The 11 things to do in Vendée

Do you want to visit the Vendée beyond its sandy beaches? Here are the essentials of this department with such rich cultural and natural heritage!

The Vendée is one of Europe’s favourite destinations. Located on the west coast of France, it is mainly known for its pleasant temperatures, the Atlantic Ocean that borders it and its sandy beaches. But the Vendée is not just about that. This land has a thousand surprises, between magical landscapes and cultural discoveries.

Whether you prefer sport, heritage or relaxation, you can find activities tailored to all areas! If you are wondering what to do in Vendée, here’s our selection of incontournable choices that will only give you a desire: come back!

1. The island of Noirmoutier

The island of Noirmoutier is a must when you want to visit the Vendée. To get there, you can either borrow the bridge of Noirmoutier or choose the Gois passage. This mythical route is only accessible to low tide. It connects Beauvoir-sur-Mer to Noirmoutier on a distance of just over four kilometers. You can then go by car, by foot or by bike. Enjoy it to go fishing with shellfish (respecting quotas)! Be careful not to surprise you by the sea that rises or by the fog.

What to do in Vendée when you arrive on the island of Noirmoutier? For nature lovers, the nature reserve of the Sevastopol Polder is not to be missed. You can also discover ostreiculture, salt marshes, mills, different ports, the castle of Noirmoutier, the houses of fishermen. Not to mention the sandy beaches! The site of the island of Noirmoutier offers a route to the island in one day.

2. Le Puy du Fou

The Puy du Fou is a theme park, or leisure park, which is now renowned worldwide for the quality of its performances. You can attend many shows and the famous Cinéscénie. Cinéscénie is a grandiose night show, which brings together more than 2,500 actors in a green setting of 23 hectares. The various paintings combine stage play, 3D video mapping, water jets, music... The adventure of the park of Puy du Fou has also started with Cinéscénie: the Puyfolais (the inhabitants of the village) have set up a night performance to inform about the history of the Vendée. This one that was acclaimed by the public. They then offered day shows.

The aim of the park is to create an emotion among its spectators through performances and universes. Whether with the Vikings, the circus games of a Roman governor, the knighthood or the flamenco, each creation is unique and transports you with it in an incredible world! If you are wondering what to do in Vendée, make sure the Puy du Fou has its place in your visits!

3. The salt marshes

We can't visit the Vendée without making a detour by one of the famous salt marshes. Salt harvest started in the seventh century and continues today. It is usually carried out from mid-June to mid-September. However, the saunters began work in March to clean their marshes and rehabilitate them after winter, so that the sea could bring them white gold.

You'll find salt marshes in different locations on the coast of Vendée. Sauniers often offer visits to the tourist period to share their know-how.

4. The castle of Tiffauges

If you like history and ask yourself to do in Vendée, the castle of Tiffauges is the answer to your question. The most famous of its owners remains Gilles de Rais, a companion of arms by Jeanne d’Arc. He experienced the tediousness and recognition following his acts of arms, and finally ended up decapitated after having terni Tiffauges by criminal acts. His story has been brought together with Charles Perrault’s tale, Blue Barbe. This nickname was attributed to Tiffauges Castle.

During the guided tour, the story of this character is relatted. You can also attend different shows (equestrian and singing in particular) and try to shoot the bow. Tiffauges is also famous for the war machines that are presented there and you can admire during organized demonstrations.

If you go to Vendée in winter, go through Tiffauges for its Christmas market, one of the best known in Vendée!

5. Les Sables-d’Olonne

It is almost impossible to visit the Vendée without stopping at the Sables-d’Olonne. You can chiller on the beach, take surf lessons or discover the district of Penotte Island. Close to the large beach, the walls of the houses of these picturesque alleys are covered with shell frescoes. They are the work of a Sablaise, Danièle Arnaud-Aubin, a local artist nicknamed the "Coquillage Lady". Finish your walk with an artisanal sweetness of the Pétales de roses glacier: a delight!

6. Yeu Island

Yeu Island will give you an incredible day. It starts with the boat crossing from Port Fromentine. You will discover its two faces: one part of the island is sandy, while the other is rocky. It is a true little paradise for hiking enthusiasts: seventy kilometers of routes marked the milestone!

To move you, you can choose between the bike and the walk. A bus service runs the island from April to November. Between swimming, nautical activities, hikes, visits to Port Joinville, Fort de Pierre and the castle, you will be overwhelmed by this small island!

7. The harvested cornice

Located between Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the Salesian cornice spans three kilometres. You can walk along, discover the sea and the rocky coast. Observe fauna and flora, sandy coves and the sea! The trail is very well designed and accessible to both bicycles and pedestrians.

Stop a moment at the Devil’s Trou, also known as the devil’s pot, to admire the muds of water. This cave would either be the work of the devil, who would have kicked away after losing a market or his prison... You can see, a little further off, five rocks above water. They're called the five pins or the five monks. They'd be here to keep the devil's prison.

8. Historial de la Vendée

If you are wondering what to do in Vendée to understand its rich history, go to L’Historial de la Vendée. It is located in the land, in the Lucs-sur-Boulogne. This museum traces the history of the Vendée, from the prehistory to the present day. An original, playful museography teaches its visitors well, especially the Vendée War.

You can complete your visit with the Vendée Memorial, designed in tribute to five hundred and sixty-four villagers massacred in 1794.

9. The Poitevin marsh

The northern part of the Poitevin marsh is in Vendée. Second wet space in France, you can walk in a boat or by bike in this Verte Venice. You can discover its incredible fauna (migratory birds particularly appreciate this place). Relax by the water, in this place where you feel that time has no catch. Undoubtedly, visiting the Vendée is a must!

10. Nieul-sur-l’Autise and its Abbaye

If you’re in the south of the department and you’re wondering what to do in Vendée, stop in Nieul-sur-l’Autise. It is a village classified as “Small City of Character”. It also houses the Abbey, designated as a royal abbey by Aliénor d’Aquitaine when she was Queen of France. Shows and animations give life to this incredible place, whose Romanesque cloister is the only one in the west to be preserved in its entirety.

11. A boat ride

If you are on the coasts of the country, it is a step that you must not miss under any pretext: the boat rental !

Indeed, very nice excursions are to be made by boat, such as the Poitevin marsh or a trip to Les Sables d’Olonne. It would be a shame not to enjoy it during your holidays in Vendée.

How do I go to Vendée?

The Vendée is particularly accessible by all means of locomotion.

The plane

Two airports are located about thirty minutes by car from the Vendée: La Rochelle — island of Ré and Nantes Atlantique. To find the most suitable flights according to your departure city, consider comparing them with Ulysses ! Once on site, the best is rent a vehicle as soon as you arrive at the airport to enjoy your stay independently.

The train

To visit the Vendée, you can come by train. The TGV stations are the stations of La Roche-sur-Yon and the Sables-d’Olonne. Other cities are served by TER: Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie, Challans, Luçon and Montaigu.

The car

If you're planning to sneak around the Vendée to discover all our must-sees, the car remains the most convenient way to locomotion. The most listed cities are La Roche-sur-Yon and Nantes.

If you take your car, think about taking your bikes! The 1150 kilometers of bike paths are one of the big highlights of the Vendée.

Where to stay in Vendée?

If you want to cover the entire territory, a accommodation located in the middle of the department of Vendée can be a practical choice. You can thus visit the "Star". The big advantage of this tactic: you will easily find accommodation — even if it is advisable to book, especially in the tourist season.

However, most visitors wish to enjoy the sea. If this is also your case, book your accommodation well in advance, especially if you want to leave between April and September.

The Vendée is very well equipped, whether for rent, campsites or guest rooms. There are for all tastes and budgets. Prices vary greatly depending on the tourist season. Also, to make sure you book the best hotel at the best price, do not hesitate to use a hotel comparison !

You now have all the information to visit the Vendée in good shape!