2026 comparison
Les Sables-d'Olonne vs Montaigu-Vendée: 2026 comparison
Les Sables-d'Olonne has more inhabitants than Montaigu-Vendée: 50,924 versus 21,789, or 2.3 times as many. Montaigu-Vendée covers a larger area (117 km² versus 85.7 km²), but Les Sables-d'Olonne is more densely populated: 594 inhabitants per km² versus 187.
The median apartment price is higher in Les Sables-d'Olonne: €4,717 per m² versus €2,703. The median standard of living is higher in Les Sables-d'Olonne (€28,010 a year versus €27,250).
The two cities are 61 km apart as the crow flies, in the same department.
© Florian Pépellin, CC BY-SA 3.0
Les Sables-d'Olonne
City in Vendée
- Population
- 50,924 inhab.
- 134th in France · 2nd in its department
- Area
- 85.7 km²
- Density
- 594 per km²
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Montaigu-Vendée
City in Vendée
- Population
- 21,789 inhab.
- 438th in France · 4th in its department
- Area
- 117 km²
- Density
- 187 per km²
Population
Population and demographics
Municipal population since 1876
Les Sables-d'OlonneMontaigu-Vendée
| Criterion | Les Sables-d'Olonne | Montaigu-Vendée | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population inhab.More populous: Les Sables-d'Olonne2.3 times as high | 50,924 | 21,789 | More populous: Les Sables-d'Olonne2.3 times as high |
| Change over 5 yearsStronger growth: Les Sables-d'Olonne+7.4 pts | +11.8% | +4.5% | Stronger growth: Les Sables-d'Olonne+7.4 pts |
| Change over 10 yearsStronger growth: Les Sables-d'Olonne+9.8 pts | +17.7% | +7.9% | Stronger growth: Les Sables-d'Olonne+9.8 pts |
| Density per km²Denser: Les Sables-d'Olonne3.2 times as high | 594 | 187 | Denser: Les Sables-d'Olonne3.2 times as high |
| Under 15More young people: Montaigu-Vendée+8.1 pts | 10.1% | 18.3% | More young people: Montaigu-Vendée+8.1 pts |
| 65 and overMore seniors: Les Sables-d'Olonne+23 pts | 41.8% | 18.4% | More seniors: Les Sables-d'Olonne+23 pts |
| People per householdLarger households: Montaigu-Vendée+0.44 | 1.82 | 2.26 | Larger households: Montaigu-Vendée+0.44 |
Sources: INSEE, official population figures, INSEE, censuses, INSEE, census
Housing
Real estate prices and housing
| Criterion | Les Sables-d'Olonne | Montaigu-Vendée | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median apartment price €/m²More expensive: Les Sables-d'Olonne+75% | 4,717 | 2,703 | More expensive: Les Sables-d'Olonne+75% |
| Median house price €/m²More expensive: Les Sables-d'Olonne+72% | 4,034 | 2,345 | More expensive: Les Sables-d'Olonne+72% |
| Apartment rent €/m² per month, utilities includedMore expensive: Les Sables-d'Olonne+2% | 13.7 | 13.5 | More expensive: Les Sables-d'Olonne+2% |
| House rent €/m² per month, utilities includedMore expensive: Les Sables-d'Olonne+17% | 11.8 | 10.1 | More expensive: Les Sables-d'Olonne+17% |
| Homeowner householdsMore homeowners: Montaigu-Vendée+4.5 pts | 65.7% | 70.2% | More homeowners: Montaigu-Vendée+4.5 pts |
| Share of housesMore houses: Montaigu-Vendée+22 pts | 62.3% | 84.4% | More houses: Montaigu-Vendée+22 pts |
| Social housing (SRU law) share of primary residencesMore social housing: Montaigu-Vendée+1.3 pt | 9.8% | 11.1% | More social housing: Montaigu-Vendée+1.3 pt |
| Second homesMore second homes: Les Sables-d'Olonne+34 pts | 35.3% | 1.3% | More second homes: Les Sables-d'Olonne+34 pts |
| Vacant homesMore vacant homes: Montaigu-Vendée+0.6 pt | 3.4% | 3.9% | More vacant homes: Montaigu-Vendée+0.6 pt |
| Property tax (combined rate)Higher rate: Les Sables-d'Olonne+3.2 pts | 43.59% | 40.39% | Higher rate: Les Sables-d'Olonne+3.2 pts |
Sources: DGFiP (DVF), Ministry of Housing (rent map), INSEE, census, Ministry for the Ecological Transition (SRU), DGFiP, local taxation
Income and jobs
Residents’ income and jobs
| Criterion | Les Sables-d'Olonne | Montaigu-Vendée | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median standard of living €/yearHigher: Les Sables-d'Olonne+3% | 28,010 | 27,250 | Higher: Les Sables-d'Olonne+3% |
| Poverty rateHigher: Les Sables-d'Olonne+2.8 pts | 9.2% | 6.4% | Higher: Les Sables-d'Olonne+2.8 pts |
| Average taxable income per householdHigher: Montaigu-Vendée+4% | €38,745 | €40,228 | Higher: Montaigu-Vendée+4% |
| Households paying income taxMore taxpaying households: Les Sables-d'Olonne+1.5 pt | 55% | 53% | More taxpaying households: Les Sables-d'Olonne+1.5 pt |
| Activity rate (ages 15-64)Higher: Montaigu-Vendée+6.5 pts | 74.2% | 80.7% | Higher: Montaigu-Vendée+6.5 pts |
| Unemployment rate (census)Higher: Les Sables-d'Olonne+6.1 pts | 11.8% | 5.8% | Higher: Les Sables-d'Olonne+6.1 pts |
Sources: INSEE, Filosofi, DGFiP, income tax, INSEE, census
Local life
Town hall and fiber internet
| Criterion | Les Sables-d'Olonne | Montaigu-Vendée | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Nicolas Chénéchaud | Florent Limouzin | |
| Political label of the mayor’s list (2026 local elections)Same | miscellaneous right | miscellaneous right | Same |
| Premises with fiberBetter covered: Les Sables-d'Olonne+1.4 pt | 98% | 96% | Better covered: Les Sables-d'Olonne+1.4 pt |
Sources: Ministry of the Interior, register of elected officials, Ministry of the Interior, Arcep
Shops and facilities
Shops, leisure and transportation
| Criterion | Les Sables-d'Olonne | Montaigu-Vendée | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shops per 10,000 inhab.More shops per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne+61% | 100.7513 in total | 62.4136 in total | More shops per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne+61% |
| Food shops per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne+71% | 28.3144 in total | 16.536 in total | More per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne+71% |
| Restaurants per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne2.7 times as high | 44.0224 in total | 16.536 in total | More per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne2.7 times as high |
| Sports facilities per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Montaigu-Vendée+24% | 21.4109 in total | 26.658 in total | More per capita: Montaigu-Vendée+24% |
| Cultural venues per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Montaigu-Vendée+40% | 2.010 in total | 2.86 in total | More per capita: Montaigu-Vendée+40% |
| Hotels per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne2.5 times as high | 4.523 in total | 1.84 in total | More per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne2.5 times as high |
| Passenger train stationsMore stations: Les Sables-d'Olonne+1 | 2 | 1 | More stations: Les Sables-d'Olonne+1 |
Number of facilities per 10,000 inhabitants (total count in small print). Source: INSEE, facilities database (BPE)
Health
Health care
| Criterion | Les Sables-d'Olonne | Montaigu-Vendée | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to general practitioners visits/inhab./year localized potential accessibilityBetter access: Les Sables-d'Olonne+22% | 4.2 | 3.4 | Better access: Les Sables-d'Olonne+22% |
| General practitioners per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne+13% | 10.453 in total | 9.220 in total | More per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne+13% |
| Medical specialists per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne+67% | 15.378 in total | 9.220 in total | More per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne+67% |
| Dentists per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne+23% | 9.046 in total | 7.316 in total | More per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne+23% |
| Pharmacies per 10,000 inhab.More per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne+35% | 3.719 in total | 2.86 in total | More per capita: Les Sables-d'Olonne+35% |
| HospitalsMore facilities: Les Sables-d'Olonne+3 | 6 | 3 | More facilities: Les Sables-d'Olonne+3 |
Practitioners and facilities per 10,000 inhabitants (total count in small print); access to doctors includes those in neighboring communes. Sources: Ministry of Health (DREES), APL, INSEE, facilities database (BPE), Ministry of Health (Finess)
Education
Schools and colleges
| Criterion | Les Sables-d'Olonne | Montaigu-Vendée | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary schoolsMore schools: Les Sables-d'Olonne+10 | 21 | 11 | More schools: Les Sables-d'Olonne+10 |
| Middle schoolsMore middle schools: Les Sables-d'Olonne+1 | 7 | 6 | More middle schools: Les Sables-d'Olonne+1 |
| High schoolsMore high schools: Les Sables-d'Olonne+1 | 5 | 4 | More high schools: Les Sables-d'Olonne+1 |
| Higher education institutions and programsMore facilities: Les Sables-d'Olonne+4 | 5 | 1 | More facilities: Les Sables-d'Olonne+4 |
Sources: Ministry of Education, INSEE, facilities database (BPE)
Recorded crime
Offenses recorded by the police
| Criterion | Les Sables-d'Olonne | Montaigu-Vendée | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home burglaries per 1,000 homesHigher rate: Montaigu-Vendée+6% | 3.7 | 3.9 | Higher rate: Montaigu-Vendée+6% |
| Non-violent thefts per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Les Sables-d'Olonne2.2 times as high | 8.3 | 3.8 | Higher rate: Les Sables-d'Olonne2.2 times as high |
| Physical violence outside the family per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Les Sables-d'Olonne+65% | 2.4 | 1.5 | Higher rate: Les Sables-d'Olonne+65% |
| Vehicle thefts per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Montaigu-Vendée+92% | 0.9 | 1.7 | Higher rate: Montaigu-Vendée+92% |
| Vandalism and property damage per 1,000 inhab.Higher rate: Les Sables-d'Olonne2.6 times as high | 11.5 | 4.5 | Higher rate: Les Sables-d'Olonne2.6 times as high |
Offenses recorded in the commune by the police and gendarmerie, per 1,000 inhabitants (per 1,000 homes for burglaries); this is not the actual crime level. Rates for the latest published year. Source: Ministry of the Interior (SSMSI)
Climate
Temperature, sunshine and rain
| Criterion | Les Sables-d'Olonne | Montaigu-Vendée | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureWarmer: Les Sables-d'Olonne+0.8 °C | 13.2°C | 12.4°C | Warmer: Les Sables-d'Olonne+0.8 °C |
| Sunshine h/yearSunnier: Les Sables-d'Olonne+24% | 2,324 | 1,873 | Sunnier: Les Sables-d'Olonne+24% |
| Rainfall mm/yearWetter: Montaigu-Vendée+11% | 747 | 831 | Wetter: Montaigu-Vendée+11% |
| Rainy days days/year at least 1 mmMore rainy days: Montaigu-Vendée+4 days/year | 116 | 120 | More rainy days: Montaigu-Vendée+4 days/year |
| Frost days days/yearMore frost days: Montaigu-Vendée+21 days/year | 18 | 39 | More frost days: Montaigu-Vendée+21 days/year |
| Very hot days days/year 30 °C or moreMore hot days: Montaigu-Vendée+10 days/year | 7 | 16 | More hot days: Montaigu-Vendée+10 days/year |
Climate normals from the reference Météo-France station of each commune. Source: Météo-France, climate normals
Natural hazards
Natural disasters and prevention
| Criterion | Les Sables-d'Olonne | Montaigu-Vendée | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural disasters declared since 1982More declarations: Les Sables-d'Olonne+7 | 26 | 19 | More declarations: Les Sables-d'Olonne+7 |
| Natural hazard prevention plansMore plans: Les Sables-d'Olonne+1 | 1 | 0 | More plans: Les Sables-d'Olonne+1 |
| Radon potentialSame | Significant | Significant | Same |
Sources: Géorisques (GASPAR), IRSN
Land
Area, terrain and administrative areas
| Criterion | Les Sables-d'Olonne | Montaigu-Vendée | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Area km²Larger: Montaigu-Vendée+36% | 85.7 | 117 | Larger: Montaigu-Vendée+36% |
| Town hall elevationHigher: Montaigu-Vendée+33 m | 4 m | 37 m | Higher: Montaigu-Vendée+33 m |
| Coastal commune | Yes (sea) | No | |
| Density grid (INSEE)Same | Urban belt | Urban belt | Same |
| DepartmentSame | Vendée (85) | Vendée (85) | Same |
| Intercommunality | Communauté d'agglomération Les Sables d'Olonne Agglomération | Communauté d'agglomération Terres de Montaigu | |
| Urban unit | Les Sables-d'Olonne | Montaigu-Vendée | |
| Functional area | Les Sables-d'Olonne | Montaigu-Vendée |
Sources: IGN, IGN, elevation, Ministry for the Ecological Transition, Loi Littoral, INSEE, density grid, INSEE, COG, INSEE, geographic classifications
Summary
Les Sables-d'Olonne vs Montaigu-Vendée at a glance
| Criterion | Les Sables-d'Olonne | Montaigu-Vendée |
|---|---|---|
| Population inhab. | 50,924 | 21,789 |
| Change over 10 years | +17.7% | +7.9% |
| Density per km² | 594 | 187 |
| Median apartment price €/m² | 4,717 | 2,703 |
| Median house price €/m² | 4,034 | 2,345 |
| Apartment rent €/m² | 13.7 | 13.5 |
| Property tax (combined rate) | 43.59% | 40.39% |
| Median standard of living €/year | 28,010 | 27,250 |
| Unemployment rate (census) | 11.8% | 5.8% |
| Premises with fiber | 98% | 96% |
| Access to general practitioners visits/inhab./year | 4.2 | 3.4 |
| Home burglaries per 1,000 homes | 3.7 | 3.9 |
| Average temperature | 13.2°C | 12.4°C |
| Sunshine h/year | 2,324 | 1,873 |
| Area km² | 85.7 | 117 |
More comparisons
Compare with other towns
FAQ
Les Sables-d'Olonne vs Montaigu-Vendée: your questions
Which is the larger city, Les Sables-d'Olonne or Montaigu-Vendée?
By population, Les Sables-d'Olonne: 50,924 inhabitants versus 21,789 for Montaigu-Vendée (official population figures in force on January 1, 2026). Les Sables-d'Olonne is the 134th largest city in France, Montaigu-Vendée the 438th. By area, Montaigu-Vendée is the larger (117 km²).
How far is Les Sables-d'Olonne from Montaigu-Vendée?
Les Sables-d'Olonne and Montaigu-Vendée are 61 km apart as the crow flies, between the centers of the two communes, in the same department (Vendée).
Where is real estate more expensive, in Les Sables-d'Olonne or Montaigu-Vendée?
To buy an apartment, Les Sables-d'Olonne is more expensive: €4,717 per m² (median price), versus €2,703 in Montaigu-Vendée (+75%). Median prices of sales over the last five years (DGFiP, DVF).
Where is the standard of living higher, in Les Sables-d'Olonne or Montaigu-Vendée?
In Les Sables-d'Olonne, half of the residents have a standard of living above €28,010 a year, versus €27,250 in Montaigu-Vendée (disposable income per consumption unit, INSEE).
Which city is sunnier, Les Sables-d'Olonne or Montaigu-Vendée?
Les Sables-d'Olonne: 2,324 hours of sunshine a year on average, versus 1,873 in Montaigu-Vendée (climate normals from the reference Météo-France station of each town).
Official population figures in force on January 1, 2026. Source: INSEE, official population figures