Pssst, do you want to know a secret? The perfect family walk does exist! It’s hidden away here in the Pays de Saint Jean de Monts! But where exactly can you find it? It’s somewhere between the 22 sandy beaches, the sparkling ocean, the natural and unspoilt dunes, the pine-trees and the marshes. How will you recognise it? Sometimes it will be a stroll through the forest, sometimes a game or a treasure hunt – it can adapt to whatever you want – whether it’s a sporting activity or just for fun. You will certainly find the perfect family walk that you’re looking for.
1. Short family walks
Family walks are fun at any age, and so the Pays de Saint Jean de Monts has created some short simple circuits that can be accessed by even the youngest children. It’s a super way for the little ones to find out about the area. Whilst following the easy and accessible pathway, their senses will be gently introduced to lots of new discoveries. The good news is that each of these little circuits is pushchair-friendly! How better to enjoy a little family walk all together.
Our family wlaks
🌳 The Explorer Trail in Saint Jean de Monts
The Explorer Trail can be found in the forest – one of our 5 amazing natural spaces (along with the ocean, the beach, the dunes and the marshes). The trail is a pretty loop of just under 1km. It can be a gentle stroll, a more energetic walk or used as a warm-up for another activity – each person can get what they want from these wide sandy pathways which have been developed to be fully accessible to everyone.
The Explorer Trail can also include an explorer! The forest is the perfect place to get away from it all and spark children’s curiosity about the natural world. Can you see those animal tracks in the sand? Do you know which bird makes that sound? Can you see the dragonfly hovering over the pond…? On your marks, get set.. explore…
🍃 The Arboretum Walk in Notre Dame de Monts
This walk is shorter but equally informative. The Arboretum Walk introduces you to the fifty or so trees and bushes that are planted along this lovely secure pathway. It’s true that since the pinetrees were planted in this area during the 1850’s, to secure the dunes, they now have some new friends here in the Pays de Saint Jean de Monts.
2. Walking paths with a dual purpose
The idea of the duo pathways is that there are two ways of enjoying these family walks. The first is the classic way where adults and children can simply enjoy a walk together on the set footpaths, but for those looking for an open-air activity that can be shared by all the family, we offer a challenging alternative.
If you’ve chosen this fun option then that’s great! You just need to call into the Tourist Office to pick up your booklet. Don’t forget this step so that you can get going with your adventure!
Our favorite walks
Pathway 1, 2, 3, allons dans les bois in Notre Dame de Monts
If doing the challenge: We promise that you won’t meet a wolf whilst you’re walking in the forest but you will have an ideal opportunity to go onto the beach about halfway around the route. You can unpack your tablecloth from your rucksack along with some local specialities and enjoy a lovely picnic with the children.
- Distance: 2,7 km
- Age: up to 6 years
- Level: easy
Eole’s pathway in Saint Jean de Monts
If you’re looking for discovery: Eole, the god of the wind, provides you with a cool breeze on this pathway which takes you through the forest and over the dunes, with its highlight being the steep walk up to the Belvedere viewing point. This walk offers a range of discoveries including a fantastic panoramic view over the pines and the ocean.
If you’re looking for fun: Try and solve the 12 challenges on this family walking game course. – ‘The Spirit of adventure’. Observation skills, sporting challenges, seeking out items and making things – lots of games to educate, amuse and help children to become more aware of the rich environment around them Don’t forget to pick up your map (available in English) from the Tourist Office to get you started.
- Distance: 5.2 km
- Age: 6-12 years
- Level: easy
3. Orientation routes
One marker, two markers, three markers… When a walk out in the fresh air becomes a game, it’s probably because it’s one of our orientation routes. Are you ready to stamp each box of your orientation route map? Mum and Dad can take part too… This is one of our great family activities which you can try for a totally ‘off-grid’ day together.
Our favourite orientation routes (all easy!)
- The parcours d’orientation de l’Esplanade de la Mer in Saint Jean de Monts where all its marker points are divided between the dunes and the beach is available in English.
- The parcours de La Parée Jésus is also available in English.
4. Our treasure Hunts
Do you want to take part in a Treasure Hunt game, but out in the open air? With the Pays de Saint Jean de Monts treasure hunts, and your imagination, you can go on the trail of a mysterious mermaid, solve a very suspicious crime or use the clues to find that elusive and rare pearl. For these games however, you’ll stay in the town. Put on your rucksacks, get out your notebooks and switch on your brains to work out each of the clues. Who will be the family clever-clogs?
Our favorite adventure
- The Mermaids of Notre Dame de Monts, suitable from 8 years, available in English
- This game is available at the Tourist Office on sale for 8€ per team.
5. Our tips for a family walk to go without a hitch
Don’t forget:
- ✅ A rucksack to collect little souvenirs and keepsakes during your walk
- ✅ Bottle of water
- ✅ Snacks or a picnic to eat along the way
- ✅ Blanket or beach towel
- ✅ Appropriate dress for the weather – cap, sunglasses and suncream if it’s hot and sunny or a raincoat, shoes or walking boots for wet weather.
Good to know in advance:
- ✅ Check the picnic areas on or near your chosen pathway so that you can stop for a snack along the way.
Thematics
