Week-end in Vendée
Want nature, discoveries and relaxation for a short stay? The Vendée attracts thousands of visitors every year thanks to its rich landscapes, attractive coastline and cultural highlights. Whether you are traveling as a couple, with family or friends, this guide helps you organize a weekend in the Vendée both exotic and well paced, while staying at our campsite near Puy du Fou.
Why choose Vendée for a weekend?
Located on the Atlantic coast, Vendée enjoys ideal accessibility for a short stay. From Nantes, La Rochelle or Angers, it takes less than two hours by car or train to reach its beaches, forests or marshes. A major asset for visitors looking for an exotic weekend without wasting time in transport.
The mild and temperate climate makes the Vendée particularly pleasant between April and October. Even outside the high season, temperatures remain mild, which allows you to fully enjoy outdoor activities and cultural visits.
Finally, this department seduces by the diversity of its tourist offer: sandy beaches, historical heritage, natural parks, villages of character… In two days, you can just as well hike in the forest as stroll in a fishing port or discover an important place of live entertainment.
What to do in the Vendée for a weekend?
Découvrir les incontournables du bord de mer
The Vendée coast stretches over more than 140 km of coastline. Among the sites to prioritize for a short stay:
- Les Sables-d’Olonne, famous seaside resort, offers a lively town centre, a large central beach and a beautiful promenade on the embankment, ideal for a walk facing the ocean.
- In Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the atmosphere is more authentic, with its active fishing port, local markets and low houses lined with hollyhocks. The place is perfect to taste the specialties of the sea.
- The island of Noirmoutier, accessible by the bridge or by the Gois at low tide, seduces with its preserved nature, its confidential beaches and salt marshes. It is an ideal getaway for those seeking calm and authenticity.
Exploring the Vendée hinterland
The Vendée is not just about its coastline. Inland, the
The Marais Poitevin, nicknamed the ‘green Venice’, allows you to experience a moment suspended on the water. The boat trip on the canals offers a total change of scenery, between silence and biodiversity.
Finally, villages of character like Vouvant, Apremont or Mallièvre are worth a visit. Between cobbled alleys, castles and panoramas of the countryside, these authentic places invite you to stroll.
Activity ideas for a weekend in Vendée
Nature and relaxation activities
Outdoor enthusiasts will find in Vendée a vast playground. The Sentier des Douaniers, along the coast, allows superb hikes between ocean, dunes and forests. The forest of Mervent-Vouvant, meanwhile, offers shaded circuits, perfect for summer.
The cycle paths of Vendée, well maintained and secure, cross beaches, marshes and bocage. A fun and ecological way to discover the region.
Wildlife and flora enthusiasts will appreciate the nature reserves such as the Bay of Aiguillon or the Breton Marsh, true sanctuaries for migratory birds.
Activities with family or friends
For a dynamic weekend, several options are available to you:
- The animal parks like the Zoo des Sables or the Nature’Zoo of Mervent offer a pleasant and educational visit, suitable for children.
- On the water sports side, the Vendée coast is ideal to learn paddle, canoeing or even sand yachting, especially in Saint-Jean-de-Monts or Notre-Dame-de-Monts.
- Many heritage sites offer interactive tours, such as the mills of Rairé or the Castle of Tiffauges, perfect for a cultural but fun weekend.
Where to sleep for a short stay in Vendée?
The Vendée has a varied accommodation offer, suitable for all budgets. Rural cottages, bed and breakfast, charming hotels, but also campsites make it easy to find a friendly place to settle down.
Opting for a central campsite is often the best option to explore several facets of the territory without multiplying trips. This also allows you to enjoy a natural setting and practical services (swimming pool, bike rental, catering…).
To combine comfort, nature and proximity to attractions, think of our campsite open throughout the year in Vendée, ideally located for exploring between bocage, marshes and iconic tourist sites.
Practical tips for organizing your weekend in the Vendée
To fully enjoy your stay, some simple tips to remember:
- Anticipate bookings, especially between May and September. Accommodations, activities, and restaurants can be quickly booked.
- Bring appropriate clothing, including a windbreaker and comfortable shoes. The climate can be changing, especially by the sea.
- Organize your days intelligently: for example, a first day on the coast (Les Sables or Noirmoutier), then a second in the land (Puy du Fou or Marais Poitevin) allows to vary the pleasures while limiting travel.