Discover the Vendée during your stay
Discover the Vendée, a true gem of the Atlantic Coast with its mild, temperate climate! Between its endless beaches, mysterious marshes, and picturesque villages, every corner of this region offers a new adventure. Immerse yourself in history at Puy du Fou; come discover a rich cultural heritage, activities for the whole family, bike rides along coastal trails, and the tranquility of its forests…
Savor the delicious local cuisine, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as oysters, sardines, brioche, mogettes, and fion maraîchin… and let yourself be charmed by the hospitality of the Vendée. Whether you’re looking for relaxation oradventure, the Vendée is the perfect destination for creating unforgettable memories. You won’t regret it!
Sightseeing in and around Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez and its surroundings offer a concentrated tasteof authentic Vendée life: its salt marshes and freshwater marshes, its water sports centers dedicated to sailing, surfing, and fishing; its Bois Juquaud eco-museum; and, of course, the Vendée Corniche and its breathtaking panoramic views, including the Trou du Diable, the Cinq Pineaux, and the Grosse Terre lighthouse.
In the spring and summer, the city comes alive with traditional celebrations, outdoor concerts, beach sports, festivals, street performances, bike races, running races like the Enduro in August, and more—all events that bring locals and tourists together in a friendly and festive atmosphere. Nestled between the ocean, the forest, and the marshes, every corner of nature invites you to explore and unwind. Also check out our selection of the best activities and outings to enjoy around the campground.
Enjoy your stay to explore the magnificent scenery of the Corniche by taking the 3 km of hiking or biking trails along the Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez coastal road. Take in the ocean, the idyllic beaches near the campground, the small coves, the rocks known as the 5 Pineaux, and the Trou du Diable, and take the time to admire the Grosse Terre lighthouse —a must-see.
The salt marsh, the Vie salt marshes: venture into the heart of the marshes to learn about the salt worker’s craft, discover the flora and fauna of this natural area (Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez – 5 km).
Come discover this collection oftraditional dwellingsknown as “bourrines”—homes of yesteryear built with earth and reeds. TheLa Bourrine du Bois Juquaud museumwill round out your visit to this museum, which traces the way of life of our ancestors, including traditional clothing, tools, and recipes from days gone by.
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, offers the charm of a lively and authentic port. With its quays lined with restaurants, its colorful market, its beaches perfect for surfing or sunbathing, its fishing and marina port renowned for sardines, its quaint narrow streets, and its lively neighborhoods, the town moves to the rhythm of the ocean. Located 8 km from the campground, it’s easily accessible via the bike path. A destination full of life, where maritime traditions and a summery atmosphere blend to offer vacationers a unique and pleasant setting.
Saint-Jean-de-Monts, is the seaside resort par excellence! With its long beach of fine sand, its lively boardwalk lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops, its iconic pier that proudly juts out into the ocean, and its bike paths that wind through the national forest, it invites you to explore and unwind. Just Just 8 km from the campground, the town is easily accessible by bike or car. There are plenty of summer activities, markets, and sporting and cultural events, not to mention its water sports center where you can try your hand at sailing, sand yachting, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Saint-Jean-de-Monts charms visitors with its atmosphere and natural setting.
Discover the Puy du Fou in northwestern Vendée, 1 hour and 30 minutes from the campground—an exceptional park where history comes to life through spectacular shows. The Grand Parc du Puy du Fou immerses you in epic worlds blending stunts, thrills, and spectacular scenery. As night falls, let yourself be enchanted by the Cinéscénie, a nighttime show unlike any other in the world that recounts the history of the Vendée in a monumental production. A must-see during any stay in the Vendée! Young and old alike will be blown away!
About 3 km from the campground, the Crapa trail awaits you for a wonderful outing in nature! The trail features a seriesof fitness stations suitable for both adults and children. It’s also an ideal spot for running enthusiasts. A little exercise never hurts—quite the opposite, in fact… or you can simply enjoy a lovely stroll if that’s what you prefer. At the end of the trail, the kids will love the large playground set aside just for them.
A Walk in the Pays de Monts Forest
About 3 km from the campground, the Crapa Trail awaits you for a wonderful outing in nature!
The trail features a seriesof fitness stations suitable for both adults and children. It’s also an ideal spot for runners. A little exercise never hurts—quite the opposite, in fact… or you can simply enjoy a nice walk if that’s what you prefer. At the end of the trail, kids will love the large playground just for them.
Explore the islands of the Vendée: Île d’Yeu and Île de Noirmoutier
Île d’Yeu, the jewel of the Vendée
The Île d’Yeu, a true gem of the Vendée coast, captivates visitors with its wild and unspoiled landscapes. Accessible by boat from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie or Fromentine (be sure to take advantage of the promotional offers from our two partners, Yeu Continent and Compagnie Vendéenne, using our personal promo codes! ), it offers a unique getaway featuring golden beaches, steep cliffs, and coastal trails perfect for hiking or biking.
Port Joinville, Port de la Meule, Le Vieux-Château, and Soux Beach—one of the island’s most beautiful coves. A must-see—be sure to set aside the whole day!
The island of Noirmoutier and the Passage du Gois
The island of Noirmoutier, nicknamed the “Island of Mimosas,” captivates visitors with its natural charm and peaceful atmosphere. Connected to the mainland by the famous and legendary Passage du Gois—a paved road passable at low tide—it offers a unique setting featuring golden beaches, salt marshes, pine forests, and quaint villages with white houses and blue shutters.
Here you’ll discover Noirmoutier-en-l’Île and its medieval castle, the Bois de la Chaise and its sheltered coves, as well as La Guérinière, nestled between marshes and the ocean, and L’Herbaudière, with its marina—a symbol of the island’s maritime life. You’re sure to enjoy local delicacies such as Noirmoutier potatoes and seafood. The island has numerous bike paths. Just a 1-hour drive from the campground, this island—which is also accessible by bridge—is a must-visit destination for lovers of the Vendée region.
Visit Les Sables-d’Olonne, the sailing capital of the world
About an hour from the campground, Les Sables-d’Olonne— the sailing capital of the world—offers an unmissable getaway to explore the Vendée coast. Famous worldwide for the Vendée Globe, a solo round-the-world sailing race, the city lives to the rhythm of the sea and sailors and offers an exceptional setting for sailing enthusiasts and offshore racing fans.
Its bustling harbor, its long beach of fine sand, its picturesque narrow streets, Penotte Island with its shell murals, and its promenade lined with cafés and restaurants make it an ideal destination for a day of strolling or relaxing. Art lovers will also enjoy the Abbaye Sainte-Croix Museum, dedicated to modern and contemporary art, while families can enjoy the Le 7e Continent Aquarium or the Shell Museum.
A Day Trip to La Roche-sur-Yon, Less Than an Hour from the Campground
Plan a day trip to La Roche-sur-Yon for a cultural and historical immersion. Visit Place Napoléon with its unique mechanical animal display, explore the La Roche-sur-Yon Museum to learn more about the city’s history, or visit the Chocolate Museum, the Haras de la Vendée, and take a stroll through the train station district with its bourgeois houses and the red footbridge.
For nature lovers, the Yon Valley offers picturesque scenery and relaxing walks. A day full of discoveries and local beauty!
Enjoy Vendée cuisine while on vacation at the campground
Culinary Specialties from Land and Sea
The Vendée’s gourmet products are diverse because they come not only from the land but also from the ocean. They are fresh, then prepared and elevated in numerous local recipes for your enjoyment.
Of course, the traditional dish of ham and mogettes comes to mind, as does the inimitable Vendée brioche. But the promise of other, yet-to-be-discovered flavors awaits your taste buds.
The hard work of our farmers and fishermen ensures a supply of high-quality raw ingredients. Thanks to the complementary talents of producers, restaurateurs, and artisans, these ingredients are used in a wide variety of recipes.
Among the products worth discovering and tasting are:
- Salt,
- Mogettes: au naturel, with tomato, with baby vegetables,
- Challans chicken,
- Vendeen ham with impeccable product quality and smoky flavor,
- Vendée wines from Brem-sur-Mer and Mareuil-sur-Lay, as well as Troussepinette, a colorful Vendée aperitif made from the maceration of young black thorn shoots.
And let’s not forget seafood products such as :
- Fish: there are many to choose from, but the most famous include mackerel, sardines, sea bass, bream, monkfish, cod, whiting, meagre, etc…
- Seafood: the perfect addition to any meal. These include Vendée Atlantique oysters, Saint-Gilles prawns, mussels, clams, cockles, periwinkles, razor clams and lobsters.
Above and beyond the product itself, our farmers share this culture ofsustainable agriculture, where quality comes before quantity. Men and women who, every day, put their passion at the service of taste, to make their products dishes of the highest quality.
Among the most popular specialties:
- Maraîchin flan (also known as fion vendéen): a pastry made with an egg flan, flavored and baked on a shortcrust pastry base.
- The préfou is sure to tantalize your taste buds! This local specialty consists of just a few ingredients, but it’s no less delicious for it. Topped with butter and garlic, it’s perfect for an aperitif.
- The braided Vendée brioche.
- Vendée gâche. Gâche differs from brioche in its dense crumb and the addition of crème fraîche, which gives it a creamier texture.
Markets near the campground in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
You can also visit one of the many local markets to discover all the local produce and seafood. Producers will explain the particularities of their products and their history.
Before the end of your vacation, remember to do a little shopping to offer specialities to family and friends.
There are many markets to visit near La Conge Campground in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. Come discover our local farmers, who offer fresh produce and seasonal vegetables. You’ll also find local merchants and artisans there.
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
- Downtown: Thursdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
- In the Croix-de-Vie area, near the train station and fishing port—Place Guy Kergoustin: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- In the Saint-Gilles area, at Place du Vieux Port and Place du Marché aux Herbes: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Night Market: In July and August, a night market is held in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie on the Quai du Port Fidèle (river side) and in the Vieux Port and Marché aux Herbes squares from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.
Saint-Jean-de-Monts
Summer Night Market, Rue du Marché, every evening starting at 6 p.m.
Place Jean Yole, downtown, near the church: Wednesday and Saturday mornings
After exploring, it’s time to relax
