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Top activities in Vendée
Jardins de l'Atlantique: the starting point for all your adventures
It can be explored on foot, by bike, on horseback, by train, by car, by boat or by rowing boat. Nestled between land, ocean and marsh, the Vendée surprises with the diversity and richness of its landscapes and colors.
Discover the beautiful sandy beaches that you can walk barefoot on, and the seaside resorts of the Côte Lumière, such as Les Sables d'Olonne. With its rich, authentic maritime heritage, the Vendée also boasts a wealth of historical and cultural sites, of which the Puy du fou is the standard-bearer. A land of sailors, every 4 years it welcomes the world's greatest sailors for the Vendée Globe.
10 great ways to visit the Vendée
Where to go? What to see? Where to find the best waves for surfing? Take advantage of our tips and tricks for an unforgettable stay in Vendée on the Atlantic Coast.
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The Veillon Forest
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The forest on the beach: discover a skilful blend of sand and holm oaks, dunes and maritime pines
Le Chemin des douaniers
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Three superb routes between coast and forest
The Veillon Beach
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An all-in-one beach: 1km of sand, sports, swimming and Jurassic treasures...
The Ribandeaux viewpoint
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A superb view of the salt marshes and the town of Talmont Saint-Hilaire
Regional highlights
By “must-sees”, we mean places that represent the very soul of the Vendée. Discover the region's history and the specialities that have forged its identity. The figure of Richard the Lionheart, the Vendéans' passion for the ocean, the unusual corners of Sables d'Olonne - these are just a few of the places you can explore to unravel the mysteries of the region.
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Les Sables d’Olonne
Nearby
Visit Les Sables d'Olonne and its most picturesque districts
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The Puy du fou park
Nearby
Experience an incredible adventure through time.
Talmont Castle
Nearby
Dating back to 1020, it is one of the oldest stone castles in France!
Oyster Road
Nearby
Treat yourself to an oyster tasting with our oyster farmers
A cocktail of fun and sporting activities
If you're looking for a sporty vacation, you've come to the right place, especially if you're particularly keen on water sports. Our long sandy beaches are an invitation to experiment: on the sea or in the air, try your hand at new pleasures. Your club also offers a wide range of free facilities and daily entertainment.
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The beaches of Vendée
Nearby
Miles of beach, thousands of things to do
Water sports
Nearby
Your best experiences on water and sand: sand yachting, surfing, kit-surfing, sailing, kayaking...
Les Jardins de l'Atlantique Spa
On site
A temple to well-being, with a dedicated area and à la carte treatments
Our evening shows
On site
Prodigious entertainment from the Jardins de l'Atlantique teams
Family vacations
Les Jardins de l'Atlantique welcome children aged 3 and over to their free clubs. Laughter, games, discoveries and encounters are all on the agenda, under the supervision of our qualified activity leaders.
For family activities, there's no shortage of ideas in the region: water park, zoo, aquarium or tree climbing...
Local produce and gastronomy
Are you one of those people who don't know a region until they've tasted it? Then you're right. Especially if that region is by the ocean, and has producers who are passionate about their craft. From oysters and buns to fresh vegetables, you'll find it all at the Halles Centrales market.
Halles Centrales market
Nearby
The emblematic and historic market of Les Sables d'Olonne
Oyster farms
Nearby
Find out all there is to know about oysters and treat yourself to a delicious tasting experience.
Gâche and Vendée brioche
Nearby
Get to the heart of Vendée tradition
The Salt Route
Nearby
A fun and educational trail through the salt marshes
Green escapes
Back to basics... Nature in Vendée is wild, beautiful and unpredictable. Between the tamed marshes and the untamed ocean, biodiversity is rich and flora and fauna are well preserved. Adopt soft mobility and set off to meet Mother Nature.
The Payré estuary
Nearby
850 hectares of remarkable biodiversity
The coastal forest
Nearby
A forest on the dune, rare species... a small Eden
Vélodyssée
Nearby
From Sables d'Olonne to La Tranche-sur-Mer, pedal with the ocean in the background!
Poitevin marshes
Nearby
Embark on a stroll through an astonishing variety of landscapes
A journey through Vendée history
Taking a cultural walk in the Vendée is like getting lost in the passage of time. Whatever your preferred period, you're sure to find what you're looking for. If you're a prehistoric enthusiast, go and spot the dinosaur footprints or the Bernard megaliths.
More the Middle Ages? Follow in the footsteps of Richard the Lionheart. More recent history is revealed in the blockhouse at Les Sables d'Olonne. For a brief summary of all the historical periods, book your ticket to the Puy du Fou...
Entreprendre une balade culturelle en Vendée, c’est un peu se perdre sur les chemins du temps. Quelle que soit votre période de prédilection, vous trouverez votre bonheur. Passionnés de Préhistoire, allez repérer les empreintes de dinosaures ou les mégalithes du Bernard.
Vous êtes plutôt Moyen-Âge ? Lancez-vous sur les traces de Richard Cœur de Lion. L’histoire plus récente se dévoile dans le blockhaus des Sables d’Olonne. Pour un petit récapitulatif de toutes les périodes historiques, réservez votre entrée au Puy du Fou…
