Les Sables d'Olonne

Flags for the Vendée Globe are everywhere
A beautiful church at the opening to the harbour
A cannon not quite aiming at the lighthouse?
A vagabond taking the sun!

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Matt asked if I wanted to accompany him to Les Sables the other day as he had to register his new-to-him car with a Vendée numberplate, swapping 46 (Lot) for 85 (Vendée). I really enjoyed my stroll along the entrance to the harbour as it was a beautiful day (still with a chilly wind though).

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Les Sables is preparing for the Vendée Globe which sets off from the port on 9th November 2008 ( http://www.vendeeglobe.org/en/ ). Apparently it is a scene not to be missed, but also extremely popular, so we will have to see if we are lucky or not to witness the start.
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The church in the photo is at the mouth of the harbour, set in beautifully kept gardens, complete with cannons (no longer used hopefully).
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Matt was quicker than expected sorting out his paperwork and I found him lounging around, taking the sun before getting his new number plates and heading back for La Tranche.
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We came back to Les Sables the following evening to celebrate Matt's birthday in a wonderful restaurant, Fleurs de Thym, along with Phil, Jean & Monique. Although quite a trek from La Tranche it was well worth it and we would happily return one day.