What to do on Sunday in Vendée?

Sunday in Vendée has its own rhythm: lively markets from the morning, a long walk by the water or in the forest, a flea market to browse, lunch that stretches out on the terrace.

Whether you're on holiday on the coast or just passing through the countryside, there's always something to do on the last day of the week without ending up stuck in front of closed shops. Here's a practical overview of what you can do on a Sunday in the Vendée region, sure to please both young and old.

Top 5 activities to do on Sunday in Vendée

Doing your Sunday shopping in Vendée

Contrary to popular belief, Sunday is one of the days with the most markets in the Vendée region, especially along the coast. It's often the best way to start the day: you can stroll among the stalls, sample local products, and take the opportunity to gather good addresses or ideas for outings for the rest of your stay.

Among the Sunday markets not to be missed:

• Les Sables-d'Olonne : several markets are held at the same time, at Les Halles, in the Arago sector and at the Chaume market, for an atmosphere of a fishing port.
• Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie : Place du Vieux Port and in the town centre, in a particularly picturesque setting.
• Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez : Place François Mitterrand.
• Saint-Jean-de-Monts : beach market and night market in season.
• La Roche-sur-Yon : Jaulnières market and Boug-Sous-La Roche market.
• Bretignolles-sur-Mer : in the town centre.
• Île d'Yeu : Port Joinville, for an island getaway…

Enjoy a great nature walk

Sunday is particularly well-suited to an outing in the great outdoors, with family or alone. The Vendée offers a varied playground: the coastline and its 140 km of beaches for a walk with your feet in the sand or on the paths of the Corniche Vendéenne, the marshes (Marais Poitevin in the south, Marais Breton Vendéen in the north) for a boat trip or walk among the canals, or the Mervent forest for a more wooded hike.

Cycling enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy on the department's many cycle paths and greenways, ideal for a leisurely Sunday outing.

It's also the perfect time to scout out spots for a picnic : the Vendée region has many areas and viewpoints suitable for an outdoor lunch break, between beaches, marshes and hedgerows.

Browsing at a flea market or yard sale

Take advantage of your Sunday to stroll through the flea markets and garage sales of the Vendée region, which are particularly numerous from spring to autumn. Almost every town organizes one at some point during the season, sometimes with large markets bringing together dozens of vendors. It's a great activity in itself, whether you're looking for a unique item, a decorative piece, or simply observing local life.

Take the time for a brunch or a nice lunch

Fancy a brunch ? Sundays are often the day to organize one or book a table at a restaurant that offers it. There's nothing better for getting together with family or friends to share pleasant moments and make the day last longer.

Several establishments in the Vendée region have adapted to this desire to take one's time. On the coast as well as inland, many restaurants remain open on Sunday at lunchtime, a good opportunity to try a place spotted at the morning market.

Visit the sites and leisure activities open on Sundays

Good news: most of the major tourist and leisure attractions in the Vendée region are open on Sundays, especially during peak season. Theme parks, water parks, museums, and other attractions generally operate 7 days a week during school holidays and the summer. Outside of peak season, some sites reduce their hours or close one day a week (often Monday rather than Sunday): it's always best to check the opening hours of your chosen site before you go, particularly during the off-season.

It's also a good day for an indoor activity if you're in the mood for relaxation : an aquarium, a museum or a water park are perfect for a quieter Sunday.

Between the morning market, the great nature walk, the flea market, brunch and sites open all day, Sunday in Vendée has no shortage of options.

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