Still a hidden gem for most Canadian travellers, France’s Vendée region packs a serious punch. It kicks things off with a spectacular 250-kilometer coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Recognize the name? You likely know it from the Vendée Globe, the legendary solo, non-stop round-the-world sailing race. Every four years, its thrilling departure draws thousands of fans to the port of Les Sables d’Olonne.
A bustling culinary scene, highly original water sports, breathtakingly wild landscapes, and a mild climate define this stunning region. Add miles of active trails and a rich historical heritage, and the Vendée coast guarantees an unforgettable vacation.
If you are searching for the best things to do, Vendée delivers incredible reasons to book a stay in this stunning corner of France, located just an hour and a half from Nantes.
The Vendée Globe: the “Everest of the Seas”
Every four years, an electrifying atmosphere takes over the seaside port of Les Sables d’Olonne. Around forty skippers parade down the channel to kick off the Vendée Globe! Mark your calendar: the next starting gun fires on November 12, 2028.
The city doesn’t just host this famous race, though. It vibrates year-round with major maritime events, including the Vendée Arctique, the Golden Globe Race, and the Transat New York Vendée — Les Sables.
This resort town also claims one of Europe’s most beautiful fine-sand beaches, creating a dream destination for water sports enthusiasts.
- Craving a sea adventure? The Club Sports Nautiques Sablais offers half-day or full-day sailing initiations aboard eight- to twelve-meter yachts.
- Prefer to take the pulse of the Bay of Les Sables on solid ground? Head for the remblai. This lovely sweeping promenade hugs the beach for miles and showcases a picturesque lineup of 19th-century villas, restaurants, and tourist residences. Following the 2024 Vendée Globe, officials added a statue of Ulysses to the scenery, cementing the city’s status as the “capital of sea adventure.”
The beautiful districts of Les Sables d’Olonne
The charm of Les Sables d’Olonne truly shines when you wander through the pedestrian district of Île Penotte—a photographer’s haven for three decades. A local resident, affectionately known as the “Shell Lady,” sparked this growing attraction by crafting magnificent, colorful mosaics from a variety of recycled materials.
Cross the channel in record time via local ferry boats (passeurs) to discover the wonderfully laid-back vibe of the Chaume district. Take a trip back in time as you stroll through this former enclave for sailing families, which once housed a dozen bustling canneries in the early 20th century.
When hunger strikes, satisfy your seafood cravings at several spots that serve creative dishes paired flawlessly with delicious local Fiefs Vendéens wines:
- Rosemonde
- La Suite S’il Vous Plaît
- L’Estran
- Le Quai des Saveurs, an award-winning fine dining establishment
Exploring the Vendée coastline
Featuring 18 seaside resorts with prime Atlantic access, the Vendée coast thrills everyone. Families find quiet beaches to relax on, while adrenaline seekers discover endless action.
Leave downtown Les Sables d’Olonne, and watch the scenery shift dramatically. A vast natural environment welcomes you, stretching for miles across salt marshes, dunes, sandy beaches, forests, and coastal vineyards.
Lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail network, or hop on a bike and ride the Vélodyssée—a world-class cycling route running right along the Atlantic Ocean—to explore this tranquil oasis.
What is the most beautiful place in the Vendée? Noirmoutier, an island paradise made for slow travel
Drive north to uncover another Vendée jewel: the island of Noirmoutier. Depending on the tides, cross over via the modern bridge or brave the Passage du Gois, a 4.2-kilometer submersible causeway. At low tide, local foragers gather here to hunt for hidden treasures of the sea.
Spanning 49 square kilometers, Noirmoutier provides a vast playground. More importantly, it offers a slice of paradise where you can throw away your checklist and simply take your time. You will find most hotels, restaurants, and shops concentrated in Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, but each of the four municipalities delivers its own touch of magic.
Do as the locals do: trade your car for a bike and hiking boots. Explore breathtaking scenery, fine sandy beaches, and rocky coves across 83 kilometers of cycling paths and 23 kilometers of hiking trails.
Find your rhythm in the quiet, cottage-lined alleys of Le Vieil, or rest in the shade of maritime pines in the Bois de la Chaise. Vacationers have flocked to this area since the 19th century to enjoy simple pleasures. Stroll along the Plage des Dames, savor a seafood meal on the terrace at La Potinière, dive in for a swim, or paddle a kayak for a unique panorama of bourgeois villas and traditional beach cabins.
Where to eat in Noirmoutier
Soak up the salty air every day on Noirmoutier while feasting on the island’s signature flavors. The local culinary scene champions four flagship products: fleur de sel (premium sea salt), fresh oysters, noble fish, and potatoes—especially the highly prized bonnotte harvested exclusively in May.
When building your ultimate list of things to do in Vendée, lock in these gourmet experiences:
- Chat with a salt worker in the heart of a salt marsh to learn their trade.
- Taste freshly shucked oysters and shellfish in the Le Bonhomme oyster port.
- Experience the morning fish auction in the port of L’Herbaudière.
- Savor a spectacular meal at Elise Poissons & Braise or at La Marine, a legendary gastronomic institution adorned with three Michelin stars.
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