What to do for free in Vendée?

Are you planning a vacation in Vendée, but you're on a budget? No problem! Are you wondering what to do in Vendée for free? Where to go out with your family in Vendée without spending too much? We've found plenty of free or inexpensive activities for you to enjoy in Vendée.

Photos of the article © Vendée Guide

Swim and relax on the most beautiful beaches in Vendée

Relaxing and having fun by the sea is an activity that's as fun as it is free! The Côte de Lumière has numerous beaches, each with its own atmosphere and setting that will charm you. Nature lovers can enjoy beautiful walks among the Monts Forests and the dunes. Families can let their children make sandcastles or play in the open-access playgrounds. Sports enthusiasts can work out on the sports fields: swimming, beach volleyball, frisbee, yoga, and more.

The superb beach of Pointe de l'Aiguillon

Take advantage of the free services of the seaside resorts

Seaside resorts do their utmost to attract tourists and offer numerous services. Some are free. Here are a few ideas:

• Visit monuments with free access, including pretty churches;
• Stroll along the jetties or on the promenades laid out along the seafront;
• Admire the beautiful boats in the ports;
• Take a Terra Aventura family tour;
• Offer a ride to children at funfairs;
• Discover local gastronomy by tasting producers' products at the markets...

The seaside resort of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

Fishing on foot on the Vendée coast

Shore fishing is a common practice on the Atlantic Coast and there are many spots in Vendée! It consists of collecting shellfish or fishing for shrimp when the water recedes. A meticulous collection that requires patience, but also a lot of walking. It is therefore a physical activity that is suitable for the whole family, even the youngest. The little ones love collecting shellfish, little treasures that they will keep as souvenirs! In addition, if the fishing is good, you can taste fresh shellfish. This is an activity that is not only free, but can also offer you a good dinner! However, find out more, because fishing is regulated.

Fishing on foot in Noirmoutier

Take free cultural tours

We don't often think about it, but some cultural events and tours are completely free or at a very low price. Here are some examples:

• Stroll through the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” in Vendée ;
• Not forgetting the “Small Towns of Character”, like Vouvant and its legend of Mélusine ;
• The Cairn Prehisto'site which offers a self-guided tour for just €2;
• Visit the national museums on the 1st Sunday of the month.

Visiting Mervent with an app, photo © Charline Prod'Homme

Go on a treasure hunt with the children

Fancy a treasure hunt ? Geocaching is all the rage, and it's perfectly normal. It's a fun and cultural activity to do with the family. You'll discover a local heritage site that's often overlooked. More and more sites are being set up for this purpose. You can find them online, like Terra Aventura, or in some tourist offices. There's no doubt you'll become real pirates!

The Longeville treasure hunt, Photo © Charline Prod'Homme

Using the LegendR app's virtual tours

LegendR… What is it? It's an ingenious free app that you can use directly on your phone. It lists all sorts of tourist sites. You can view them in virtual reality and get plenty of additional information during your site visits.

Discover the Vendée on foot or by bike

Whether you are a hiking enthusiast or a cyclist, a sports enthusiast or a Sunday stroller, the Vendée is ideal for all kinds of walks. There are routes for all levels. We have selected a few routes for you to get to know the Vendée region better:

• Hiking in Vendée: circuits, routes and good deals.
• Cycling in Vendée: cycle paths, greenways and walks.

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