Visit Vendée
Our 4-star campsite in Vendée is located in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, between Les Sables-d'Olonne and Jard-sur-Mer. Vendée boasts a coastline spanning 250 km, including 140 km of fine sandy beaches bordered by national forests.
Discover the Vendée Coastline
This stunning coastline (beaches and wild shores) offers breathtaking landscapes along the Atlantic coast. Indeed, with its flat terrain, the sky blends seamlessly with the sea, creating a spectacular view regardless of the weather. Vendée is also known as the "Coast of Light" due to its sunshine levels, comparable to Mediterranean regions. It is the ultimate family destination, easy to access, and combines the joys of the sea with a variety of activities for all ages.
Culture and Heritage
Prehistory enthusiasts can visit Neolithic sites such as the menhir at the César camp in Avrillé, the Cous complex in Bazoges-en-Pareds, and the Frébouchère dolmen in Bernard. Vendée, which corresponds to the territory of the former Bas-Poitou, is also dotted with monuments built during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance: the Abbey of Marais in Maillezais, the Grammont Priory in Saint-Prouant, the Mélusine Tower in Vouvant, Talmont Castle, Apremont Castle, Luçon Cathedral... Exploring Vendée also means wandering through the alleys of its charming towns, which are home to beautiful heritage sites: Mallièvre, Apremont, Pouzauges, Faymoreau, Nieul-sur-l’Autise, Foussais-Payré, Mouchamps...
What to See and Do in Vendée
Looking to immerse yourself in Vendéen culture? Mark these must-attend sports and cultural events in your calendar:
- Vendée Globe (Les Sables-d'Olonne, November)
- Semaine Bleue – Boîte à talents (La Boupère, November)
- Café Ciné (one Thursday per month, La Roche-sur-Yon)
- Poupet Festival (Saint-Malo-du-Bois, July)
- R Pop Festival (July, La Roche-sur-Yon)
Nature and Landscapes in Vendée
From Noirmoutier to the Marais Poitevin, from 240 km of coastline to Vendée's countryside, the 85 department is home to stunning and contrasting landscapes. It is particularly appealing to holidaymakers seeking a change of scenery and a close connection with nature during their seaside stay.
The Most Beautiful Islands of the Vendée Coastline
- Noirmoutier: An island close to the mainland, accessible by car and bike, dominated by dunes, salt marshes, and green oak forests. Opposite Noirmoutier Island, you can also find the Pilier Island.
- Île d’Yeu: A paradise less than 10 km long with a rugged coastline of coves and cliffs and a sandy shoreline perfect for family swimming.
Sea and Beaches of Vendée
It's hard to choose which Vendée beaches deserve special mention. The Grande Plage in Les Sables-d’Olonne, a favorite among families, is a must-see. It is well-equipped with a nautical center, restrooms, a beach volleyball court, restaurants, parking, mattress rentals, and access for people with reduced mobility. The Demoiselles Beach in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez charms visitors with its dunes and proximity to the town center. If you prefer more untamed beaches, head to Veillon Beach in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, which features separate areas for swimming and water sports. You’ll find other beautiful sandy beaches in resorts like Jard-sur-Mer (Plage de la Mine), Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (Plage du Jaunay), La Barre-de-Monts (Plage de la Bergère), and La Tranche-sur-Mer (Plage de la Terrière, Plage de la Belle Henriette). For those who enjoy the serenity and seclusion of coves nestled between cliffs, head to Île d’Yeu (Plage de la Belle Maison, Plage des Sioux) or Noirmoutier (Plage de l’Anse Rouge). Thinking of camping by the sea for your Vendée holidays? Visit our website to discover our ideal location!
Walks and Hikes in Vendée
Put on your hiking boots and explore the marked trails to discover Vendée’s most beautiful landscapes:
- GR8: A stunning route along the Vendée coastline between Bouin and L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer.
- Between the Vendée bocage and the Marais Poitevin: A bucolic walk through valleys, rivers, and canals lined with ash trees.
- Island tours: The 27 km GR80 trail on the Île d’Yeu and a circuit around Noirmoutier via salt marshes and the Passage du Gois.
Want more? In Vendée, you'll find over 100 marked trails ranging from 3 km to over 2,500 km to explore!
Leisure and Activities in Vendée
The Vendée region offers diverse water sports, visits to numerous tourist sites, and hiking or cycling routes through state forests and charming coastal villages in the Pays de la Loire.
The Côte de Lumière is the perfect playground for water sports enthusiasts in both high and low seasons: surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, water skiing, jet skiing, sand yachting, boat trips, and sea fishing. The main seaside resorts have nautical centers near the beaches offering these activities.
Aerial acrobatics, horseback riding, ultralight aviation, parachuting, and even hot-air ballooning will keep you busy. Don’t hesitate to visit this website to plan your vacation in Vendée: www.vendee-tourisme.com.
The Puy du Fou, a world-renowned theme park, offers spectacular historical reenactments. Some of these shows, including night performances, are breathtaking!