South coast and Marais Poitevin

We have devoted a chapter to the discovery of the northwest of the department, of the coast which is opposite the Marais Breton Vendéen, as well as of the islands. Here is now a chapter devoted to the discovery of the southern part of the Vendée coast, which touches the Charente Maritime and which extends to the south by the Marais Poitevin. It is a tourist region and very pleasant in summer, but also at all times of the year. There are large seaside resorts such as Les Sables d'Olonne and its neighbors, but also pretty little towns and villages with character a little more inland. Sometimes escape from the beach, as beautiful as it is to meet the forest, heritage, salt marshes and the wonderful ecosystem of the Marais Poitevin!

Bretignolles-sur-Mer

The coasts of Vendée, southern part, which connect with the Marais Poitevin and which approach the Charente Maritime at the end of the department, are also punctuated by pretty seaside resorts, such as Bretignolles-sur-Mer. Located in the Pays de Brem, tourism started there in the 1950s, the coastal town owes its name to a Roman officer: Brétignolus. 13km of fine sand await you there, the seafront is advantageous for water sports and there are 5 supervised beaches in season, for safe swimming with the family. Among the activities to do, there is the bicycle, very pleasant in this city where many arrangements have been made to make it accessible thanks to the coastal cycle path. Walking enthusiasts will also be delighted, you can of course walk with your feet in the water, looking for shells at low tide, and go on the trails in search of prehistoric remains (the town has been populated for a long time). Walk towards the Sainte-Véronique rock, which rises from the top of its 7m, at the end of a rock wall. It arouses the curiosity of photographers and children, who like to try to see a face or to embark on other interpretations! Immerse yourself in a magical world that will remind you of childhood in Vendée Miniature, an incredible museum that required 16 years of work to reconstruct, with splendid models, Vendée life at the start of the 20th century. 30 stalls, 650 characters, a railroad with a train: model-making enthusiasts will be captivated, others admiring and curious!

Brem-sur-Mer

The Pays de Brem is also a vineyard dating from the 5th century to discover! Near the ocean, bathed in light, it is an AOC since 2011: Les Fiefs Vendéens. We are in the Pays de la Loire region, let yourself be surprised by these little-known wines (for now!), With a light and fruity flavor: they will go perfectly with seafood. A small wine-growing area: barely less than ten winegrowers, to discover at the bend of 2 wine routes. It is also an opportunity to go sightseeing. In Brem-sur-Mer, no there is no ocean! The village is a little behind, but you are only a few minutes from the Atlantic coast. Take a walk in the small marine village of La Gachère, on the banks of the Auzance river. To explore the marshes, a good drink in hand, meet at La Cabane (fr), an old converted oyster hut, with a multitude of seasonal activities at the foot (canoe, SUP, archery). Tip: Come at sunset time, before the show! Treat the children for a half-day: Le Parc des Dunes, an aquatic park with slides, inflatable structure, mini golf, pedal boat, swimming pools...

Ile-d'Olonne

10km from Les Sables d'Olonne, we enter one of the most touristic parts of the Vendée! It is a pretty village of quiet sauniers, a little outside the big seaside resort, which will delight those who want to be close to the party while staying away! The panoramic bell tower of the Saint-Martin de Vertou church offers a beautiful 360-degree view, after a climb of 80 steps which is worth it (you can take guided tours), you overlook the surrounding marshes. The Musée de la Petite Gare is an ecomuseum on the life of the inhabitants through the centuries, which can be discovered on a guided tour with the bell tower. In season, also visit the Salorge, which is the old warehouse for salt which dates from the post World War I. It is inseparable from the life of the salt marshes of the surrounding Olonnes. Two marshes are operated by young salt workers in the town and guided tours are organized by the Sauniers de la Vertonne (fr). Go see the Pont de la Salaire, on the Vertonne. In the town, there is also an old mill: the Gueffard mill, which is being renovated by a local association. For patient admirers of birds, an interesting observatory is to be used from May to July in the town, managed by ADEV (fr) (Association for the Defense of the Environment in Vendée). Do you like motorsports? Meet at the Circuit Mécamax, which is one of the most beautiful in the department. There are plenty of activities to do for groups, companies and individuals who want to do quad or karting courses.

Les Sables d'Olonne

Les Sables d'Olonne is a large town, which brings together the municipalities of Château d'Olonne, Sables d'Olonne and Olonne-sur-Mer, to become the second largest municipality in Vendée and the Côte of Light. A community redesigned to offer shared services, an organization designed to guarantee the best possible reception to numerous holidaymakers, who come to enjoy the attractions of this very large Vendée seaside resort. Les Sables d'Olonne is above all the culture of the ocean, everything is turned towards it to make the most of it. 3 kilometers of lively embankment (seaside promenade), festive in summer and pleasant all year round, to enjoy the beauty of the coast... and of shops, restaurants and cafes! This is also where the Casino is located, the thalassotherapy establishments to indulge and take care of yourself... And every 4 years, Les Sables d'Olonne hosts the start of the Vendée Globe, a fantastic sailing race in lonely around the world, nonstop and unassisted. The greatest sailors come to rub shoulders with the elements, in a unique communion, an atmosphere of respect and admiration, palpable months before the departure of these giants of the seas...

It was the arrival of the railway (nowadays you can go there by TGV all year round!), Sea bathing and paid vacations that propelled the small Vendée town to the rank of a top seaside resort range, from the beginning of the 20th century. Cod fishing, salt trading, the nautical origins of Les Sables d'Olonne do not date from yesterday, boats docked in its port for 800 years. Today, there are 3 ports in the city: Port Olona (fr) can accommodate 1,500 boats, it is the largest in Vendée. The Port de Plaisance continues Quai Garnier to accommodate very large boats up to 15.50m, nearby, a lively district! There is also a fishing port (fr) and a trading port (fr).

Les Sables d'Olonne is very popular all year round. Well served, the seaside resort welcomes holidaymakers for long summer stays and in mid and even low season, people come there for a weekend in Les Sables d'Olonne, to walk on the beach, go to the casino, have fun. with spa and well-being treatments... We walk, we enjoy the exhibitions, in short, it's the good life on the coast of light.

You will find dozens of things to do, discover and taste in Les Sables d'Olonne, which is why many tourists come there! A family seaside resort, it also offers many attractions for athletes, couples who want good restaurants and top-of-the-range accommodation, families who want to enjoy nature and the beach with children. For housing? There are options for all budgets and all tastes.

To discover the heritage of the city and its surroundings, walking tours are offered by the Tourist Office, as well as very attractive little videos, to watch before leaving to find out what to discover on the spot! Flower lover, do not miss a visit to the Roseraie François Dorieux, a landscaped park of 8000m2 with free entry. If you like gardens, go to the Château de Pierre Levée, which dates from the 18th century. Listed as an historic monument, in summer it is the host of a beautiful night show in the gardens (a scenography). Not far away is the Golf des Sables d'Olonne (fr), an 18-hole course for swing enthusiasts of all levels.

Do you like museums and cultural places to learn? There is a choice in Les Sables d'Olonne!

• Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (or Musée de l'Abbaye Sainte-Croix) offers beautiful exhibitions, with works by Gaston Chaissac, Victor Brauner, eclectic works and a stroll that is accessible to all audiences. Look up to enjoy the sublime framework of the place...
  
  
• The Museum of Popular Traditions will appeal to time travel enthusiasts. Old objects, reconstructions of scenes from yesteryear, information to share with the volunteers who maintain this fun and informative place
  
  
• The Hospital Blockhouse Museum is also a journey back in time, to the era of the Second World War. Through a moving museography, a film and various arrangements to interest children, (treasure hunt, etc.) relive the local landing, through some twenty exhibition rooms.
  
  
• The Shell Museum, for a good time with the family. We all like to collect seashells on the beach, in this museum, we finally have information about this impressive collection from around the world.
  
  
• The Chocolate Museum, the gourmet break! To learn all about the History of Cocoa and of course, to taste… The Maison Gelencser unveils 300m2 of gourmet expo and a shop to leave with a delicious souvenir.
  
  
• In the Tower of Arundel one can see a beautiful panoramic view and a small museum space on the sea and the local fishing.
  
  
• In the Priory Saint-Nicolas in the district of La Chaume, there are temporary exhibitions it is also the opportunity to take a walk along the beach and on the edge of the jetty and up to the lighthouse.
  
  
• Push the door of the Saint-Louis church to discover its very beautiful organ, within a neoclassical architecture.

With children, there are plenty of activities to do on holiday in Les Sables d'Olonne, in addition to the beach, that goes without saying!

• A walk to the Sables d'Olonne Zoo, on a human scale and well maintained, special mention for the birds: you can feed them! Varied animals and enchanting surroundings in a park.

• A stroll in the district of the island of Penotte where magnificent decorations are made with shells on every street corner. Lots of color, creativity and originality. Take the camera and scrutinize every nook and cranny of the neighborhood because there are main works, but also smaller ones that are sometimes hidden...

• Let's talk a bit about the beach: 25 km of fine white sand, beaches close to the city center, with easy access and a gentle slope to enter the water, but also wilder and more natural beaches, bordered by pretty hiking trails. There are 4 beach clubs, for children to have fun with new friends, bath cabins to change and drop off your belongings and even a swimming pool near the Embankment to take a break away from the sand and swim in a water at almost 30 degrees!

• Discover the Sables d'Olonne Pedagogical Natural Park with your family. Whatever the season, there are nature activities and also out of season to learn more about migrations, wetland birds, how to keep a lookout and take great photos.

• To learn more about salt and salt marshes, visit Les Salines (fr), an adventure park with boat, canoe and paddle trips, entertainment...

• For easy hiking with children, we recommend that you download the Sables d'Olonne Exploration application which offers fun trails (free).

• It's not nice ? No luck, but there is plenty (fr) of fun all day long at Up2play, an indoor activity complex at the YLIUM Shopping Center: a trampoline park, a virtual reality games room, an artificial surf wave (a must-see), a bowling alley, an escape game...
  

Talmont-Saint-Hilaire

To the south of Les Sables d'Olonne, Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, it is 16 km of beaches and a famous castle. The history of Château de Talmont begins at the beginning of the Middle Ages, in the 11th century. It is an impressive all-stone fortress. It all started with a tower, by order of Guillaume le Chauve and quickly, built around a site whose influence follows the shape of the landscape and nestles against the marshy areas, with a peripheral wall. A little higher up, the city grows, protected by this building and becomes prosperous under William the Younger, second master of the place and son of the first. After many adventures and passages from hand to hand, the castle bears the brunt of the quarrels against the English and in the 17th century, a large part of the castle and its homes was destroyed to avoid serving as an English base in this strategic region. The centuries pass, the castle is in ruins and bought in 1920 by the municipality, then classified in 2009. Since then, it has been used as a host for cultural events and a restoration program is underway. It can be visited all year round, school groups make educational trips and in summer, guided tours and shows take place.

• Talmont-Saint-Hilaire is also the Payré estuary, with the Salt Marshes of the Guittière, classified in the natura 2000 zone, with characteristic plants and thousands of birds, to be discovered on a guided tour. or by your own means on the landscaped footpath which takes you through pretty viewpoints. Take a walk (and go for a swim, the water quality is perfect) at Veillon beach, to see the fossilized dinosaur footprints (210 million years old, anyway!), You can walk to near the dune of Veillon, the estuary offers magnificent colors in all seasons, as well as a remarkable flora.
  
  
• To go further, on the subject of dinosaur tracks: in Saint-Hilaire-la-forêt a few kilometers away, the Prehisto'site du Cairn (fr), will tell you everything you need to know about the prehistoric past of the region, from dinosaurs to first Men. There are 3 rooms on 350m2 of exhibition space, it is the ideal place for families, if the rain comes! There are outdoor spaces to discover, a garden and entertainment during school holidays.
  
  
• Go on an adventure in one of the two (or both!) Giant corn mazes of Talmont. They are so big that you can go through them on a mountain bike, with small obstacles that are more fun than really complex... On foot, there are 36 puzzles to solve, the children have fun in the playground, there are tennis, mini golf...
  
  
• It is raining? Meet at the Vendée Aquarium, with beautifully colored fish, a charming little site, an instructive visit.
  
  
• Do you prefer cars to fish? Meet at the Automobile Museum of Vendée, full of charm, family run and full of details to lay eyes on, vintage cars (nearly 100!), Scenarios and a prototype corner...
  
  
• In summer, come and move at the La Bélière leisure park near the Veillon beach. Day ticket, go for a splash at the beach and come back at the end of the day!
  
  
• Stroll to the pleasant marina of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, the Port Bourgenay. It is always pleasant to walk around imagining yourself aboard these beautiful boats!
  
  
• To discover Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, take hiking boots and walk the Chemin des Douaniers, 16km between forest, beach and marshes.
  

Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, a wild coast for all tastes!

Jard-sur-Mer

A little further south, the small town of Jard-sur-Mer is a pleasant base for holidays, far from the hustle and bustle of the big resorts, but at the same time so close. You can walk to the Pointe du Payré, which borders with Talmont. Next to the marina, have fun at the fairground amusement park. There is also a pretty mill (which cannot be visited) to admire and of course not far away, the beach (8 beaches in the town). You can also visit the house and gardens of the Maison de Georges-Clémenceau in nearby Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard. You can take a modern visit there with a curious and original augmented reality application (the Skyboy)...

Longeville-sur-Mer

At the entrance to Pertuis Bretons, opposite the Île de Ré in Charente Maritime, Longeville-sur-Mer became a seaside resort at the same time as its coastal counterparts in the 20th century. With its old town, 7 km of beaches, the national forest of Longeville and the start of the Interregional Park of the Marais Poitevin, it is a town that has also kept its vocation. The Marais is here an object of economic, territorial and tourist development, with a view to sustainable development, to preserve this fragile ecosystem so particular. Take a walk at the Maison du Marais, for a ride in a bucolic boat. Admire the beautiful Moulin des Rabouillères, restored, it can be visited for Heritage Days. Longeville-sur-Mer is a famous surf spot, on the beach of Les Conches, the Bud Bud area is known to be as qualitative (depending on the swell conditions) as the Landes beaches!

La Tranche-sur-Mer

13 km of fine sand unfurl before your eyes. La Tranche-sur-Mer is a village on a human scale, opposite the Ile de Ré, where you can do many activities related to, of course, the beach and the ocean! In season, children like to jump on the trampolines of Île aux Pirates, with an arcade space for older children. There are many bike rental companies, so you can take advantage of the coastal cycle paths and paths. Ask at the Tourist Office, there is a 15 km circuit to enjoy the surroundings through the most beautiful places... Also download the Baludik application to discover La Tranche-sur-Mer. At the Maupas lake in the town, which is near Clémenceau beach, you can discover water sports in complete safety, before setting out on the ocean.

La Faute-sur-Mer

The south of the town is a pretty peninsula, rich in an interesting biodiversity for nature lovers: La Pointe d'Arçay. On a strip of land 10km long and 2km wide, there is on one side the ocean and on the other, the mouth of the Le Lay river. The Observatory of La Rade d'Amour is a high belvedere, perched on a former oyster farm. People come there to observe the birds and enjoy a beautiful view of the bay of the peninsula. You can also take guided tours of the Nature Reserve, in season and by booking upstream because visitors are limited! Lovers of oysters, you can go to the Arçay fishponds to taste some delicious… You can also discover the mussel farming, and see the sea fields of bouchot mussels, hummm the opportunity to taste these completely fresh shellfish, when it's the season ! At La Faute-sur-Mer, there is a very active nautical base and 8km of sand for sand yachting, walks on the beach on foot or on horseback... You can also practice golf and go for a walk in the port fishing.

L'Aiguillon-sur-Mer

The pretty bay of this seaside resort which has retained its charm, is located opposite the Pointe d'Arçay peninsula, at the mouth of the La Lay river. It is the last town before moving to Charente Maritime. It is a small dynamic resort, with 3 bodies of water for doing water sports, swimming and trying out a fun activity: the water ski lift. Pulled by a cable on a circular circuit, you are on a board, on your knees for beginners and standing for others. Accessible to beginners, we have fun quickly in this Wake Park and with a little practice, we can even do jumps! At the fishing port, we walk and we find local delicacies: mussels and oysters. At the Pointe de l'Aiguillon, this unspoiled and natural site, you can observe thousands of birds. It is a classified natural area, along the estuary which was once covered with water. Note: very nice market 3 times a week, with local food products and seasonal souvenirs.

Luçon

Luçon is ideally located to take advantage of all the attractions of the Vendée: the seaside resorts are less than 25 minutes away, the Marais Poitevin is a few kilometers away, that's perfect! But Luçon is also rich in heritage on the spot: It is a large ecclesiastical city, since 1317, an essential religious city for lovers of art and architectural and religious heritage. To discover: The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption and its solemn cloister, the chapels: The Sainte-Thérèse Chapel (and its interior wooden vaults), The Ursulines Chapel (with its painted wooden ceiling), The Chapel of the Carmel de Luçon… To discover these marvels, take advantage of a heritage walking tour, to follow in the city with signs (information from the Tourist Office).

• Admire the pretty and very original water tower in Luçon! Classified as a historical monument, its shape is quite unique.
  
  
• Take a walk in the Jardin Dumaine, a beautiful park where to spend a beautiful afternoon, children will find a playground and a fountain with ducks.
  
  
• On the outskirts of the city, bird watchers and those who enjoy nature walks will like to go to the Plan d'Eau des Guifettes, 42 hectares for fishing.
  
  
• Discover the Luçon Canal, a canal that runs to the ocean to reach Aiguillon-sur-Mer. All along, a white path that can be traveled by bike, for a pleasant sporting afternoon.
  
  
• West of Luçon, take a walk in the Parc floral de la Court d'Aron, a botanical garden that offers a trip to 5 continents, with plants from all over the world, organized by tables.
  

The city of Luçon and its nearby canal

Chaillé-les-Marais

In the heart of the Marais Poitevin, it is the destination for nature lovers! Holidays in the countryside, slow tourism, we come here to appreciate the spectacle of biodiversity, while being close to the coast for a day or more of ocean mopping!

The unmissable site to visit is La Maison du Maître de Digues, an eco-museum of life in the Marais and especially water management. On the very site where the huttier was located, who took care of the water management, because this region is part of the parched (or more dried up) marshes and for this to be so, great care had to be taken of the Dike and the bungs which ensured the draining of this region, to make it suitable for breeding and agriculture. To continue the discovery of the local ecosystem, go to the Departmental Biological Reserve of Chaillé-Les-Marais, a 146 hectare space to walk along a discovery trail, with activities in season. Go through the Maison de la Réserve (fr) to organize your discovery.

Fontenay-le-Comte

A very pretty town, nestled on the edge of the Vendée bocage. Rewarded by the labels "City and Country of Art and History", as well as "The Most Beautiful Detours of France", do not miss to stop there to enjoy the beautiful facades of villas and mansions of the 16th century. To fully appreciate the architectural gems of Fontenay-le-Comte, stroll through the historic heart by following the 42 signs on offer like a discovery circuit. The medieval alleys, the arcaded squares, the half-timbered and half-timbered facades, the Quatre Tias fountain… For aficionados of new technologies, there are 2 walks to do with an audio guide. Available at the Tourist Office.

• There is a Museum which is also an Interpretation Center in Fontenay-le-Comte. There are archaeological collections, costumes, paintings and temporary exhibitions.
  
  
• The Château de Terre Neuve, which dates from the 16th century, can be discovered on a self-guided tour in a fully furnished environment. What will surprise you is that it is still inhabited and all year round! Guided or free tours, to do with the family while enjoying the gardens, the shop and the small museum.
  
  
• Unusual: Observe (not open to visit) the 8-level, octagonal-shaped Rivalland Tower, a Freemasonry construction that will arouse your curiosity...
  
  
• The children will let off steam at the Donjon des Cimes, in a green setting. And if that's not enough, there is a nice trampoline park: the Parcabout in the pretty Parc Baron, flanked by round towers and sections of ancient walls.
  
  
• East of Fontenay-le-Compte, take a detour to Nieul-sur-l'Autise to discover a pretty little village and the splendid Abbey of Nieul-sur-l'Autise which has a beautiful museum trail for its discovery.

Mervent

Between plain and bocage, Mervent is a charming village, pleasant and a little higher up. On one side the river La Mère and on the other La Vendée, whose confluence is to the south of the village. It is a town for nature sports lovers. The Forest of Mervent is 5000 hectares of forest, which covers almost half of the town. It is a green lung where you can see the remains of the Château de Mervent, which dates from the Middle Ages. You can also come across an old 19th century bridge 22m high: Le Pont du Déluge. Like a Swiss cheese, the forest is dotted with marked trails for walking, mountain biking and running.

In the town, children enjoy a walk in the Natur'Zoo, an animal park. We also go with the family to the Parc de la Pierre Brune, with around forty attractions for all ages and activities in season from June to September. You can also go to the Mervent leisure center, to canoe, mountain bike, electric boat, paddle. Enough to quench his thirst for activities.

Nieul-sur-l'Autise

On the border with the Deux-Sèvres department, Nieul-sur-l'Autise is a pretty little town, of which the Abbey founded in the 11th century is the highlight. Elevated to the rank of Royal Abbey at the beginning of the 12th century by Aliénor d'Aquitaine, it is a place to discover, now transformed into a museum space on monastic life. In the town, you can also discover the Maison de la Meunerie, a fun visit to understand how a mill works and how the cereal is transformed into flour. The Mining Festival also takes place at Pentecost on this site / museum. In the village, which contains many buildings and places of interest, there is a discovery trail with educational panels detailing 21 remarkable places. The region enjoys vestiges of prehistoric habitats, meet at the Neolithic Enclosure of Champ-Durand, for archeology enthusiasts, there is a sign explaining the 10 years of excavations.

Maillezais

At the gates of the Marais Poitevin, Maillezais is a town where you will have no other choice than to jump into the water, but in a boat! The boat trips on the canals are sumptuous... Discover the 11th century Maillezais Abbey and monastic life: the role of the monks in the region was essential to give it its current appearance, it is they who began the first works dewatering to make the land suitable for agriculture. Stroll around the old port to learn more and appreciate this delightful landscape.

• Take a tour of the Tourist Office to find out, in all seasons, how to take advantage of your experience in this region with its remarkable natural heritage.

Damvix

In the heart of the Poitevin marsh, it is a small village crossed by the Sèvre Niortaise. There are beautiful hikes there, on foot or by bike, for example by taking the towpath that runs along the river, in a safe way. Of course, there are boat trips to do in Damvix and why not even on a restaurant boat for lunch or dinner in season?! You can also just stroll on the pier of the Bazoin locks and enjoy this bucolic landscape, with a picnic of gourmet products. Here, we are a bit in Charente Maritime and a bit in Vendée, it depends on which side of the water we are on… It's a mess of locks that only regulars can understand. But don't panic, you can also take guided boat tours to find out more.