Sports and leisure events
Ocean-bound nautical events
Vendée is the venue for the start, finish and stages of well-known sailing races: the Vendée Globe, the Figaro race, and counts many amateur regattas such as the Vendée Ports Ocean Race or Noirmoutier Bois de la Chaise regattas ...
The Bois de la Chaise Regatta (Ile de Noirmoutier) brings together 140 traditional boats every year. Nationally renowned, the regattas are increasingly popular. It brings together a fleet of boats of which some where built in the early years of the XXth century, and is a rare opportunity to bring to life traditional boat-building and to celebrate the Vendée's nautical and cultural heritage. This regatta for old sailing ships is held every August on the island of Noirmoutier
The Foulées du Gois (Beauvoir-sur-Mer). In June every year, runners arrive from all over the world to compete in the Foulées du Gois. Between Beauvoir sur Mer on the mainland and the island of Noirmoutier, there is a race against the clock and against the advancing tide on the Gois, a causeway 4.5 km long which is submerged by the rising tide.
Amateur participants set off at low tide, whereas seasoned runners undertake a two-way crossing of the Gois when the tide starts to come back in. Plenty of thrills and excitement in store...
Water-Sports Festival on the coast
In mid-May every year, the Vendée's water-sports centres throw open their doors. All over the Vendée, on the coast, on lakes, on indoor pools and in rivers, the "Fête du Nautisme" is an opportunity for children and adults alike, whether beginners or initiates, to spend a weekend in or on the water. The Festival offers a host of activities, including beginners' lessons, demonstrations, performances, regattas, competitions and visits.
The Kite-surfing World Cup at Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
Come and witness the water-sports event of the year! In early October, Saint Gilles Croix de Vie will host one of the stages of the world kite-surfing championships, involving the world's best. A water-sports village and children's activities and entertainment will be laid on.
The Vendée's dynamic approach will bear fruit in many other renowned sporting events, such as:
The Chrono des Nations in Les Herbiers
For the last 20 years, in mid-October, the Chrono des Nations in Les Herbiers has attracted over 30,000 spectators and a score or more of runners from all over the world to compete in this now famous against the clock Vendée race. The event is also the occasion for a large festive and convivial gathering in the town centre. As well as a fair, the organisers lay on a host of other activities, including, in addition to the against-the-clock race, 3 trails in the Bocage countryside open to all amateur cyclists and two trails for all-terrain bikers on the slopes of the Mont des Alouettes.
Four-day walking festival in Chantonnay
This event is an opportunity to walk for 1, 2 or 3 days or to take up the real challenge of a walk of four consecutive days. Each day different routes are offered, with a choice of distances: 12, 22 or 42 km, a hiking challenge and a Friday night-time walk. All to be done at your own pace in a spirit of conviviality and respect for the countryside.
The local "4 jours en Chantonnay" association is now a member of the International Walkers Union, and walkers from a variety of nations have already enrolled for the event: Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland and others. A host of other activities and entertainment will be laid on during the four days of the event.
