1 week in Vendée

Ocean, beach, cliff, forest and marsh, the Vendée has it all. On the coast or inland, explore this beautiful region at any time of the year to enjoy the magnificent colorful landscapes that change with the seasons. Come with us to spend a week in Vendée, we have lots of great ideas.

Photos : Adobe Stock et Canva

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

Impossible to travel through Vendée without discovering the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park , a concentrate of nature and beauty. Its ecological richness is exceptional, divided between the dried marsh 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 marshes, 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 trips, hiking, cycling or horseback riding, the circuits are varied to appreciate the beauty of the Marais Poitevin as you wish. And if you are curious, you can even hit the road for less than 1h30 and reach Puy du Fou or Futuroscope, famous amusement parks in Vendée.

Day 2 : L’Aiguillon-la-Presqu’île, Faute-sur-Mer, Tranche-sur-Mer

We move closer to the seaside to enjoy the beaches and the ocean. A few kilometers apart, the villages come one after the other to welcome tourists with a thirst for nature in the south of Vendée :

• Faute-sur-Mer includes Aiguillon-la-Presqu'île, a piece of land surrounded by waves where Pointe d'Arcay, a protected nature reserve, can be seen. A walking route allows you to discover its fauna and flora to reach the Rade d'Amour observatory. The Belle Henriette Nature Reserve is a must for admiring the birds, the reed beds and the coastal forest accompanied by a passionate guide.
• La Tranche-sur-Mer is an authentic seaside resort , nicknamed the Little California of the south of Vendée. Labeled Blue Flag, it is ideal for swimming and practicing water activities in complete safety. Bask in the sun 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 30 minutes of driving, you have already arrived in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire for a day full of twists and turns. The essential visit remains that of its castle, the former fortress of Richard the Lionheart. Lively and dynamic, it offers falconry shows, chivalry and medieval workshops loved by young and old. Stroll around the marina or the Payré estuary, ending with the discovery of La Guittière, the oyster farming area of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire.

An additional half hour takes you to Les Sables-d'Olonne , a town built in the 13th century that retains its historic heritage. Wander the streets without forgetting the Penotte Island district dotted with traditional pastel-colored houses, covered with shell frescoes. The most curious can enter one of the museums in Les Sables d'Olonne according to their desires and interests.

A final stretch of road remains to be done to reach Bretignolles-sur-Mer and its wild coast. Stroll along the rocky coast to admire the magnificent panorama of the ocean waves washing up on fine sandy beaches, ideal for lounging. Fishermen will be delighted between the rivers to tickle the roach, and the sea which offers lively shore fishing. End the day on the terrace of a café observing the dynamic 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 town built by Napoleon in 1804. The Maison Renaissance reflects this era well, being one of the oldest buildings in the town, Place de la Vieille Horloge which now hosts Today there are permanent exhibitions . Continue to Place de Napoléon to admire the mechanical sculptures in the shape of a crocodile, an iris, a hippopotamus or a unique camel. It is possible to activate them following a guided tour if you are intrigued. A more gustatory discovery is that of the Chocolate Museum , a gourmet break well appreciated during this week in Vendée. Hiking enthusiasts , you can explore the Yon Valley which crosses 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 bustling with fishing, particularly sardines . It is also classified as the 1st sardine port , a specialty of the region that you can find in all the canneries in the Vendée. Visit this lively city and its old neighborhoods, 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 a cart. Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is also one of the starting points towards 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, cycling or walking are sufficient and recommended to visit this island which is also reached via Barbâtre or Fromentine. Port of Joinville, Vieux Château , Grand Phare , village of Saint-Sauveur or Pointe du But, meander 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 Islaise prune tart before getting back on the boat.

Day 6 : Pays de Monts

The Pays de Monts is a locality with multiple destinations since it brings together several villages:

La Barre-de-Mont which has the particularity of being by the sea and surrounded by the forest . The idyllic setting allows you to enjoy the beach and water activities, as well as nature outings among the trees on foot, by bike or on horseback. The cycle paths are flat and ideal for traveling with 30 km of developed paths. Discover the etiers, the Breton-Vendean marsh and the oyster growing area of 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 its dynamic life between shops, pedestrian streets and markets. There are many walks along the embankment that runs along the coast, while the dune path guides you with your feet in the sand. Climb on 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 shopping town with a warm seaside atmosphere. Surrounded by 8 beaches with specific characteristics, it is the ideal meeting place for lovers of fishing on foot . Dip your feet in the water in search of shells and be sure to turn back 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 by two means :

• The bridge overlooking the ocean,
• Le Gois , a submersible road passable depending on the tides.

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

The week in Vendée is already over. Bring home a head full of memories and don't forget to write down your favorite destinations , you might be tempted to come back for a long-term stay.

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