Local festivals and markets

Discover the folklore and local culture of the Vendée

There is no better way to discover a region than by tasting its culinary specialties. Vendée has plenty of them, with numerous gourmet events taking place throughout the season. 

When it comes to local traditions, many cultural events will allow you to discover them while strolling through the streets of nearby towns. 

Warm summer evenings are also the perfect opportunity to celebrate. Festivals, concerts, and musical events are all on the summer agenda.

The Vendée markets

Each day many of you come and enquire, at the campsite reception, about the various markets to visit in the region. Moreover, you’re right to do so, as there are lots of them! This is why we make available a booklet detailing for you the various Vendée markets, including the days they take place, at the campsite reception. We include information as to whether they are food or craft markets or both. Amongst the most popular are those of Brétignolles sur Mer (only 15 minutes from the campsite), Saint Gilles Croix de Vie (20 minutes away) or even Les Sables d'Olonne (30 minutes away). And we mustn’t forget the highly popular evening markets (for example Saint Gilles or Port Bourgenay)! For immersion within the richness of local craft industries and the Vendée local produce, it is delightful to stroll amongst the market stalls.

Les Jaunay’Stivales

Organized by the Pays des Achards group of communes (local districts), cultural entertainment is held every Thursday evening in July and August! It is free and enables families to share a delightful, convivial and festive time, at the heart of exceptional natural sites (for example the Lac du Jaunay lake). On the menu: concerts, shows, fireworks and other events...Plenty to make lovely memories of your summer evenings in the Vendée!

Autrefois Challans

Step back in time with this ancient fair. It takes place 4 times in the year by virtue of 2 Thursdays in July and August giving way to the “Challans of Yesteryear” festival. Stroll through the streets of Challans and attend various activities which back then comprised the daily lives of Vendée farmers: a poultry fair, a choral society, crafts of yesteryear, elegance competitions, a horse fair…Plunge into Vendée folklore for a unique experience.

14TH JULY, Bastille Day

Of course, the 14th July is the opportunity to celebrate! There is no shortage of parties, entertainment and fireworks on this occasion! One of the most popular evenings is held in Les Sables d'Olonne. On the menu: concerts, a procession and of course fireworks set off from the jetty, for a magnificent show above the sea. It is worth noting that the 14th July celebrations also take place a few days before and after the date, dependent upon the given commune.

The fête de la musique (A musical festival)

If you stay in the Vendée during June, it is impossible to miss the Fête de la Musique! Make musical discoveries from the most surprising to the most delightful, for an unforgettable evening. For entertainment, you will be able to stroll through the streets of the majority of Vendée communes making the most of free concerts. These take place on 21st June (the festival’s official date), in the largest Vendée towns such as La Roche-sur-Yon, Les Sables d'Olonne, Challans and even Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. They are also held on other dates in June in the neighbouring communes such as La Mothe-Achard (part of the Les Achards group of communes), Coëx, Apremont and even Saint Julien des Landes!

Burning offerings in celebration of St John's Day (Feu de la Saint Jean)

Not to be missed if you’re in the Vendée at the end of June. Only 10 minutes from the Camping Village de La Guyonnière campsite, on Les Ouches du Jaunay campsite in Martinet, the feast starts from mid-afternoon for children, with various entertainments and inflatable games. Then, when the end of the day approaches you can have something to eat at the grill stalls, before attending a free concert. Lastly around 11 p.m., go to the large celebratory bonfire - the Grand Feu, and once there protect your eyes. A large structure is burned in pallets which, as the combustion advances, leaves you guessing who the magnificent sculpture, some 2 to 4 metres in height, is actually of!

La Fête des Vieux Métiers (Celebration of traditional crafts)

This is held during July, in the streets of the Ile d'Olonne (20 minutes from the campsite). Activities are undertaken by more than a hundred or so craftsmen, who throughout the day, revive traditions which have long since disappeared! Also on the menu: music groups, a parade with floats, a brass band, a country dinner...A festive and convivial day awaits you!