Seaside resorts
The bathing waters are of very high quality, and the gently sloping beaches guarantee your pleasure and safety for the whole family. Seaside resorts offer a multiplicity of sea-related activities such as sand-yachting, surfing, sailing, diving, canoeing and kayaking, surf-casting, and of course beach pastimes of all kinds.
The coastline has both an attractive natural landscape and 18 top-quality seaside resorts, each with its own authentic character. Amongst the most popular are:
Saint Jean-de-Monts is a designated Station Kid. It’s also the biggest «sandpit in Western France», with the permanent spectacle of the sea and its 8 km of fine sand, numerous play areas, beach clubs and children’s entertainment. Golf, thalassotherapy, casino, and sea-faring are all on the agenda !
Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie, both nautical town and seaside resort, with its old neighbourhoods dating back to ancient times, is the oldest Vendée port. It is also the top French sardine port on the Atlantic coast. The fact that it is home to the Bénéteau sailboat company has made this resort the cradle of sailing. The fishing-village charm of this place invites you to stroll along the path found on every quay, alongside the river, or on the dunes and towards the beaches.
An old fishing village, Les Sables d’Olonne reflects all the lively retro seaside ambience of fishing ports and marinas, with colourful, seaside villas, beach huts, deckchairs, sea-front bistros and numerous restaurants, whose enticing aromas are bound to draw you in. Les Sables d’Olonne is also the departure point for the world renowned Vendée Globe race. The town also offers thalassotherapy treatments, its forest fragrances, and the sheer pleasure of romantic walks.
Further south, La Tranche-sur-Mer, a Station Kid, has 13 km of fine sandy beaches. A fun resort par excellence, it is very popular with enthusiasts of boardsports such as windsurfing and especially surfing. Its cycle tracks and walking paths incite everyone to explore the surrounding natural environs (pine forests, beaches, marshlands).
Specific activities for children
Stations Kid Holidays are a special time for families to be together. To this end, the Vendée’s 2 Stations Kid offer accommodation specially designed for families, specific activities for each age group, entertainment for all in an environment that is, of course, both pleasant and safe.
