Which destination on the Atlantic coast combines both seaside and nature? The choice is vast, but today’s star is the Vendée! Whether you're travelling as a couple or with the family, there's no doubt that the Vendée, with its natural, cultural, and recreational attractions, will captivate and delight you.
Ready to visit the Vendée? So let's get started!
The 8 must-visit sites
Island of Noirmoutier
‘The island of mimosas’, as it is nicknamed, is a must-visit in the Vendée thanks to its mild climate, distinctive atmosphere, and beautiful beaches. On the agenda: bike rides through the salt marshes, shellfish gathering, relaxing on Les Dames beach in Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, exploring Noirmoutier’s heritage, including the château, and much more. We won’t reveal all its treasures, so you can discover them for yourself!
Stay at a campsite nearby :
Domaine Le Midi
Passage du Gois
On the island of Noirmoutier, there’s a unique spot that draws inquisitive visitors: the legendary Passage du Gois. Accessible only at low tide, this 4.5 km stretch connecting the island to the mainland can be explored on foot or by bike, offering breathtaking scenery. However, be careful not to be caught by the rising tide. Be sure to check the tide schedules before venturing there to avoid any unpleasant surprises!
Stay at a campsite nearby :
Domaine Le Midi
The salt marshes
It’s impossible to visit the Vendée without taking a detour to its salt marshes. With family or as a couple, discover or rediscover the work of the salt workers who’ve been extracting this ‘white gold’ since the 7th century. And don't forget to pack a little salt in your suitcase to give your cooking a delicious sea-flavour touch, made right here in Vendée!
Stay at a campsite nearby :
Domaine Le Midi
La Grande Côte
Le Littoral
The Île d’Yeu
From the port of Fromentine, take a boat to the Île d’Yeu, a Vendée beauty spot just a stone's throw away. Hikers will find plenty to explore, with no fewer than 72 kilometres of signposted footpaths, while beach lovers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the perfect spot to lay down their towel.
Stay at a campsite nearby :
Domaine Le Midi
La Grande Côte
Le Littoral
La Bosse
Puy du Fou
Back on the mainland, head to THE must-visit theme park in the Vendée: Puy du Fou, located in Les Epesses. With its breathtaking, larger-than-life performances, including the Cinéscénie, the world’s biggest night-time show(!), you’ll be immersed in a fabulous journey through history. Vikings, Romans, Arthurian legends, chivalry, flamenco: you’ll be blown away by this theme park, voted several times over the best in the world!
Stay at a campsite nearby :
La Grande Côte
Le Littoral
Domaine Le Midi
La Bosse
Les Sables-d’Olonne
The Atlantic coast’s most emblematic town and a watersports capital, Les Sables-d’Olonne is a must-visit during your stay in the Vendée. What’s on the agenda for your day in this seaside resort, with 2,300 hours of sunshine a year? A delicious stop at the La Chaume covered market in the morning, a stroll through the atypical Île Penotte district at lunchtime, and an introduction to windsurfing or kitesurfing in the afternoon. To top it all off: enjoy the sunset from Le Remblai, a long promenade beside the beach.
Stay at a campsite nearby :
Domaine Le Midi
La Bosse
La Grande Côte
Le Littoral
The Vendée Aquarium
Here’s an ideal family activity: a trip to the Vendée Aquarium in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire! Young and old alike will discover the world’s underwater treasures. From Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to the Maldives and the Java Sea, over 5,000 species await you for a fascinating dive 20,000 leagues under the sea… or almost. Guaranteed to amaze!
Stay at a campsite nearby :
Le Littoral
La Grande Côte
Domaine Le Midi
La Bosse
The beaches of the Vendée coast
Let’s wrap up this overview with the last must-do activity in the Vendée: a day at the beach with your feet in the Atlantic Ocean! Whether you're looking to relax, enjoy a watersport (kitesurfing, sand yachting or even surfing), go for a swim, or simply breathe in the refreshing sea breeze, the beautiful beaches of the Vendée are ideal!
Stay at a campsite nearby :
Domaine Le Midi
La Bosse
La Grande Côte
Le Littoral
Where to stay during your visit to the Vendée?
There’s no shortage of accommodation choices for your holiday in the Vendée, but camping remains the best value for money. With a wide range of rental options (mobile homes, pitches, or quirky accommodation) to suit all tastes, free children’s workshops and clubs, facilities and services designed for everyone, everything is in place for a 100% successful holiday!
This is a great starting point for visiting the Vendée and falling under its spell, but there are many other wonderful places just waiting to be discovered.
So, once you've visited ALL the must-visits listed above (it's not compulsory, but highly recommended!), let chance and your desires guide you. After all, that’s what holidays are all about - discovering hidden treasures in the most unexpected places…
Feel inspired...
