Feeling of Winter, Les Sables d’Olonne, France

In summertime, Les Sables d’Olonne is one of the busiest resorts on the French west coast. In high season, during the month of August, its population reaches around 200 000 inhabitants thanks to tourists coming from France and all over Europe. Then in September and for the rest of the year this number drops dramatically to around 50 000 including the surrounding villages. Then, the town goes back to its quiet routine. On the seafront, hundreds of holiday apartments and shops close their shutters till the next summer. Except for a few areas, streets are empty of people. The silence is only broken by the sound of the sea, the wind or by the voice of some locals having a chat. Only the sun makes it come alive. When the sky is blue and the light floods the city, walkers, families, couples and groups of friends invade its promenade, its beach and the bars on its seafront. Then for a shorter time, the town has a nice feeling of summertime.