What to do in Vendée: our top 8

The Vendée attracts millions of visitors every season thanks to its generous coastline, leisure parks and rich heritage. Looking for what to do in the Vendée for your next holiday? Between fine sandy beaches, boat rides through the Marais Poitevin and Puy du Fou shows, the department is packed with activities for the whole family. Add a campsite with a water park as your base, and you have the recipe for a successful holiday!

Here’s our selection of the 8 must-dos in the Vendée.

Puy du Fou, a magical show

Puy du Fou remains the most obvious answer to the question: what to do in the Vendée? This theme park, located in Les Épesses, features live shows that retrace several centuries of history. Vikings, Roman gladiators, musketeers: each performance involves hundreds of actors and impressive special effects. According to Vendée Tourisme, the park welcomes more than 2 million visitors per season. Allow at least 2 days to enjoy all the shows.

Parking is free, and tickets start at €47 for an adult and €34 for a child.

The Marais Poitevin, the Green Venice by boat or bike

The Marais Poitevin is the second-largest wetland in France. Nicknamed the Green Venice, it can be explored by traditional flat-bottomed boat from around twenty boat landings spread between Maillezais, Damvix, Coulon and Arçais. The landings are open from April to November. Prefer dry land? More than 800 km of cycle paths cross this territory, notably via the Vélodyssée and the Vélo Francette. It’s an activity in the Vendée that’s ideal for families — both calm and refreshingly different.

Claire’s tip: set off by boat early in the morning, around 8am. The low light over the canals makes for a lovely sight, and you’ll have a better chance of spotting herons and kingfishers!

Discover the beaches of the Vendée

The Vendée coastline stretches over more than 250 km, with beaches to suit every taste. Les Sables-d’Olonne remains the best-known seaside resort, famous as the starting port of the Vendée Globe. Saint-Jean-de-Monts appeals to families thanks to its wide stretches of sand and supervised beach clubs. Further south, La Tranche-sur-Mer offers an ideal setting for surfing and kitesurfing. For wilder coves, head to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie or the Vendée corniche.

In short, the beaches of the Vendée suit both relaxing days in the sun and sporty outings.

The Île de Noirmoutier and the Passage du Gois

Noirmoutier deserves a place of its own in this ranking of things to do in the Vendée. This island can be reached by bridge or via the Passage du Gois, a 4.2 km submersible causeway covered by the sea at every high tide. Listed as a site of national interest, the Gois can only be crossed on foot, by car or by bike at low tide. On the island, you’ll discover salt marshes still in operation, the Château de Noirmoutier and unspoiled beaches. The Noirmoutier-en-l’Île market is also worth a detour for its local produce, notably the famous Bonnotte potato.

The Île d’Yeu, a hiker’s paradise

The Île d’Yeu can be reached by boat from Fromentine or Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. Wilder than Noirmoutier, it charms visitors with its rocky coastline, secluded coves and network of 72 km of marked trails. The Côte Sauvage, the Vieux Château perched on its cliff and the Port de la Meule are among the sites not to be missed. Seasoned hiker or Sunday stroller alike, the Île d’Yeu offers routes suited to every level.

It’s the ideal getaway for a day trip or a short stay during your holiday in the Vendée!

The châteaux and abbeys of the Vendée

The Vendée isn’t just about its beaches. The department has a rich historical heritage well worth the detour. The Château de Tiffauges, the former fortress of Bluebeard, houses a collection of medieval siege engines with firing demonstrations. The Abbaye de Maillezais, founded in the 11th century in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, was home to François Rabelais for 5 years. Finally, the Logis de la Chabotterie takes visitors back into the history of the Wars of the Vendée through 9 period-furnished rooms.

These heritage sites attract more than 450,000 visitors a year, according to the Département de la Vendée.

Discover water activities in the Vendée

Beyond swimming, the Vendée coastline offers a complete playground for water activities in the Vendée. Surfing, paddleboarding, sea kayaking, land yachting, catamaran sailing: schools and water sports clubs are spread all along the coast. Les Sables-d’Olonne offers a particularly rich range, from beginner lessons to advanced coaching. Saint-Jean-de-Monts also offers aqua-jogging and kitesurfing. For thrill-seekers, jet-ski and towed buoy rides are available in several resorts. These activities suit beginners and experienced practitioners alike.

” For a first try, I recommend land yachting at Saint-Jean-de-Monts: accessible from age 6, this activity delights young and old alike.” – Claire

The cycle paths of the Vendée for a bike getaway

The Vendée is among the best-equipped French departments for cycle paths, with more than 1,800 km of marked routes. The Vélodyssée runs along the Atlantic coastline on a flat, safe route, perfect for families. The Vélo Francette crosses the Vendée hinterland via the Marais Poitevin. Local loops also let you link up villages, markets and tourist sites at your own pace. Numerous bike rental shops, including electric bikes, make it easy to plan your outings.

It’s a pleasant way to discover the Vendée differently, away from busy roads.

You now have the answer to the question: what to do in the Vendée for a holiday full of discoveries? With its beaches, heritage and outdoor activities, the department has something for everyone.

Want to enjoy all of this from accommodation with a water area? Book your stay at a campsite with a water park in the Vendée and combine relaxation at the campsite with outings around the Vendée.