Unspoilt beaches and coves in the Vendée - the Top 5
With over 140km of beaches, the Vendée’s coastline abounds with unspoilt beaches, dunes, rugged outcrops, delightful coves, and breathtaking landscapes… Ideal for getting away from it all and recharging your batteries... Do you want to walk along sandy beaches, smell the sea, or simply take a refreshing dip in the sea? One thing's for sure, you don't have to go to the other side of the world to find idyllic beaches and coves. Put on your best swimming costume and enjoy sunbathing or riding the stunning waves of the Vendée’s coastline.
THE CORNICHE OF SION AND ITS ROCKY SENTINELS
To the delight of nature lovers, the Corniche Vendéenne at Saint Hilaire de Riez unveils three kilometres of wild rocky coastline for you to indulge in your favourite activities. This coastal walk gives you the chance to stroll along the edge of the ocean while admiring the many rocks, including the Cinq Pineaux (the “Five pinecones” and the “devil’s hole” used to be part of a piece of land jutting out into the ocean, which over the years have been eroded by the wind and pounding waves. Local legends tell us how these natural phenomena came to exist). From the beach at Boisvinet as far as Sion (3 km), walkers are sometimes surprised by the natural beauty of the area, such as the artemisia maritima (sea wormwood) with its silvery, deeply indented leaves, which are also found in Ireland. At high tide, the geyser-like "trou du diable (devil's hole)" continues to surprise and delight those of us with an adventurous nature! The large, sandy beach has a water sports centre with kayaks, windsurfers, and stand-up paddle boards, so you can enjoy the pleasures of the ocean.
THE CHARMING PLAGE DES DAMES IN NOIRMOUTIER
In Noirmoutier, the Plage des Dames is an ideal place to spend a day by the sea with your family and enjoy its calm surroundings. You can reach the beach on foot or by bike via the Bois de la Chaise, where you can benefit from the refreshing shade of the large holm oaks and pine trees on hot summer days. Surrounded by unspoilt nature and isolated from the rest of the island, this is the perfect place for the whole family to relax. Its clear waters, white sand and old-world feel will delight you. Its white wooden beach huts, where in days gone by ladies would put on their swimming costumes, remind us of the sets of some legendary films. Take a stroll along the wooden pier to discover the panoramic view overlooking the ocean.
One final tip: head to the north-west corner of the island, facing the ocean, and explore one of Noirmoutier's largest beaches: La Luzéronde. On this preserved site, the unspoilt pale-coloured sandy beach is bordered with dunes and the Luzéronde wood which is the perfect place to relax. Then to end your perfect day, lie back on the sand and watch the sun set, a magical scene you'll never forget.
THE VEILLON BEACH IN TALMONT SAINT HILAIRE AND THE SAINT NICOLAS CLIFFS
In Talmont Saint Hilaire, you'll be surprised by the beauty of Le Veillon! Shaped by the Payré estuary and sculpted by the wind, the Veillon beach resembles a lagoon in some places, and is bound to take your breath away. We strongly recommend a visit to the Saint-Nicolas cliffs, which offer a breathtaking panorama of the ocean and estuary. This unspoilt natural landscape offers a variety of activities in an exceptional setting: hiking, wildlife observation, relaxing in the sun, water sports and bathing.
VAST FINE Sandy beaches in SAINT JEAN DE MONTS AND LA Tranche SUR MER
In Saint-Jean-de-Monts, bathers and sea sports enthusiasts rub shoulders on fine gently sloping sandy beaches, bordered by dunes that stretch for over 8-kilometres. The esplanade is the perfect place to take a stroll, admire the horizon for as far as the eye can see or simply enjoy a refreshing break in a café or at an ice cream parlour.
In La Tranche sur Mer, also affectionately known as "Little California" due to its sunny weather, invigorating sea breezes and rolling waves. It has 13 kilometres of sandy beaches that are fringed by dunes. On the main beach, a magnificent wooden pontoon invites you to take a stroll, as the setting sun brings a day of swimming and leisure to a fitting close. It's the perfect place for a holiday!
THE DUNES OF SAUVETERRE BEACH AND THE GRANDE PLAGE IN LES SABLES D'OLONNE
Are you looking for unspoilt beaches? If so, set out to explore the Plage de Sauveterre, a place with a more authentic, natural, and unspoilt feel. You can get there on foot, by car, on a bike via the many cycle paths. Once there, you can then enjoy a refreshing swim or simply relax on the beach.
For thrill-seekers, Sauveterre beach is an ideal spot for surfing the rolling waves. And that's not all! For those who prefer more urban, touristy beaches, we invite you to visit the Grande Plage in Les Sables d'Olonne. Known as one of the most beautiful in Europe, the Grande Plage is protected from the prevailing winds, making it ideal for sunbathing! For surfers, take advantage of a superb 3km bay for riding the waves when the surfs up! As night falls, put your towel down on the Grande Plage and soak up the beautiful colours of the Côte de Lumière.
So just dream of the great beaches here in the Vendée
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