Welcome to Vendée, one of the most popular French departments with tourists. The team at Le Bel Air 5-star Campsite in Les Sables d'Olonne will tell you about the many tourist attractions in Vendée and the places you must visit during your stay or your weekend.
Vendée has some wonderful surprises in store for you, with its towns and coastal landscapes, typical villages and famous tourist sites.
Hidden treasures in Vendée
On holiday in Vendée for a weekend or more? Don't wait any longer to discover the wonders the Vendée has to offer! Villages, islands, theme parks, there's something for everyone...
The most beautiful villages in Vendée
Going a little further inland, you will find some of the most beautiful places in Vendée, little villages and charming towns that are worth a visit:
- Nieul-sur-l'Autise, a small village with barely 1,000 inhabitants, which has an ancient history and monuments, in particular its abbey dating from the 11th century.
- Apremont, 30 km from Les Sables d'Olonne, a town of 2,000 inhabitants which has a magnificent castle and fortress. The typical lanes of the village are also worth seeing
- Vouvant, classified as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, is a village that you absolutely must visit. You will be charmed by its medieval atmosphere and the village built around the old fortified castle of which almost only the ruins remain, and the beautiful Mélusine Tower.
- Mallièvre, the smallest village in our selection, with only about 250 inhabitants. Crossed by the Sèvre Nantaise, this charming stone village offers very beautiful walks to discover the numerous mills, wash houses and fountains.
© A. Lamoureux | Vendee Expansion - Aerial view of Vouvant
The Vendée islands
You want to set sail? Why not spend a day on the island of Yeu or the island of Noirmoutier. These two islands will allow you to discover very different worlds which will impress you with their authenticity: beaches of fine sand, wild coasts, cliffs, creeks, and remarkable architecture with their white houses with blue shutters.
Access to the island of Noirmoutier is very easy thanks to the bridge between the mainland and the island, or via the famous Passage du Gois, a 4 km tidal causeway unique in the world which is uncovered at low tide.
The island of Yeu can be reached from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie or from the port of Fromentine.
© A. Lover | Vendée Expansion - The Island of Yeu
Green Venice in the Marais poitevin
Come and discover a green Venice in a traditional small boat in the Marais Poitevin, a place appreciated for its peaceful atmosphere and the authenticity of its scenery. Surrounded by green areas, you will be deep in the countryside. Sitting on a seat in the boat, a boatman guide will take you through the canals of the marsh while telling you its history.
The Embarcadère de la Venise Verte rental service is located in Le Mazeau.
© Clément Couturier - Green Venice by boat
The most beautiful coastal towns in Vendée
As it lies along the Atlantic Ocean, Vendée is full of great little places by the sea that are worth visiting. The Côte de Lumière, name given to the Vendée coast, has a lot of sunshine and often very pleasant conditions for walking and discovering the different towns along the coast. There are very many, but here we suggest towns in different styles, some more rural, others more touristy, so there is something for every taste.
Jard-sur-Mer and Longeville-sur-Mer
Further south from Les Sables d'Olonne, visit Jard-sur-Mer and Longeville. These two small adjacent towns are famous in particular for their magnificent beaches of fine sand and their magnificent natural scenery. Jard and Longeville offer you lots of possibilities for activities in the countryside, such as water activities, fishing from the shore, visits to oyster farms, strolls by the sea or simply an afternoon lazing about on the beach.
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
Between Saint-Jean-de-Monts and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, we advise you to visit Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. This large town has the longest Atlantic coastline in the department and therefore offers you an immense variety of landscapes, ideal for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet. Salt marshes, beaches, rocky coast, forest... Something to give you a change of scenery!
The town itself is also worth seeing! There are many typical districts that will charm you with their authenticity and simplicity.
© Pays de Saint Gilles - The 5 Pineaux in Saint Hilaire de Riez
Puy du fou, the best park in the world in Vendée
To finish your wonderful holiday in Vendée, you must discover the incredible entertainments and historical shows at the Puy du Fou. An unmissable visit! Voted the best theme park in France and in the world on several occasions, it will take you on a journey through time, bringing history to life as you travel back through the centuries. The Grand Parc du Puy du Fou is 75 minutes from Les Sables d'Olonne and the campsite.
© Puy du Fou - Vikings Show
Also discover our list of things you must do in Vendée.
Accommodation for your holiday in Vendée
Are you looking for a place to stay to discover all these places to visit in Vendée? Le Bel Air 5-star Campsite in Les Sables d'Olonne offers you an ideal location for discovering the department. We will welcome you in a friendly atmosphere, close to the tourist attractions. Enjoy all the comfort of a 5-star campsite in Vendée: wide range of accommodation, entertainments from April to November and a big heated indoor water park!
