Olonne-sur-Mer

Olonne-sur-Mer comes from the Celtic word "olona" meaning high above water. From as far back as 4000BC there was a Neolithic civilization (presence) here. Menhirs have been found here together with over 200 cut and polished stone axe heads. The harbour at Olonne gradually silted up over time and the Ile Vertime, which contained the village of Chaume, joined the mainland.
Due to its natural harbour Olonne was of great importance historically and strategically, the Romans had a harbour settlement here along with an industry refining salt.

The town was continuously invaded by the Normans up until 911 when Olonne was included into 'Talmondais' and came under the control of the Count of Poitou, the Duc of Aquitaine who re-organized the area introducing the export of local wine and salt to northern Europe.
With the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry II the area began half a century of English rule.

Today the town of Olonne affords a delightful detour in this quiet and enchanting area. The commune is a part of the Cote de Luminier and includes the beaches of Le Sauveterre and des Granges, the forest of Olonne with over 1000 hectares of pine and green oaks and the Marais-de-Olonne, which as well as being a nature reserve supports fishing and salt production.
The church of Notre dame de Olonne has existed since the 10th Century despite having been burnt down twice during the religious wars and the Wars of the Vendee, and it was not re-roofed untill 1805. It is most noted for its beautiful stained glass windows.
The Chateau Pierre Levee has beautiful wrought iron gates and in the summer, in spite of being privately owned, there is a scénographie which portrays the history of the region.

Restaurants Olonne-sur-Mer;

Au Bout du Monde. Rue Foret. Tel 02 51 90 50 81.
Buffalo Grill. 1,rue Bernard pallissy. Tel.02 51 95 27 35.
La Gargote. 19 rue foret. Tel. 02 5123 85 31.
Les Sarments. Le Marais aux Peres. Tel.02 51 90 55 48.
Mireille Oasis. 7,rue Foret. Tel. 02 51 95 66 40.
Le Fief des Grisses. 43 Route amis de la Nature.Tel. 02 51 33 13 21.
La St.Emilienne. La St.Emilienne. Tel. 02 51 90 50 14.

Bike Hire in Olonne-sur Mer. Veloo de la Foret,19 ru de la Foret, Olonne-sur Mer & La Pilniere. Olonne-sur-Mer. Tel.0610 52 42 59

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