A maritime adventure in Les Sables d'Olonne
Head for Les Sables d'Olonne. Here you can dive headfirst into a multitude of activities to suit all tastes. While seasoned surfers take the raging waves in their stride, Vendée Globe enthusiasts learn how to handle a sailboat... Like the skippers of the Vendée Globe, take the helm of an IMOCA, aboard the SORTIE EN MER SUR L'IMOCA T ONE ONE to experience marvellous adventures on every wave of the Atlantic Ocean! Or perhaps you'd prefer to take a kayak and discover the secrets of the Vendée's coastal creeks? Les Sables d'Olonne has plenty to offer heritage lovers! Don't miss the chance to discover our destination's fabulous maritime history, which is still reflected in the picturesque streets of the old port. Your stay in Les Sables d'Olonne is guaranteed to be an exceptional experience!
Go back in time at the Puy du Fou
Immerse yourself and your family in a captivating universe at the Puy du Fou! In this unique park, prepare to be transported back through the centuries, but also to experience a historical epic between grandiose shows and dazzling reconstructions. Unravel the mysteries of ancient times in the narrow streets of medieval villages, or make your way through the epic battles of Ancient Rome. You'll have a front-row seat for the famous chariot races! When night falls, the Puy du Fou bewitches you with a marvellous sound and light show set to the rhythms of medieval legends: the famous Cinéscénie. Ready to let the past come alive before your very eyes in the heart of this unique park in the Vendée?
Explore the Marais Poitevin (Green Venice)
A mysterious and wild kingdom, the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park is waiting to take you on an adventure! Explore the park's winding canals and lush landscapes at every turn of the river. Here, nature reigns supreme and reveals its deepest secrets! From the comfort of your boat, let your guide tell you all about the history of our natural treasures and our wonderful ecosystems... Not forgetting the history of the fishermen and market gardeners of the Vendée, who are deeply attached to their iodised lands. Sail from surprise to surprise in the Marais Poitevin Regional Nature Park!
Setting sail from Yeu Island
North of Les Sables d'Olonne, why not pay a visit to the island known as the "Pearl of the Atlantic": welcome to the island of Yeu! The beauty of its sheer cliffs plunging into the turquoise waters will leave you breathless. Shaped over the centuries by the whims of the elements, the island of Yeu offers a fabulous playground for hikers, who set off to explore its steep coastal paths. Soak up the island's rich history too, as you visit its old fishing villages with their whitewashed houses and narrow streets, witness to a glorious maritime past. You'll fall in love with the picture-postcard landscapes: Port de la Meule, Pointe des Corbeaux, Plage des Soux, Anse des Vieilles and the castle that is said to have inspired Hergé's "Tintin l'Ile Noire"...
Cross the Gois to visit the island of Noirmoutier
Fancy diving into a real postcard setting? Then it's time to visit the island of Noirmoutier! At the heart of this destination, every moment is an invitation to take on new challenges. Cycle the multitude of paths winding through the salt marshes, survey the fishing villages with their authentic charm, conquer the waves on a paddle or capture the cabins on Plage des Dames... Or maybe you'd prefer to climb the island's undulating dunes? Explore the island of Noirmoutier to your heart's content!
Tasting sardines in Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
In Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, discover a town where history and natural beauty come together in harmony! From the beautiful Sainte-Croix church to the luminous Grand Phare lighthouse, take a tour of the town and its major monuments. If you're looking for new horizons, head for the Josephine Tower! It bears witness to the town's maritime past, and offers a unique view of the bustling port and the waters of the Atlantic. An unmissable spot! And each region has its own flagship product... In Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, it's undoubtedly the sardine. A true emblem of the town, sardines come in all shapes and sizes. Whether barbecued or rilleted, they're sure to delight your palate!
Saddle up for the Vélodyssée
Whether you're a weekend cyclist or a real cycling expert, saddle up your trusty two-wheeled steed on La Vélodyssée in the Vendée! Along the wild coastline of the Atlantic Ocean or through our destination's famous salt marshes, via the sand dunes along the golden beaches, each landscape has its share of surprises... But also of challenges! From bend to straight, be inspired by the lighthouses that watch over the coast and ride to the rhythm of the sea birds. Shall we saddle up?
Oysters at Le Veillon
Le Veillon, in the Vendée, is the ideal place to enjoy fresh oysters straight from the oyster producers in the park or from the fish ponds at La Guittière, to eat in or take away. Numerous restaurants and oyster bars will welcome you to savour this delicate product with its unique flavour.
Tips for enjoying oysters :- Choose fresh oysters; they should be closed and smell of the sea.
- Open oysters with care: use a sharp oyster knife and protect your hands.
- Enjoy the oysters plain or with a little lemon: You can also add a shallot vinegar sauce or another sauce of your choice.
Discover the Historial de la Vendée
Enter the captivating world of the Historial de la Vendée, where each exhibition is an adventure in itself! Dive into the fascinating history of our destination, from its prehistoric origins to the tumult of the Revolution. Stroll through rooms filled with ancient artefacts and stunning reconstructions, and let yourself be transported back through the centuries... Every step you take brings you a little closer to the mysteries and stories that have shaped the Vendée as we know it today.
See the extraordinary animals at La Roche/Yon
The Place Napoléon in La Roche sur Yon is home to some strange mechanical animals, which are accessible free of charge all year round. These fantastic animals are the brainchild of François Delarozière from the company La Machine. You can bring them to life by moving these mechanical sculptures (crocodile, sacred ibis, hippopotamus, Nile perch, dromedary, etc.) using levers and joysticks that blend into the vegetation surrounding the pools.
Frequently asked questions about tourism in the Vendée
Where is the Vendée?
The Vendée is a département in the Pays de la Loire region of western France. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
What other places are there to visit in the Vendée?
Looking for other ideas of places to visit in the Vendée? Here is our selection
Maillezais Abbey
Vendée Miniature
Penotte Island
The Historial de la Vendée museum
The Extraordinary Kitchen Garden
Vendée Aquarium