Le Remblai

Le Remblai is the name given to the long promenade bordering the beach at Les Sables d’Olonne. Le Remblai is, in fact, a series of promenades originally constructed to protect the town against attack from the sea and the encroaching sand. It was gradually to become the seafront promenade. In the late 19th century, a number of architects gave free rein to their imagination and created some magnificent villas typical of the seaside architecture. Le Remblai was inaugurated on 6th August 1950. The total overhaul (2008-2013) of Le Remblai was a decisive event in the history of Les Sables d'Olonne, bringing about the terms "old Remblai" and "new Remblai" as if a new page in the history book had been turned. Resulting from a lengthy thought process and debate with users, the main feature of the new Remblai is the priority given to pedestrians, bicycles, seaside planting (e.g. green oak, pittosporum, tamaris…), shop terraces and bold architectural choices, respectful of the town’s history.