The starting point of your adventures
The Pays de Saint Jean de Monts shines in many ways. Firstly, it shines thanks to the amazing amount of sunlight, with an average of over 2,300 sunshine hours per year. What better way to top up those levels of vitamin D?! It shines too thanks to its reputation as a long-standing natural seaside resort, which is perfect for those seeking peace and tranquillity. Finally, it shines thanks to its geographical position, as it’s the ideal place to start from if you wish to discover unmissable locations in the area…
You’ll be ready for a wonderful adventure in 3, 2, 1…
The Pays de Saint Jean de Monts, gateway to Ile d’Yeu and Ile de Noirmoutier
It’s impossible to visit Pays de Saint Jean de Monts without visiting the ‘islands’. Whether it’s as a couple, with children or with a group of friends, let’s have a look at two of the places not to be missed during your stay in the Vendée.
Ile de Noirmoutier
How to get there?
- Cross the bridge (free of charge) from Fromentine which links the mainland to the island at Barbâtre. You can choose whether you cross on foot using the assigned footpath, by bike using the cycle path, or by car – though it’s preferable to use one of the first two options
- Or you can make the most of the low tide to cross over to the island using the curious and mythical Passage du Gois, from Beauvoir-sur-Mer.
What to see and do on Île de Noirmoutier ?
First of all, allow yourself time to drink in the peaceful and serene atmosphere of this special place. Known as “the island of mimosas” it’s a seaside paradise where it feels like time stands still. It’s here that we find a concentrated version of the Vendée: there are little sandy beaches and fishing ports, the sparkling waters of the salt marshes and the peaceful forest of tall maritime pines. Each of these elements is linked by a widespread network of cycle paths which take you away from the traffic and the crowds.
Not to be missed :
- The experience of cockle picking with your loved ones
- Visit Noirmoutier castle and museum
- Ile aux Papillons (Butterfly Island) and its greenhouses full of magic
- Bois de la Chaise and Plage des Dames
- A must-see tour of the salt marshes
- Exploring the different ports and harbours for example the lively Port Herbaudière and the tranquil Port Morin
Ile d’Yeu, the pearl of the Atlantic
How to get there?
You can visit Ile d’Yeu by boat from the ferry terminal in Fromentine using either of the two ferry companies available : Compagnie Vendéenne or Compagnie Yeu Continent.
What to see and do on Île d’Yeu
Not to be missed:
- Look for elves around the Dolmen des Petits Fradets
- Climb up the 198 steps of the Grand Phare
- Pray for sailors in the Chapelle de la Meule
- Go for a guided tour of the Vieux-Château and its ramparts
- Take photos of the whitewashed cottages with colourful painted shutters in the village of Saint-Sauveur
- Top up your suntan in one of the small sandy coves
- Try a session of sand yachting
- Go for a tour of the island on the Petit Train
Trip to Puy du Fou, the Vendée’s unmissable theme park
It’s impossible to resist the appeal of this king amongst theme parks. Incredible, unforgettable and magical are just some of the superlatives used to describe this park which has twice been voted “Best Theme Park in the World” Not just that! It’s well adapted to all ages whether they’re curious little ones or their history-loving parents. Puy du Fou is an unmissable excursion from Pays de Saint Jean de Monts. On your ‘parks’, get set, book!
How to get there?
Allow roughly 1.5 hours car journey from Pays de Saint Jean de Monts or you can travel using one of the shuttle or excursion services.
Not to be missed:
- The Vikings
- Le Bal des Oiseaux Fantômes (Birds of Prey)
- Le Secret de la Lance (the legend of King Arthur)
- Les Mousquetaires de Richelieu (Richelieu’s Musketeers)
- Le Dernier Panache (The story of Charette and the Vendee uprising)
- Le Mime et l’Etoile (The story of cinema)
Let’s head over to see the neighbours: Pays de Saint Gilles Croix de Vie and Go-Challans Gois
Let’s look at Pays de Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
Are you looking for more adventures? Why not continue your tour in Pays de Saint Gilles Croix de Vie, which is just 22 km to the south of Pays de Saint Jean de Monts via the Corniche Vendéenne. Along this section of rocky coastline – a listed heritage site – you’ll be able to stop and admire the 5 Pineaux rock formation and the Trou du Diable (Devil’s Hole).
Once you’re there, why not have a relaxing stroll around the pleasure boat harbour on the river Vie which is so symbolic of the town! Sit down at one of the many picnic tables and discover the taste of prefou (Vendeen garlic bread) whilst lulled by the clinking of the boats and the lapping of the waves. For stunning views over the port, head to the viewing platform on the Dune de la Garenne.
Let’s go to Go-Challans Gois
Another great trip from Pays de Saint Jean de Monts is to see another of our lovely neighbours in the Territoire de Go-Challans Gois. With its pure fresh air, traditional maraichin (marshland) culture and local gastronomy – it offers a true taste of pleasure.
One thing is ‘Sertaïne’, it starts with a detour to Sallertaine, also known as the Ile aux artisans – the island of craft-workers. And rightly so as it’s the only village in the Vendée to be certified as a « Ville et métiers d’art » (Town and careers in artistry). Sallertaine is the home of exciting creativity. Pottery, leather goods, designers, upholstery, glassblowing, jewellery makers – they are all here ready to share their individual experience and skills. It’s the ideal opportunity for all the family to (re)discover these crafts and the precious knowledge of these truly local artisans.
Do you want to go for a walk in a place full of character and richness? Head to the unusual little ports dotted along the coast. These ports, the links between land and sea, are home to the fascinating and long-standing oyster farming industry. Our favourites in the Go-Challans Gois area: Port du Bec and Port des Champs. The first for its lively and friendly atmosphere and the second for its slow calm – two different places each with its own distinct character and feel
Pays de Saint Jean de Monts, the ideal starting point to explore the Vendée
As you can see, the Pays de Saint Jean de Monts has a thousand and one ideas to help you shine in the Vendée. Make the most of its ideal position to open the door to more adventures. Beautiful islands a stone’s throw away, Nantes nearby, Puy du Fou just down the road or seaside resorts and picturesque villages where you can spend a relaxing and refreshing holiday. If you choose to help our environment by travelling by public transport as well, then we say ‘Bravo!’ – but please don’t forget to come back! It would be a shame to miss the wonderful things Pays de Saint Jean de Monts has to offer. It’s very easy – this territory is made up of 5 villages each with its own particular character, natural features, qualities and feel. Saint Jean de Monts, Notre Dame de Monts, La Barre de Monts-Fromentine, Le Perrier ou Soullans : now it’s over to you to create your holiday at the heart of Pays de Saint Jean de Monts.