guide
Vendée attracts millions of visitors each season thanks to its generous coastline, amusement parks and rich heritage. Are you looking for what to do in Vendée for your next vacation? Between fine sand beaches, boat rides in the Poitevin Marsh and Puy du Fou shows, the department abounds in activities for the whole family. Add a camping with water park as your base, and you have the recipe for a successful vacation!
Here is our selection of the 8 must-sees to do in Vendée.
Puy du Fou remains the most obvious answer to the question: what to do in Vendée ? This theme park located at Les Épesses offers live shows retracing several centuries of history. Vikings, Roman gladiators, musketeers: each performance mobilizes hundreds of actors and impressive special effects. According to Vendée Tourism, the park welcomes more than 2 million visitors per season. Plan 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 Poitevin Marsh constitutes France’s second largest wetland. Nicknamed the Green Venice, it is explored by traditional boat from about twenty landing points spread between Maillezais, Damvix, Coulon and Arçais. Landing points are open April through November. Prefer dry land? Over 800 km of bike trails cross this territory, notably via the Vélodyssée and Vélo Francette. It is a Vendée activity ideal for families, both calm and exotic.
Claire’s tip: depart by boat early in the morning, around 8am. The grazing light on the canals offers a lovely show, and you have better chances of observing herons and kingfishers!
Vendée’s coastline extends over 250 km, with beaches for every taste. Les Sables-d’Olonne remains the most famous beach resort, celebrated as the departure port for Vendée Globe. Saint-Jean-de-Monts attracts families thanks to its large sand expanses and supervised beach clubs. Further south, La Tranche-sur-Mer offers an ideal setting for surfing and kitesurfing. For wilder coves, head toward Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie or Vendée corniche.
In summary, Vendée beaches suit as much relaxation sunny days as sports outings.
Noirmoutier deserves a special place in this ranking of things to do in Vendée. This island is reached by a bridge or via the Gois passage, a 4.2-km tidal causeway covered by the sea at each high tide. Classified as a national interest site, Gois is crossed on foot, by car or by bike only at low tide. On the island, you discover still-active salt marshes, the Noirmoutier castle and preserved beaches. The Noirmoutier-en-l’Île market is also worth a visit for local products, notably the famous Bonnotte potato.
Yeu Island is reached by boat from Fromentine or Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. Wilder than Noirmoutier, it attracts with its rocky coasts, isolated coves and a network of 72 km of marked trails. The Wild Coast, the Old Castle perched on its cliff and the Meule port count among the unmissable sites. Whether seasoned hiker or weekend walker, Yeu Island offers itineraries suited to all levels.
It is an ideal getaway for a day or short stay during your Vendée vacation!
Vendée is not just about beaches. The department possesses a dense historical heritage worthy of a detour. Tiffauges Castle, former fortress of Bluebeard, houses a museum of medieval war machines with firing demonstrations. The Maillezais Abbey, founded in the 11th century in the heart of the Poitevin Marsh, hosted François Rabelais for 5 years. Finally, the Chabotterie Manor immerses visitors in Vendée Wars history through 9 period-furnished rooms.
These heritage sites attract more than 450,000 visitors per year according to the Vendée Department.
Beyond swimming, Vendée’s coastline delivers a complete playground for water activities in Vendée. Surfing, paddling, sea kayaking, sand sailing, catamaran: water sports schools and clubs are spread along the entire coast. Les Sables-d’Olonne concentrate particularly rich offerings, from beginner to advanced. Saint-Jean-de-Monts also offers aquatic walking and kitesurfing. For thrill-seekers, jet-ski trips and towed inflatable rides are available at several resorts. These activities suit both beginners and experienced practitioners.
« For a first try, I recommend sand sailing at Saint-Jean-de-Monts: accessible from age 6, this activity delights both kids and adults. » – Claire
Vendée ranks among France’s best-equipped departments in bike trails, with more than 1,800 km of marked routes. The Vélodyssée skirts the Atlantic coast on a flat, safe route, perfect for families. The Vélo Francette crosses Vendée’s hinterland passing through the Poitevin Marsh. Local loops also allow connecting villages, markets and tourist sites at your pace. Numerous bike rental companies, including e-bikes, facilitate organizing your outings.
It is a pleasant way to discover Vendée differently, away from busy roads.
You now have the answer to: what to do in Vendée for discovery-filled vacations? With its beaches, heritage and outdoor activities, the department answers all wishes.
Want to enjoy all this from accommodations with water facilities? Book your stay at a camping with water park in Vendée and combine campsite relaxation with Vendée outings.
To enjoy the main things to do in the Vendée, allow at least a week. This gives you time to visit the Puy du Fou over 2 days, spend a day on an island, and enjoy the beaches and the Marais Poitevin. A 10-day stay offers more flexibility to alternate relaxing and sightseeing.
Absolutely. The Vendée is one of France's most family-friendly destinations. Beaches are lifeguarded in season, cycle paths are safe, and parks such as the Puy du Fou offer entertainment for all ages. Campsites with a water park round out a stay perfectly for children.
Yes, a single day is enough to discover Noirmoutier's main sites. Cross the Passage du Gois at low tide, visit the castle, stroll through the salt marshes and enjoy a beach. Just remember to check the tide times if you're using the Gois.
The best time to enjoy the Vendée runs from June to September. Temperatures are mild, beaches accessible, and tourist sites open. That said, spring and autumn also offer lovely conditions for cycling and cultural visits, with fewer crowds.
If it rains in the Vendée, several options remain available. The Puy du Fou offers indoor shows. The department's museums and châteaux welcome visitors all day long. A campsite with an indoor pool also lets you keep up water activities, whatever the weather.
