Geocaching is a family-friendly treasure hunt that allows you to explore beautiful sites during your walks while creating unforgettable memories with your children during your camping holidays in Vendée. It’s also a great activity to enjoy while hiking.

What is geocaching?

Geocaching is a hobby/game for children where GPS coordinates are used to hide or search for caches. A cache is typically a small waterproof box that can take various forms. They are hidden in all sorts of places, like inside the hollow of a tree. A cache may contain a small gift left by a previous visitor. However, if you take something from the box, you must leave something of equal value in return. That’s the rule! There is always a logbook where visitors can add their names.

Sometimes, simply following GPS coordinates is enough to find a cache, but it can also involve a modern treasure hunt with riddles to solve and caches leading to other caches, making geocaching a fun and exciting activity, perfect for families.

Invented in 2000, geocaching now boasts over 3 million caches listed in more than 180 countries.

The GPS: An Essential Tool for Geocaching

To go geocaching, you obviously need a GPS. You can use a GPS app specifically designed for geocaching on your smartphone. The best one is Geocaching, the official geocaching app. Other popular apps include c:geo and Géocaches.

Alternatively, you can rent a GPS at any tourist office in Vendée. The rental fee is €3 for half a day and €5 for a full day. The tourist office in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire is located at 11 Rue du Château. It is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and on Sunday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Geocaching Trails Around Talmont-Saint-Hilaire in Vendée

Geocaching trails are an excellent way to explore a location while having fun. This activity is perfect for children, who will enjoy searching for caches, creating wonderful memories with their parents! It's a great way to discover Vendée.

In Vendée, you’ll find six trails crossing stunning landscapes:

  • The Payré Estuary in Jard-sur-Mer: 9 caches over 5 kilometers.
  • The Lake of Finfarine in Poiroux: 18 caches over 5 kilometers.
  • The Megaliths in Le Bernard: 19 caches over 18 kilometers.
  • La Digue – Marais Poitevin in Saint-Benoist-sur-Mer: 24 caches over 5.5 kilometers.
  • La Renardière in Champ-Saint-Père and the eastern part of the lake in Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon: 14 caches over 15 kilometers.
  • Les Petites Touches in the western part of the Lake of Graon in Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon: 8 caches over 4 kilometers.

Some trails are more family-oriented, while others are longer and better suited for hikers and sports enthusiasts. Each trail includes a route, GPS coordinates, photos, clues, and the rules of the game.

So, if you’re looking for a family activity during your camping holiday in Vendée, or want to try a new type of hiking, give geocaching a go with its nine trails near Talmont-Saint-Hilaire!