The nearest major metropolitan center of France, to Les Sables-d'Olonne, is Nantes, to the north (approximately 105 km, by road).

[citation needed] During the French Revolution, unlike the surrounding Vendée, the city supported the Republic, and so was often besieged—unsuccessfully, because of its port.

[citation needed] The current local tourism industry traces its roots to bathing establishments, first begun in 1825.

[citation needed] The population data in the table and graph below refer to the commune of Les Sables-d'Olonne proper, in its geography at the given years.

The Vendée Globe yacht race, which takes place every four years, starts and ends at Les Sables-d'Olonne.

[citation needed] The Vendée Air Show has been held on the beach "La Grande Plage" on three occasions, first in 2017, then in 2019, and most recently in 2022.