Things to do in Vendée
- Hop on your bike and head to Noirmoutier. There’s only one way to reach the island and that’s by crossing the Passage du Gois. In fact, the Passage du Gois is worth a detour in itself as, at certain times of the day, it is submerged by the high tide. And yes, that does make Noirmoutier an island only at certain times of the day and night! So, make sure you cross during low tide. Don’t worry, there are signs indicating the tide times. The bicycle ride to the island offers stunning views. Once there, you can continue cycling around Noirmoutier, which can easily be toured in a day (just don’t forget the times of the tides!).
- Are you visiting as a family? Don’t miss Puy du Fou. Just 40 minutes from La Roche sur Yon, in this theme park you’ll find, instead of roller coasters, top-notch immersive shows that whisk you right back to the past. Consistently voted the best theme park in the world, it’s as much fun for parents as it is for kids. If you love surprises, this is the place for you.
- Ah, salt. Specifically, the salt from the marshes of the Île d’Olonne. If you’re going to be in Vendée, the salt marshes are not to be missed. Explore them on foot or by bike and pass through unique landscapes dotted with salt workers wearing wide-brimmed hats and wielding wooden rakes, called souvrons. Tip: take a long walk and chat to one of the salt workers to learn about what they do and perhaps have a go with a souvron, before heading to La Cabane. In summer, this little hut perched above the marshes serves fresh oysters on its outside terrace. As a bonus, you can watch the sun go down over the marshes.
- If you enjoy great scenery, make time to explore the Vendée corniche at Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. From the corniche, pause to take in the view of the horizon. Three kilometres further on, you’ll come across the shores of what was once an island – the Île de Rié.
- Vendée means the ocean, and the ocean means watersports. Head for Les Sables d’Olonne and imagine yourself as the skipper of your own craft. Every year, the Vendée Globe starts from Les Sables and now it’s your turn to set sail in style. Of course, you won’t be racing the Vendée Globe, so let’s start with something a little more beginner-friendly. The Sablais sailing school offers half-day courses for beginners with an instructor.
📆 When to go to Vendée?
🗓 Events to attend
May – Festival la Déferlante (Breaking-Wave Festival), a unique festival of street entertainment!
November – start of the Vendée Globe. On your marks, skippers!
May – Floralies Internationales, an international horticultural exhibition that will blow your mind.
⛅ Vendée’s climate
As Vendée is by the ocean, obviously the summer is the best time to visit. The weather is fine and quite warm. But Vendée can be very busy in July and August, so we strongly recommend going in May–June or September–October. The weather will still be fine, although a little cooler on certain days, and you’ll be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of this magical region!
💡 Did you know?
Zoro Roronoa, one of the characters from the One Piece manga, is said to be inspired by the Vendée pirate François l'Olonnais.
Tiffauges castle, which you can visit, was home to a serial killer.
The first submariner was born in Vendée!
La Vendée in figures
40 | 700 |
skippers start the Vendée Globe | salt marshes can be found throughout Vendée |