as a state prison.

J

Abbaye de Saint-Jean d'Orbestier

A 12th-century Benedictine abbey founded by William IX of Aquitaine, situated near the coastline.

K

Église Saint-Martin-de-Vertou

A parish church in La Jonchère, rebuilt in the 19th century on the site of an older sanctuary.

L

Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption

A Romanesque church in Angles, famous for the 'Bête d'Angles' stone sculpture perched on its roof.

M

Église Saint-Pierre

A traditional parish church located in the village of Grosbreuil.

Selbymay / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

Église Saint-Gilles

A historic Catholic church in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie with origins dating back to the 9th century.

O

Ponts de Port-La-Claye

A series of historic bridges spanning the Lay river at the crossing of Port-La-Claye.

Tirand / CC BY-SA 4.0

P

Vieux-château de l'Île d'Yeu

The Vieux-château de l'île d'Yeu is a fortification on Île d'Yeu off the French Atlantic coast in the département of Vendée.

Q

Moulin à vent de Rairé

A 16th-century windmill in Sallertaine that has remained in continuous operation since 1555.

Stephanbloch / Public domain

R

Château de la Guignardière

The Château de la Guignardière is a 16th-century château located outside Avrillé, in the Vendée department, western France.

S

Villa "Sans Souci"

A seaside villa in Les Sables-d'Olonne, showcasing early 20th-century Belle Époque architecture.

T

Tour gallo-romaine

The archaeological remains of a Gallo-Roman tower or funerary monument located in the town of Angles.

Other Lists

arrondissement des Sables-d'Olonne: Essential Heritage Beautiful Beaches Historic Churches and Religious Sites Castles and Manor Houses Iconic Lighthouses Premier Campsites & Caravan Parks