The beaches of Vendée
Crossing the sea at the Passage du Gois
Buckets, nets, and boots—this morning, you packed the car with all your fishing gear and set off early toward Noirmoutier. A few kilometers before reaching the bridge that connects the island to the mainland, you take a detour toward the Passage du Gois. Having planned your trip well, you know that at this hour, the tide is low. Parking the car on the other side, you head down onto the rocks for an exciting shellfish fishing session. The fresh sea air builds up your appetite, and you decide to explore the island in search of a delicious lunch.
Under the pine trees at Plage des Dames
After a meal in the old town, you make your way to Bois de la Chaise. From here, a sandy path winds its way through the shade of towering pine trees. In the distance, you hear the gentle murmur of the waves. A few more steps, and suddenly, Plage des Dames appears before you. This iconic bay is charming, with its vintage beach cabins standing proudly on the sand. As you take in the breathtaking view, the children are already dashing toward the wooden pier. From this lookout, with its panoramic view of the ocean, they let their imaginations run wild—dreaming up tales of explorers and pirates.
Endless sands at Plage des Dunes
You’ve waited until late afternoon to bring the whole family to the beach. The heat of the day lingers, but the sun is starting its slow descent. In the car trunk, along with your beach gear, is a picnic basket—tonight, dinner will be enjoyed by the sea. After a short drive to Brétignolles, you arrive at the beach, which is just beginning to empty out. Before you, the ocean stretches endlessly, and on either side, golden sands extend as far as the eye can see. The warm evening light casts a golden glow, creating an unforgettable scene. You take a deep breath, savoring this magical moment.
Wild beauty at Plage de Sauveterre
This morning, you set off for the Olonne Forest for a family walk. Leaving the car in a small clearing converted into a parking area, you follow the marked trails beneath the tall pines. The sandy path reveals a secret hidden beneath the forest—the coastline. Gradually, the trees thin out, opening up to a stunning panoramic view of the ocean. Between you and the sea, endless dunes stretch for miles. The raw beauty of this untouched landscape takes your breath away. Feeling like the only people in the world, you run across the beach, losing yourself in the vastness, before finally dipping your feet in the water.
Les Sables d’Olonne, one of the most beautiful Bays in the World
Today, you embark on a journey to discover one of the world’s most stunning bays. Just 20 minutes away, the city of Les Sables d’Olonne welcomes you for a perfect beach day with the family. Here, the historic town center leads directly onto the bay. From Ulysses’ statue to the green lighthouse and the iconic clock, the promenade follows the curve of the Grand Plage. Beachfront cafés and ice cream parlors invite you for a sweet break, while the beach cabins offer a haven for relaxation. The children, however, have their eyes set on the floating inflatable playground. A fantastic day awaits!
Plage du Veillon, Vendée’s most remarkable natural site
Arriving at Plage du Veillon, you’re faced with two tempting choices: head to the main beach, which opens directly onto the ocean, or take a scenic path around the dunes to a quieter secluded swimming area. On windy days, the beach becomes a stage for spectacular kite-surfing performances. Today, however, the air is still and warm, perfect for seeking shade beneath the pine trees. From here, you can make out oyster farms stretching toward the horizon and admire the rugged cliffs of Pointe du Payré. The landscape is truly one-of-a-kind, and you soak in every last bit of it.
