What to do in Vendée in spring? Our best ideas!

The Vendée is a land of groves, forests and marshes, where nature is omnipresent. Visiting the Vendée in the spring is the ideal season to appreciate this still preserved territory. At the edge of the ocean, you will appreciate the return of the heat, at this period when the coast bears its name of "Côte de Lumière" so well. In the Marais Breton Vendéen, crossing the Heart of the Vendée to the Haut Bocage, spring walks between land and sea await you. In the Marais Poitevin, south of the Vendée, boat trips allow you to surprise the awakening of nature. We offer you an overview of the activities to do in the spring in Vendée.

Photos of the article © Guide de la Vendée

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Cross the Vendée on foot from the coast to the Vendée bocages

The Vendée offers no less than 2500 kilometers of paths, in the heart of a very rich and diversified natural environment. Here is our selection of unmissable walks to discover the Vendée in spring, in all its facets:

• On the North Vendée coast, near the Marais Breton Vendéen, the "Sentier de la Forêt" allows you to explore the national forest of the Pays de Monts. This hiking trail, marked out over 11 km, is located in the heart of a natural area, consisting mainly of maritime pines and plant species typical of the region. This is a good idea to see the first buds and get to know the local flora better.

If you prefer a more maritime walk, we take you for a walk along the Corniche Vendéenne, from Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez.

• On the South Vendée coast, we advise you to hike on the Ile de la Dive. It is located in the Gulf of Pictons, more precisely in Saint-Michel-en-L'Herm. The Baie de l'Aiguillon is a natural site of great beauty. You will admire a beautiful panorama formed by the Pointe de l'Aiguillon, the Pointe Saint-Clément and the Ile de Ré.

• The Vallons du Cœur de la Vendée are privileged sites for great hikers or cycling enthusiasts. The "Sentier des vallons du Petit Lay" is a circuit of about 10 km. You will certainly appreciate this beautiful natural corner, embellished with a picturesque heritage.

• In the Haut Bocage Vendéen, the “Circuit du Haut Bocage” is a 23 km hike between Saint-Aubin-des-Ormeaux and Saint-Martin-des-Tilleuls. It is reserved for good walkers, to face the distance and its unevenness, but it is a great discovery of the Sèvre Nantaise Valley!
• The Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park is the "Green Venice of the Vendée"! This unusual site has many surprises in store for you, especially in spring when the awakening of nature brings it so much charm. But it is also one of the largest natural parks in France. There is no doubt that you will find your happiness there, whether in terms of family activities or walks...

Here are the circuits, itineraries and tips for hiking in the Vendée.

Walk in the national forest of the Pays de Monts

Stroll through the bocage Vendéen, beautiful trails are available

The Vendée coast, a must in all seasons

Cycling on the cycle paths of the Vendée

Are you more of a cyclist? The Vendée is a rather flat territory which allows beautiful family bike rides. The most athletic will go to the bocages vendéens to find some beautiful elevations. Whatever your level, nearly 200 km of cycle paths are at your disposal to satisfy all your desires.

• The Vélodyssée runs along the Vendée coast. It is cut into several sections of different lengths.
• Ile d'Yeu has focused on soft mobility and it is the ideal place for cycling enthusiasts, whether for everyday trips or for walks. You can go around the entire island, on 40 km of cycle paths.
• The beautiful island of Noirmoutier offers more than 80 km of cycle paths, including 20 km on paths reserved for this purpose.
• The canals of the Marais Breton Vendéen are generally bordered by dirt roads and roads, very well maintained and accessible to bicycles. The landscapes are varied and the small heritage is very significant.
• To get to know the Vendée Hauts-Bocages better, the “Bocage Loop” is one of the must-sees. Its 53 km, mainly on paved road, are very easy to access, especially for families.

We have listed for you the cycle paths, the greenways and the bike rides.

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Between Talmont-Saint-Hilaire and Jard-sur-Mer, we strongly recommend the circuit “ It rolls with Richard de Lion ! ". The route is well marked and the history of the place is well documented. We tell you more in our article: Bike ride on the discovery circuit between Talmont-Saint-Hilaire and Jard-sur-Mer.

 

Discover exceptional places in Vendée in the spring

On this famous "Côte de Lumières", how not to mention the sunsets? The Pointe du Payré is the ideal site to admire it. From Jard-sur-Mer, a 5 km walk allows you to take full advantage of it. Different points of view await you: the Payré Estuary, the channel and the small canals on the banks of the Payré or even the Plage du Veillon.

The Pointe du Payré at sunset.

To the south of the Vendée coast, Pointe d'Arçay is located at the end of the peninsula of La Faute-sur-Mer. It forms the mouth of the Lay. This wetland is an ornithological observation spot, very popular with nature lovers. Nearby, don't miss a visit to the Sèvre Niortaise Estuary and the Baie de L'Aiguillon Nature Reserve, or even the Port du Pavé.

Pointe d'Arcay at La Faute-sur-Mer.

For this last proposal, it is in the heart of the Vendée that we bring you, in the footsteps of the Fairy Mélusine. This builder would be at the origin of the city of character of Vouvant! In particular, you will see the Mélusine Tower, the only vestige of the Château des Lusignan. You can also walk in the Forest of Mervent. You will surely appreciate the return of spring to this magical forest…

Vouvant and the legend of Mélusine.

La pointe du Payré - Picture by Charline Prod'Homme

Photo by Charline Prod'Homme

We hope that this spring stroll in the heart of the Vendée has made you want to put on your trainers or get on your bike, to appreciate nature in all its finery.

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