Home › Campsites in the Vendée with a pool: beaches, islands, cycling
Campsites in the Vendée with a pool: beaches, islands, cycling
Camping in the Vendée with a pool combines fun in the water on the site with an Atlantic coast within reach. The Vendée coast is around 250 kilometres long, of which about 140 kilometres is fine sandy beach, plus there are two islands, Noirmoutier and the Île d'Yeu.
The list below shows campsites in the Vendée (Pays de la Loire) with a pool. Here you can find out which beaches, islands, cycle routes and leisure attractions there are, and what to watch for with tides, swimming safety and pool season. The hinterland, with the Marais Poitevin and the Puy du Fou, also makes the region a versatile destination.
Beaches and seaside resorts
Well-known seaside resorts include Saint-Jean-de-Monts with around 8 kilometres of beach, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Les Sables-d'Olonne and La Tranche-sur-Mer. The last of these calls itself "little California", with over 14 kilometres of south-facing beaches, popular for water sports such as paddling and surfing.
In all, the Puy du Fou speaks of 250 kilometres of coast and 18 seaside resorts. Les Sables-d'Olonne is also the start of the Vendée Globe sailing race and offers over 320 kilometres of walking trails. If your site has a pool, you can swim there when it is windy or at low tide and drive to the sea for beach days.
Leisure activities include high-ropes courses, Nordic walking routes and water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding.
The Île d'Yeu and Noirmoutier add quieter beaches to the offering.
Île d'Yeu and Noirmoutier
The Île d'Yeu is small, at 23 square kilometres. Ferries run from Fromentine to Port-Joinville, the crossing takes about 30 minutes, and in summer there are additional services from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (April to September). Bicycles can be taken along for a fee. The old customs path, about 28 kilometres long, goes around the island and can be done in about 6 hours, with few changes in height.
The Île de Noirmoutier can be reached by bridge or via the tidal causeway, the Passage du Gois. This crossing is around 4.5 kilometres long and is flooded twice a day. Before crossing, you must check the tide times and coefficients. Noirmoutier has a cycle network of about 83 kilometres and is known for early potatoes and oysters.
Cycle routes and landscape
The Vendée offers numerous cycle routes. The Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) runs from Roscoff to the Spanish border over around 1,200 kilometres and passes through the département, with stages from Bouin via Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and Les Sables-d'Olonne to La Tranche-sur-Mer. There are about 210 kilometres of cycle paths along the coast, more than 60 percent of them on routes reserved exclusively for cyclists.
The route is technically undemanding, mostly flat and well signposted. Sights include the Marais Breton, the Marais Poitevin (the "Green Venice") with boat trips, and the bocage in the hinterland.
From Notre-Dame-de-Monts, a cycle loop leads through the Marais Breton, between land and sea, through holm oak and pine forest and salt marshes.
Puy du Fou and family attractions
The Puy du Fou theme park is one of the best-known destinations in the hinterland. It offers historical reenactments, big shows and, in the evening, the Cinéscénie. According to a travel portal, the park has twice been named the best theme park in the world and attracts around 2.2 million visitors a year.
There are also high-ropes courses, zoos and aquariums. You should check opening hours, tickets and directions on the park's website, and expect crowds in the holidays. The operators describe autumn as a quieter time for a visit.
Regional cuisine includes Bonnotte potatoes, the garlic bread préfou and fresh seafood.
Maps and programme are available on the park's official website.
Climate, pool season and swimming in the sea
The Vendée is regarded as a sunny département. According to travel portals, summer temperatures are mostly between 20 and 30 degrees. July to September are named as the best time to travel, and September is quieter; April to June and October can also be pleasant.
Pools at campsites are mostly open in summer, while in the shoulder seasons opening and heating vary from site to site. Ask in advance about times and pool rules. In the sea, red-and-yellow flags mark a supervised swimming area, and a red flag means danger from currents or waves.
Since tides play a role on the Atlantic coast, it is worth looking at the tide table before swimming.
What to do: ideas and a day-by-day plan
The Vendée combines sandy beaches on the Côte de Lumière with marshland, islands and theme parks. The ideas are sorted by interest and weather. Use the three day plans as a template and swap individual destinations depending on how far away your campsite is.
Nature & beaches
Beaches of the Côte de Lumièrefull dayEndless sandy beaches with seaside resorts such as Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, La Tranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-de-Monts, ideal for swimming, water sports and long family beach days.
Île de Noirmoutier and the Passage du Goisfull dayThe island offers salt marshes, dunes and beaches. The 4.2 km Passage du Gois can only be crossed from 90 minutes before to 90 minutes after low tide.
Marais Poitevin, the Green Venicehalf a dayBoat trips through shady canals in the marshland of the southern Vendée, plus places such as Fontenay-le-Comte and Vouvant nearby.
Île d'Yeufull dayThe island, with its fishing villages, harbours, the Grand Phare and the Vieux Château, can be explored on foot or by bike from Port Joinville.
Culture & sights
Puy du Foufull dayA theme park with historical shows, medieval villages, Roman arenas and knights' battles; in the evening, the Cinéscénie light show runs. Check opening hours and prices with the park beforehand.
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie1-2 hoursA historic port town, known for sardines and maritime tradition; well suited to a stroll around the harbour and a fish meal.
Bocage Vendéen and Château de Tiffaugeshalf a dayMedieval castles, valleys and forest paths inland; the Château de Tiffauges offers shows and siege machines.
La Roche-sur-Yon2-3 hoursA Napoleonic town with historic architecture, parks and cultural attractions; on the Place Napoléon stand mechanical animals by François Delarozière.
Active & sports
Vélodyssée along the coasthalf a dayThe cycle route runs through dunes and salt marshes and along the Atlantic coast, passing the Corniche vendéenne and the great beach of Saint-Jean-de-Monts.
Water sports in Les Sables-d'Olonnehalf a daySailing, surfing and kayaking are offered in the coastal waters of the town; Brétignolles is named as a surf spot.
Inland cycle networkhalf a dayOver 1,000 kilometres of cycle paths also lead through marshes and hedgerow countryside, for example towards Fontenay-le-Comte or along the Sèvre.
Tasting oysters in Le Veillon1-2 hoursTry fresh oysters straight from local producers in Le Veillon, ideally combined with a stage along the coast or a beach afternoon.
With kids
Le Grand Défihalf a dayA tree-climbing park with 38 courses and zip lines for children and teenagers; according to a travel blog, the largest in the world.
Water and leisure parkshalf a dayAtlantic Toboggan with a wave pool and slides, O'fun Park with a climbing and aqua park, and Dunes Park with mini golf and go-karts.
Marais Breton Vendéenhalf a dayBourrines cottages and craft villages in the Breton marshland in the north; a peaceful outing for the whole family.
When it rains
Historial de la Vendéehalf a dayA museum on the history of the region from prehistory to the Revolution; a sensible destination in bad weather.
Shell museum1-2 hoursThe Museum du Coquillage shows shells from around the world and is a quiet museum programme for rainy days with children.
Aquarium de Vendéehalf a dayFully air-conditioned and covered, with over 5,000 animals in around 60 tanks from the Atlantic, Indo-Pacific and tropics.
Château de Tiffaugeshalf a dayA medieval castle with shows and siege-machine demonstrations for families, for when the beach is not an option.
Sample day plans
Day 1: Beach and aquarium near Les Sables-d'Olonne
Morning
Head early to the beach at Les Sables-d'Olonne, swim or book an introductory surfing or kayaking hour while it is still quiet.
Afternoon
Visit the Aquarium de Vendée in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, which also works in the rain and is only about five minutes away.
Evening
Dinner at the harbour in Les Sables-d'Olonne, or return to the campsite for an evening on a beach blanket.
Day 2: Puy du Fou
Morning
Get to the park in good time and choose the shows according to the daily programme; allow for breaks between performances.
Afternoon
See more shows and sets, and with children plan meals and rest breaks in between, so the long day does not get too tiring.
Evening
If you like, stay for the Cinéscénie in the evening; otherwise head back to the campsite for an early rest.
Day 3: Noirmoutier and the salt marshes
Morning
Drive to Noirmoutier; use the Passage du Gois only from 90 minutes before to 90 minutes after low tide. See the island's salt marshes and dunes.
Afternoon
Beach time on the island, or a cycle loop on the Vélodyssée through dunes and salt marshes, depending on the weather and your mood.
Evening
Eat oysters or fish, then drive back to the campsite at a leisurely pace, with no time pressure.
Campsites that match
182 matching campsites in our database, here the 48 best rated (by stars), grouped by location.
Around 250 kilometres, of which about 140 kilometres is fine sandy beach, according to regional tourism websites. There are also the islands of Noirmoutier and Île d'Yeu and 18 well-known seaside resorts.
How do I get to the Île d'Yeu?
By ferry from Fromentine to Port-Joinville; the crossing takes about 30 minutes. In summer there are further departures from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. Bicycles can be taken along for a fee. Check timetables beforehand.
Can the Passage du Gois be used at any time?
No. The tidal causeway, about 4.5 kilometres long, is flooded twice a day. Before crossing, check the tide times and coefficients, and heed the warning signs and rescue platforms.
What cycle routes are there in the Vendée?
The Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) runs through the Vendée, with about 210 kilometres of coastal cycle path, more than 60 percent of it for cyclists only. The terrain is mostly flat and the signposting good.
When are pools at campsites open?
Mostly in summer; in the shoulder seasons they are restricted or unheated, depending on the site. You should ask the site about specific opening times and rules on swimwear before booking.
