Vendée: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
In the Vendée, you can expect a fine mix of 140 kilometers of sandy beach and wild coastline. Many seaside resorts offer you an authentic setting on the French Atlantic coast. South of Nantes, you can visit picturesque sardine ports and charming lighthouses by bike along the Vendée river or swim at the paradisiacal beaches.
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Vendée - The most beautiful cities
Les Sables d'Olonne
Les Sables d'Olonne is considered the second largest seaside resort in the country after Cap d'Agde. On its three-kilometer-long golden yellow sandy beach Grande Plage, you can enjoy a relaxing beach holiday with the whole family and numerous water sports activities. With three ports, the seaside resort in the Vendée ensures bustling activity and a maritime flair. Old fishermen's huts, historic mansions, and villas in the style of spa architecture will delight the history and art lovers among you. For nature lovers and active vacationers, the nature reserve north of Les Sables d'Olonne offers a marshland, salt meadows, and kilometers of hiking trails. The network of bike paths is among the best in France.
Noirmoutier
A special feature of Noirmoutier is the Passage du Gois. The 4.5-kilometer-long road is only usable at low tide. It connects the island of Noirmoutier with the mainland and is popular among shell seekers. The nature is particularly spectacular: take a hike through the pine forest of Barbâtre. Worth seeing are the medieval castle of Noirmoutier and the Abbey Church of Saint Philbert. On the beach, you can relax, sail, surf, or dive. The entire island is best explored by bicycle. The cycling network covers 83 km and connects the main places with each other.
Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
Year-round folk festivals or festivals allow visitors to experience the real France. Additionally, you can choose from 22 beaches that boast fine sand. Let your gaze wander over the dunes that surround the large beach. Sink your bare feet into the golden sand at the small beach next to the Joséphine Tower. Wild rocky coasts invite you to hike. The three-kilometer-long coastal strip of Saint Hilaire de Riez is perfect for family hikes. This is a nature reserve with rugged cliffs. Salt gardens, dunes, and fine sandy beaches await you on the long-distance hiking trail GR 8 and offer you an unforgettable panorama.
Saint Jean de Monts
In and around Saint-Jean-de-Monts, you will find kilometers of beaches with the finest white sand. Between June and September, the conditions are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing. Thanks to the often pleasant winds, you also have the opportunity for kite and windsurfing. Stand-up paddling is also becoming increasingly popular. The long promenade along the coast invites you to take walks, and the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church is considered a cultural landmark of the coastal community. You can also quickly reach the marshes and the forest in the immediate vicinity on foot. Nantes can be reached by car in an hour and is rich in historical buildings.
La Tranche-sur-Mer
The dreamlike sandy beach of La Tranche-sur-Mer stretches over 13 km. At the shallow shore, you are guaranteed to find a quiet spot to relax. For those who enjoy sports, there is wind and kite surfing, catamaran sailing, stand-up paddling, or boating. The water sports schools by the sea offer courses for every skill level. The Parc des Floralies is worth a visit for extended walks. Here you can discover the unique flora of the region. The small zoo with donkeys, goats, and ponies and the playgrounds are attractions for families. The National Nature Reserve Belle Henriette is suitable for cycling tours and hikes.
Luçon
The cityscape of Luçon is dominated by the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The tranquil small town, with its historic center and the four-hectare Jardin Dumaine, which is among the most beautiful gardens in France, is located in the south of the Pays de la Loire region. Here, a family vacation full of culture and nature awaits you. In addition to the leisure center on the shore of Lake Guifettes with hiking trails, picnic tables, and fishing opportunities, visitors also have access to an indoor pool, a mini-golf course, and other sports facilities. For nature lovers, the Marais Poitevin Nature Park southeast of Luçon is enticing. The second-largest wetland in France, with its numerous canals, is considered the green Venice.
Ile d'Yeu
At the daily market, you can buy fresh tuna and goat cheese rolled in ash. The golden-yellow beach with idyllic bays and the Port de la Meule harbor are places where your soul finds peace. Wild grain and windmills tell of old times when wheat and oats still grew here. On the Tuna Island, thousands of seabirds have their home among picturesque dunes and heathlands. Along the coast, you can hike or cycle to your heart's content. There are also high cliffs, picturesque streams, a salt marsh, and the fortress Le Vieux Château to explore on the cozy Ile d'Yeu.
La Roche sur Yon
Not only children love the water basin at Place Napoléon. Here you can find animal figures of crocodile, flamingo, and camel that can be moved. Gourmets plan a visit to the Musée du Chocolat and learn firsthand how cocoa becomes chocolate. The visit to the Haras de la Vendée stud farm is a highlight not only for passionate riders. In a dreamy, 4-hectare park, you will learn the high art of horse breeding. The spacious market halls make you want to go shopping.
Vendée - 4 most beautiful natural sights
La Belle Henriette National Nature Reserve
The National Nature Reserve La Belle Henriette is a breathtaking natural paradise in the Vendée region. This reserve is a true gem, spanning an impressive area and hosting a variety of flora and fauna. It is a place where nature can be experienced in its purest form. The landscape is characterized by picturesque dunes, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters, offering a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher, hiker, or simply a nature lover, the National Nature Reserve La Belle Henriette will enchant you with its pristine beauty and tranquility. Discover this unparalleled natural paradise and let its beauty captivate you.
Passage of the Gois
The Passage du Gois in the Vendée is a unique natural wonder. This fascinating road, visible only at low tide, stretches over 4.3 kilometers and connects the island of Noirmoutier with the mainland. At high tide, it disappears under the Atlantic, making it one of the most dangerous roads in the world. Yet at low tide, it reveals a breathtaking landscape visited by thousands of tourists annually. The Passage du Gois is not just a road, but also a symbol of the power of nature and human adaptability. It is a place that both fascinates and challenges, and a must-see for every adventurer.
Poitevin Marsh
The Marais Poitevin, also known as the "Green Venice," is a breathtaking natural wonder in the Vendée. This unique wetland spans over 100,000 hectares and offers an abundance of flora and fauna. With its picturesque waterways lined with lush greenery, the Marais Poitevin provides an oasis of tranquility and beauty. Here, you can enjoy a traditional flatboat ride that takes you through the mysterious canals. Or explore the numerous hiking and cycling trails that run through the area. The Marais Poitevin is not only a paradise for nature lovers but also a place that invites you to relax and discover the wonders of nature.
Yeu Island
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Île d'Yeu, a hidden gem in the Vendée. This idyllic island is a paradise for nature lovers, with its pristine beaches, picturesque hiking trails, and vibrant wildflowers. The dramatic cliffs offer an impressive contrast to the gentle sound of the ocean, while the charming lighthouses add a touch of romance. Be enchanted by the diversity of wildlife, from fluttering butterflies to majestic seabirds. Île d'Yeu is more than just an island, it is a place where you can connect with nature and soothe your soul. Pack your suitcase and experience this unparalleled natural wonder for yourself.
Vendée - Climate
The Vendée, with its oceanic climate, is an ideal destination for a holiday between May and October. The warmest months are July, August, and September. The most harmonious climate is attributed to places like Les Sables d'Olonne and La Tranche-sur-Mer. The Atlantic temperatures climb to a warm 20°C in summer. In May, June, and October, you have pleasantly warm weather for hiking. Then you can walk with the whole family on the beach through the wild and romantic dune forest or to the sleepy Renaissance castle La Guignardière.
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.