What to do in Vendée in May?
Why visit the Vendée in the low season?
In spring, the Vendée offers an ideal climate for seaside holidays away from the crowds. The weather is pleasant, the tourist sites are less crowded than during high season, and events abound throughout the region. Whether you’re a fan of sport, music, tradition or gastronomy, you’ll find plenty to enjoy during the low season.
With nature in full bloom, mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, May is the ideal month for a getaway. Nature excursions, local events and sporting activities are all on the agenda for May.
And for those coming in June, July and August for a summer holiday under the Vendée sun, the summer events calendar is just as packed.
Events not to be missed in May
Entertainment and festivals
🚣 Vendée Va’a – Les Sables d’Olonne (13-17 May)
Over the Ascension weekend, your holiday in the Vendée will feel like you’re in Polynesia.
The town of Les Sables d’Olonne is hosting the legendary Vendée Va’a from 13 to 17 May. Throughout the weekend, a Polynesian village will be set up on the embankment. The programme includes canoe races, traditional parades and dances, a craft market and lots of entertainment.
🎭 La Déferlante de printemps Festival – Île de Noirmoutier – (14-15 May)
Discover or rediscover the magnificent Île de Noirmoutier in a unique atmosphere. La Déferlante de Printemps and its street art shows will bring the whole island to life from 14 to 15 May 2026. Outdoor shows and concerts, theatre, circus and artistic performances will delight young and old alike. This is a unique opportunity to take a day trip to the island of Noirmoutier.
SPORTS EVENTS OF THE SEASON
🥇 Les Sables d’Olonne Half Marathon – 24 May 2026
The town of Les Sables d’Olonne offers an exceptional setting for sporting events by the ocean. Along the embankment, numerous supporters come to cheer on the athletes and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It’s also an opportunity to stroll through the streets of the town centre and stop for an ice cream facing the beach.
🏃 Lac du Jaunay Trail – 24 May
At the foot of the campsite, come and cheer on the athletes as they run the trails around Lac du Jaunay on 7, 12.5 or 23 km loops. The campsite and the Guyo Running & Cycling Club will of course be present at this event (join us on Strava!).
Garage sales, flea markets and gatherings
Take advantage of the mild May weather to stroll along the coast and around the campsite:
- Saint Hilaire de Riez – Every Thursday (7, 14, 21 and 28 May)
- Commequiers – The big castle flea market – 17 May
- Aizenay – 24 May
- Saint-Jean-de-Monts – 24 May
- Talmont-Saint-Hilaire – 25 May
- Fromentine – 28 May
- Les Sables-d’Olonne (La Chaume) – 30 May
- Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie – 31 May
- Sunday 10 May – vintage car rally at the Lac de Tanchet car park in Les Sables d’Olonne
Camping Village de la Guyonnière in May
From May onwards, all the campsite’s activities and services are open. You can enjoy our heated water park and spa, our pub bar, bike hire and the various facilities at your disposal.
Catering services are open, with adjusted opening hours during the week: restaurant, snack bar, takeaway pizzas, grocery store and bread and pastry shop.
MAY EVENTS AT THE CAMPSITE
Friday night concerts
Friday is concert night! Come and enjoy a musical performance in the warm and intimate atmosphere of our pub bar.
Olivier will be preparing his specialities, mussels and chips or paella, for the occasion. 😍
Programme:
- Friday 8 May – to be announced
- Friday 15 May – to be announced
- Friday 22 May – Duo Miam’s
- Friday 29 May – Laid Back
The entertainment schedule
Our entertainment team also puts together a programme of activities to suit all tastes and ages. Kids club and mini disco for the little ones, sports tournaments, fun and creative activities for children, bingo, blind tests and evening games for older children.
Our trusty tractor will of course be back in service from 8 May and will make its daily rounds every morning at 10am. Meet in front of the hangar.
From Monday to Friday, the Guyo Running & Cycling Club offers group sports outings: running around the lake, road cycling or mountain biking.
ACTIVITIES AROUND THE CAMPSITE AND LAKE JAUNAY
May is when nature around Lake Jaunay is at its most beautiful. Hop on your bike or put on your trainers, we highly recommend a walk along the lake. For lunch: picnic by the water or a gourmet break at the Auberge du Jaunay.
Fancy venturing out onto the lake? Canoes and pedalos are available for hire at La Baudrière or La Servantière.
For the more adventurous, just 3 kilometres from the campsite, the Grand Défi park offers fantastic tree-top adventure courses with zip lines, as well as a water park and many other activities for the whole family.
SPECIAL OFFER: 30 NIGHTS ON PITCHES IN MAY AND JUNE
Are you planning to visit the Vendée between May and early July? Discover our special 30-night offer, valid only during this period. Less than €10 per night for a pitch for two people.
Ideal for enjoying the mild, calm weather of May in a tent, caravan, motorhome or van, with all the comforts and services of a 5-star campsite.
For more information, see our news section or ask at reception.
What to see or visit in Vendée in May?
Our beautiful region is brimming with activities and points of interest to discover during your holiday. For cultural excursions into the heart of Vendée’s heritage, nature outings between marshes and forests, or a day spent strolling along the coast, we have compiled a list of all the best places to visit in the region.
COASTAL TOWNS TO VISIT
⛵️ Stroll through the streets of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
Its lively historic centre and large beach make it an ideal destination for a family day out from the campsite.
🐚 Admire one of the most beautiful bays in the world at Les Sables d’Olonne
Don’t miss the pendulum clock, the shellfish district and the seaside ice cream parlours in this town that hides many treasures.
🌊 Explore the Vendée islands
Île d’Yeu and Île de Noirmoutier are perfect destinations for a change of scenery for a day trip. Their picturesque villages and wild coastlines will reveal their charm to you.
EXCURSIONS IN THE HEART OF THE VENDÉE
🏰 Discover the local heritage
To immerse yourself in history, explore the castles of Talmont and Tiffauges, the village of Apremont, the Logis de la Chabotterie and the Historial de la Vendée.
For nature lovers: stroll along the paths around Lac du Jaunay, the marshes of Île d’Olonne or the forest of Sauveterre.
🚴 Hop on your bike and ride the Vélodyssée
The Vélodyssée is hundreds of kilometres of cycle paths along the Vendée coast. Between forests and marshes, you won’t see the kilometres go by. From the campsite, you can cycle to the beach at Bretignolles-sur-Mer (15 km).
MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS IN THE VENDÉE
🦅 Puy du Fou in the off-season
Just an hour’s drive from the campsite, the world’s largest theme park opens its doors for a day out of time. In May and June, the park is less crowded, making it the ideal time to enjoy the historical settings and shows.
🏴☠️ Amusement parks
There are many theme parks near the campsite: Le Château des Aventuriers, Le Grand Défi, O’Gliss Park… There’s something for everyone!
Practical
information
information
Camping Village
de la Guyonnière *****
de la Guyonnière *****
1 La Guyonnière,
85150 Saint-Julien-des-Landes
Latitude: 46.65292
Longitude: -1.74999
Reception times
- From the 7th of May to the 5th of July:
all day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From the 31th of August to the 6th of September:
from 9.00 a.m. to 6 p.m. - From the 6th of July to the 30th of August:
all day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Documents to download