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The hellhole

But what is the Puits d’Enfer? Despite its unappealing name, this natural and rejuvenating site comes as a pleasant surprise to all visitors. This deep fault in the cliff is invaded by the sea at high tide. It’s a remarkable sight, where nature in its purest state takes on its full meaning.

Discover the Puits d’Enfer in Les Sables d’Olonne

Le Puits d’Enfer is located on the Vendée coast, south of the seaside resort of Les Sables d’Olonne and 14 km from the Bois Soleil campsite. The site is signposted from Château d’Olonne.

Some ten metres deep, 50 metres long and 3 metres wide, this fault in the granite rock is impressive in its size. It was formed by wind and water erosion.

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Very easy to get to, you can easily park your car in the nearby parking lot. The site is superb in calm weather and at high tide, but even more so when the sea is rough and crashes into the fault. It’s a great place to take some great photos, but be extremely careful, of course.

The elders have a saying that anything that falls into the Hell Pit disappears forever…

If you have the opportunity to stay at the Puits d’Enfer in the evening, you can watch the sun set, giving the rock magnificent shades of color.

Activities around Le Puits d’Enfer

Discover a world of adventure near Le Puits d’Enfer in Les Sables d’Olonne. Sunny beaches, exciting water sports and picturesque walks await you. Explore the beautiful coastal paths, relax on the golden sands and dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. With a multitude of activities at your fingertips, your stay in Les Sables d’Olonne will be an unforgettable experience.

The Penotte Island district

A lovely 6 km walk along a signposted path links the Puits d’Enfer to Ile Penotte. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a number of beautiful views before arriving at this district of Les Sables d’Olonne. Admire the wall decorations made from shells, shards of glass and ceramics. A meticulous, well-executed piece of work that’s a joy to behold in these steep, narrow streets.

Les Sables Zoo

Le Puits d’Enfer is also close to Les Sables d’Olonne zoo, a 5-minute drive away (2.3 km). It’s a great opportunity to spend a few hours with the family, and to see local and exotic species of animals.

Rose Park

On your way to Les Sables d’Olonne, be sure to stop off at the Parc des Roses. Your children will be delighted! The park offers a wide range of children’s play equipment (swings, slides, spider’s web, structures, etc.). Green spaces, picnic tables and sanitary facilities allow you to relax in peace in this city park.

The beaches of Les Sables d’Olonne

Finally, it would be a shame to go to Le Puits d’Enfer and not enjoy the seaside. There are numerous beaches in Les Sables d’Olonne where you can relax and swim. Plage du Veillon, to the south of Puits d’Enfer, is popular with water sports enthusiasts, especially kite surfers. Sauveterre beach, 15 km north of Puits d’Enfer, is a vast expanse of sand, ideal for children and adults alike!

How do I get to Le Puits d’Enfer from the Bois Soleil campsite?

Le Puits d’Enfer is 14 km from the Bois Soleil campsite via the D80, D160 and D2949. Approximately 20 minutes by car.
It is also possible to cycle to Le Puits d’Enfer from the Bois Soleil campsite. The most direct route is via the port of Les Sables d’Olonne and then along the coast. This saves 2 km, or 12 km to reach your destination (about 40 minutes by bike).

Camping near Hell’s Well

The Bois Soleil campsite is within easy reach of the Puits d’Enfer, the Vendée beaches and the Sables d’Olonne zoo. This 4-star campsite welcomes you to the heart of a vast wooded park. It offers a wide choice of accommodation.