guide
The Vendée offers a wide range of activities across its three islands (Noirmoutier, Île de Ré and Île d'Yeu), the Marais poitevin marshland best explored by boat, and Puy du Fou with its historical shows. Between beaches, castles such as Tiffauges, charming villages and the Marais breton ecomuseum, this department in the Pays de la Loire region suits both family holidays and lovers of history and nature.
The Vendée, located in the Pays de la Loire, is a popular destination for holidaymakers who appreciate its natural, cultural and historical heritage. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, discovery or adventure, you’re sure to find what you’re after in this lovely department in western France. Wondering what to do in the Vendée? Here’s a top 10 of must-try activities to enjoy during your holiday at a waterside campsite. Children and adults alike will love these fun and educational outings!
The Vendée has three main islands, accessible by bridge or by boat. Each has its own charm and offers varied scenery and activities to holidaymakers wishing to explore. If you’re wondering what to do in the Vendée, head for Île de Noirmoutier, Île de Ré or Île d’Yeu!
Île de Noirmoutier is known for its famous Passage du Gois, a submersible road linking the island to the mainland at low tide, as well as for its salt marshes, fine sandy beaches and white houses with blue shutters. You can go cycling, sand yachting or shore fishing here during your holiday under the Vendée sun.
Île de Ré offers up its beauty and authenticity during your camping stay in western France. While it boasts remarkable historical heritage, with its fortifications, churches and lighthouses, it’s also particularly loved for its cycle paths, fishing harbours and flower-filled villages. Water sports, horse riding and hiking all await you on this charming Vendée island.
Île d’Yeu is the wildest and most remote of the three Vendée islands. Let yourself be amazed by its varied scenery, from rugged terrain and steep cliffs to secret coves. The island is also rich in history, with its fortified castle, dolmens and menhirs. Finally, you can go hiking, kayaking or scuba diving here.
The Marais Poitevin is a vast wetland area spanning three departments: the Vendée, the Deux-Sèvres and the Charente-Maritime. It’s nicknamed the “Green Venice” for its canals lined with greenery, where you can travel by punt or canoe. It’s an ideal spot to recharge your batteries, observe the flora and fauna, and discover the way of life of the marsh’s inhabitants. You can enjoy a punt trip with a guide or on your own, depending on your preference. Children are sure to love this activity in the heart of the Marais Poitevin’s freshwater wetlands.
Among the must-dos on the “what to do in the Vendée?” list, Puy du Fou is an important stop that will delight adults and children alike! Puy du Fou is a theme park in the Vendée that puts on grand shows about the history of France and the world. Watch epic scenes such as gladiator battles, the siege of a fortified castle, or the revolt of the musketeers, and visit reconstructed villages, such as the Viking village, the medieval village or the 18th-century village. Treat yourself to an exceptional visit to this magical place! Puy du Fou is eagerly waiting to take you on a journey through time and dazzle you.
Among the things to do in the Vendée, a visit to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie makes our top 4! Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is a seaside resort on the Côte de Lumière, which enjoys exceptional, ideal sunshine during your camping holiday in the department. It’s renowned for its fine sandy beaches, which stretch for 32 km and offer perfect conditions for swimming and water sports. Spend an afternoon paddleboarding, head out on a catamaran, or get your adrenaline pumping with jet skiing. The fishing harbour, the casino and the fish market are also waiting to round off your stay!
The Château de Tiffauges is a 12th-century medieval castle located in the Vendée bocage countryside. It’s famous for having been the home of Gilles de Rais, a companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc, who was accused of witchcraft and abominable crimes. During your Vendée holiday, we invite you to this exceptional castle to discover its history, legends and secrets through guided tours, activities and shows. You can also admire the largest collection of medieval siege engines in Europe, such as the trebuchet, the catapult and the battering ram.
Île Penotte is a picturesque neighbourhood in Les Sables-d’Olonne known for its facades decorated with seashells. It’s the work of a local artist, Danièle Arnaud-Aubin, who began decorating the walls of her building in 1997 and later extended her art to the whole neighbourhood. Don’t miss this original neighbourhood during your visit to the Vendée. Here you can admire original, colourful murals depicting scenes of marine life, famous figures or Vendée symbols. You can also stroll through the narrow, flower-lined lanes, which have a warm and friendly atmosphere.
What to do in the Vendée? In seventh place come the salt marshes! These wetlands are where sea salt is harvested through the evaporation of seawater. They can be found along the Vendée coast, notably on Île de Noirmoutier and the Guérande peninsula. These marshes represent an exceptional natural and cultural heritage, bearing witness to age-old know-how and remarkable biodiversity. Wander the paths lined with salt pans, dykes and huts, and watch the salt harvesters at work. Be sure to sample the salt and local produce, such as fleur de sel, salted butter caramel and samphire.
La Roche-sur-Yon is the prefecture of the Vendée, founded by Napoleon I in 1804. This lovely Vendée town is known for its star-shaped layout, with its straight streets and symmetrical squares. It boasts an interesting architectural heritage, with incredible historic monuments such as the prefecture building, the theatre and the Church of Saint-Louis. During your visit to La Roche-sur-Yon, you can also discover its cultural heritage, including its museums and festivals. Finally, take the time to wander through the town centre and around Place Napoléon.
What to do in the Vendée, besides visiting its islands, salt marshes and monuments? Take the time to explore its unique villages, which have retained their charm and authenticity. Some are even listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France for their built heritage, natural surroundings and/or festive atmosphere. Here are a few examples of villages not to miss during your holiday in western France:
The last activity on our list of things to see in the Vendée: the Écomusée de Daviaud. Located in La Barre-de-Monts, on the edge of the Marais Breton, it retraces the history and way of life of the marsh’s inhabitants through exhibitions, activities and re-enactments. Here you can discover traditional trades, regional costumes, farming tools and old-fashioned games.
The Vendée is a department that offers countless ways to enjoy a pleasant and enriching stay. Whether you’re drawn to the sea, nature, history or culture, you’ll love all the things to do in the Vendée. So don’t wait any longer – come and discover what this multi-faceted region has in store during a holiday at a waterside campsite!
Noirmoutier, reached by bridge or, at low tide, via the Passage du Gois; the Île de Ré, accessible by bridge; and the Île d'Yeu, the wildest of the three, reached by boat.
A Vendée theme park offering spectacular shows on French history, with reconstructed villages (Viking, medieval, 18th century) to visit during the day.
By rowing boat or canoe along canals lined with greenery, with a guide or on your own, to spot the wildlife of this “green Venice”.
A picturesque neighbourhood decorated with shell frescoes, created by a local artist since 1997, perfect for a stroll through its flower-lined lanes.
Mainly on the Île de Noirmoutier, where you can walk along paths lined with salt pans and huts and taste the fleur de sel harvested by local salt workers.
