1 week in Vendée

Ocean, beach, cliffs, forest, and marshland... The Vendée has it all. Whether on the coast or inland, explore this beautiful region at any time of year to enjoy the magnificent, colorful landscapes that change with the seasons. Come spend a week with us in the Vendée; we have plenty of great ideas.

Photos: AdobeStock and Canva

Day 1: The Marais Poitevin, Maillezais, Damvix and surrounding areas

It is impossible to travel through the Vendée without discovering the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park, a concentration of nature and beauty. Its ecological richness is exceptional, divided between the marsh drained for agriculture and the wet marsh called the Little Green Venice. Take advantage of your getaway to visit the surrounding towns:

• Maillezais in the heart of the marsh, a small town ideal for embarking on the conches and admiring this magnificent environment.
• Damvix, a small village in the south of Vendée, perfect for a stay close to nature.

Traditional boat rides, hiking, cycling or horseback riding... There are a variety of routes to enjoy the beauty of the Marais Poitevin at your leisure. And if you're curious, you can even hit the road again for less than 1.5 hours and visit Puy du Fou or Futuroscope, two famous amusement parks in Vendée.

Day 2: Aiguillon-la-Presqu'île, La Faute-sur-Mer, La Tranche-sur-Mer

We are getting closer to the seaside to enjoy the beaches and the ocean. A few kilometers apart, the villages follow one another to welcome tourists in search of nature in the south of Vendée:

• La Faute-sur-Mer includes Aiguillon-la-Presqu'île, a stretch of land surrounded by waves where you'll find Pointe d'Arcay, a protected nature reserve. A walking trail allows you to discover its flora and fauna, leading to the Rade d'Amour observatory. The Belle Henriette Nature Reserve is a must-see for admiring the birds, reed beds, and coastal forest, accompanied by a passionate guide.
• La Tranche-sur-Mer is an authentic seaside resort, nicknamed the little California of southern Vendée. Awarded the Blue Flag, it is ideal for swimming and water sports in complete safety. Bask in the sun and then explore the cycle paths; the Vélodyssée also passes through Vendée.

Sailing, catamaran, sea kayaking, sand yachting, the possibilities are numerous on these large golden beaches.

Day 3: Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, Les Sables-d'Olonne, Brétignolles-sur-Mer

After a 30-minute drive, you'll have arrived in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire for a day full of adventures. The must-see visit is its castle, the former fortress of Richard the Lionheart. Lively and dynamic, it offers falconry and chivalry shows and medieval workshops adored by young and old alike. Stroll around the marina or the Payré estuary, ending with a visit to La Guittière, the oyster farming area of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire.

Another half hour takes you to Les Sables-d'Olonne, a town built in the 13th century that still preserves its historical heritage. Wander the narrow streets, not forgetting the Penotte Island district, dotted with traditional pastel-colored houses covered in shell frescoes. The more curious can visit one of Les Sables d'Olonne's museums, depending on their desires and interests.

One last stretch of road remains to reach Bretignolles-sur-Mer and its wild coastline. Stroll along the rocky coastline to admire the magnificent panorama of ocean waves crashing onto sandy beaches, ideal for lounging. Anglers will be delighted with the rivers, where they can tease roach, and the sea, which offers lively shore fishing. End the day on a café terrace, observing the vibrant life of the center of Brétignolles-sur-Mer.

Day 4: La Roche-sur-Yon and its surroundings

La Roche-sur-Yon is the capital of Vendée, an important city built by Napoleon in 1804. The Renaissance House reflects this era well, being one of the oldest buildings in the city, Place de la Vieille Horloge which today hosts permanent exhibitions. Continue to Place de Napoléon to admire the unique mechanical sculptures in the shape of a crocodile, iris, hippopotamus or dromedary. It is possible to operate them following a guided tour if you are intrigued. A more tasteful discovery is that of the Chocolate Museum, a well-appreciated gourmet break during this week in Vendée. Hiking enthusiasts can crisscross the Yon Valley which crosses La Roche-sur-Yon and represents the green lung of the city with its parks and gardens.

Day 5: Getaway to the island of Yeu and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-vie

Above Bretignolle-sur-Mer is Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a maritime town driven by fishing, particularly sardine fishing. It is also ranked as the leading sardine port, a regional specialty that you can find in all the canneries in Vendée. Visit this lively town and its old quarters; you will be won over by the authenticity of the neighborhoods. Don't miss a rail bike outing, an unusual activity in the heart of nature, pedaling on a wagon. Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is also one of the starting points for the island of Yeu, the ideal continuation of our week in Vendée.

30 km away by boat is the island of Yeu, very small with its 29 km2. Forget the car, the bicycle or walking are sufficient and recommended to visit this island which can also be reached by Barbâtre or Fromentine. Port of Joinville, Vieux Château, Grand Phare, village of Saint-Sauveur or Pointe du But, crisscross between the sites without forgetting to put down your towel to relax facing the ocean. Meet the locals and occasionally taste the specialties between betchet and the islaise prune tart before taking the boat again.

Day 6: Country of Mountains

The Pays de Monts is a town with multiple destinations since it includes several villages:

La Barre-de-Mont has the particularity of being on the seaside and surrounded by forest. The idyllic setting allows you to enjoy the beach and water sports, as well as nature outings among the trees on foot, by bike or on horseback. The cycle paths are flat and ideal for getting around with 30 km of developed trails. Discover the etiers, the Breton-Vendée marsh and the oyster farming area of La Barre-de-Mont before admiring the magnificent sunset facing the Noirmoutier bridge.

Saint-Jean-de-Monts is a popular tourist destination for its large, sandy beaches and vibrant scene of shops, pedestrian streets, and markets. There are plenty of walks along the embankment that runs along the coast, while the dune path guides you with your toes in the sand. Climb aboard the Ferris wheel facing the sea to admire the magnificent view of the ocean and the forest. Bordering Saint-Jean-de-Monts, it can be explored on foot, on horseback, or by bike.

Notre-Dame-de-Monts, a few kilometers away, is a small commercial village with a warm seaside atmosphere. Surrounded by 8 beaches with specific characteristics, it is the favorite meeting place for lovers of shore fishing. Dive your feet into the water in search of shellfish and don't forget to turn around towards the forest. A protected heronry is home to hundreds of birds moving freely.

Day 7: Noirmoutier-en-l'Île

The island can be reached in two ways:

• The bridge that overlooks the ocean,
• The Gois, a submersible road that can be used depending on the tides.

After a few kilometers, you arrive at the city center where the main square hosts the markets. Continue along the harbor to the Jacobsen jetty to see the birds sheltered at the Mullembourg nature reserve. The beaches then appear, as does the Bois de la Chaise at the end of the island with its jetty famous for fishermen. Back in town, discover history through the visit of the castle of Noirmoutier, and stop for a coffee in this lively town. Made up of several localities such as Guérinière, Vieil, Barbâtre, Épine or Herbaudière, Noirmoutier-en-l'île offers magnificent beaches for swimming. Plan a picnic and the day to visit everything.

The week in Vendée is already over. Come home with your head full of memories and don't forget to write down your favorite destinations ; you might be tempted to return for a longer stay.

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