The fashion for swimming in the sea began in England in the 18th century. In France the first establishment dedicated to this new activity opened its doors in Boulogne-sur-Mer in 1790. It very quickly became a success and led to the growth of the seaside towns. Biarritz, La Baule, Royan and many others saw their first tourists arriving in numbers.

In the Vendée, Les Sables d’Olonne, Saint-Jean-de-Monts and Croix-de-Vie all welcomed bathers. At the end of the 19th century villas and hotels were built in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez’s district of Sion. Beach activities became popular. The success story of holidays by the sea had only just begun…