Romantic cycling along the Vendée coast, between dunes and marshes
Discover the Vendée coastline, where dunes and marshes meet to form an enchanting tableau. Cycle along the coast, listening to the waves and seagulls. The sun warms your face and the sea breeze blows through your hair. Between the sea spray, the birdsong and the fragrance of the pine trees, you'll enjoy the moment to the full.
You'll love
Alternating landscapes of dunes, marshes and forests
Meetings with local producers and artisans
Tastings of seafood and Vendée specialities
Relaxing on sandy beaches
Day 1 : Saint-Jean-de-Monts, the start of an adventure
As soon as you arrive in Saint-Jean-de-Monts in the afternoon, take advantage of its 8 km of fine sandy beach. This renowned seaside resort offers a multitude of entertainment and leisure activities, as well as a permanent spectacle of the ocean.
In the evening, settle in to l'Espadon, a comfortable and welcoming hotel, where you can sample local specialities in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Day 2 : Les Marais dans le vent
Set off on a 25 km loop north of Saint-Jean-de-Monts, between the seafront and the Pays de Monts marshes, where dunes and marshes form a unique, unspoilt landscape. The pine forest and the Jardin du Vent, a fun and educational leisure park, where you can test your skills on interactive games based on the theme of wind, also hold many surprises in store for you. The marshes, a land of water and light, invite you to take a bucolic stroll in the heart of a rich and varied natural environment.
Day 3 : Marine ambience and wild coastlines
On this third day, travel 27 km along the Vendée corniche from Sion and the state pine forest to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. This stage will take you through sumptuous landscapes, between sea and forest. Stroll through the pine and holm oak forest, where resinous scents mingle with sea spray. The Corniche vendéenne, a listed site, offers breathtaking panoramas of the ocean and wild coastline.
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, with its lively fishing port and picturesque quarters, will seduce you with its authentic charm. Visit the Musée du pêcheur (fisherman's museum) to learn about traditional housing in the days of sailboats. Spend the night at the Ceïtya, a pleasant, quiet hotel with atypical charm.
Day 4 : Getaway to Ile d'Yeu
Embark for Yeu Island and cycle 20 to 35 km to discover Port-Joinville and its lively quays, the wild coastline, fishing villages with colorful houses, the natural harbor of the "Meule", or the "sentinel castle". The sunken lanes and iodized landscapes will give you a complete change of scenery.
The island of Yeu, jewel of the Vendée coast, will seduce you with its unspoilt landscapes and unique atmosphere. Discover exceptional natural sites such as Pointe des Corbeaux and Plage des Soux.
Day 5 : Marais Doux, marais Salé
On this final day, drive 25 km through pine forests, market gardens and livestock areas. Visit the Vie estuary, learn about an old salt works from the saunier and immerse yourself in the life and customs of the market gardeners of yesteryear with a visit to La Bourrine à Armandine, a house with a reed roof.
This route takes you through pine forests, market gardens and livestock areas, offering a magical glimpse of the diversity of the Vendée landscape. The tour ends in Saint-Jean-de-Monts.
Extend your stay
Want to extend your Vendée getaway? Here are a few ideas for excursions and activities nearby:
- Excursion to Noirmoutier, l'île aux mimosas, to discover its salt marshes, sandy beaches and medieval castle.
- Visit the town of Challans, renowned for its lively market and architectural heritage.
- Hike or bike through the Marais Breton Vendéen, a preserved natural area home to exceptional flora and fauna.
- Discover the seaside resorts of the Vendée coast, such as Les Sables-d'Olonne or La Tranche-sur-Mer.