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  • Walking in the Vendée on the coastal paths of the Ile d'Yeu
    Walking in the Vendée on the coastal paths of the Ile d'Yeu Photo: Brice De Reviers, Flickr

Hiking in the Vendée

Atlantic Loire Valley,France

Outdooractive Editors  Verified partner 
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Between Brittany and the Marais Poitevin, the Vendée is a multi-faceted land where, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Venise Verte, via canals carved by man and the sea, blue is omnipresent as you stroll along.

Whether you're returning to the Vendée or discovering it for the first time, you'll find a wealth of contrasting sensations. Here are some great suggestions for walks in the Vendée!

4.0  (65 Ratings and reviews)

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Maps and trails

The 10 most beautiful hikes in Vendée

Lake Gué Gorand
Hiking Trail · Pays de Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
LE GUÉ GORAND TRAIL No. 20
recommended route Difficulty easy
5
4.2 km
1:15 h
24 m
23 m
Discover the beautiful Lac du Gué Gorand and its surroundings on this very easy loop hike.
The Armandèche Lighthouse
Hiking Trail · Vendée
Les Phares
recommended route Difficulty moderate
4
9.6 km
2:25 h
29 m
29 m
The approximately 10-kilometer loop trail leads from Rue Bernicot in Les Sables d'Olonne along the salt flats to L'Aubraie and from there through the Forêt d'Olonne to Plage de la Paracou. The coastal trail then continues along the Côte Sauvage, past the Bassin Dombret, theL’Amandeche Lighthouse, Le Prieuré Saint-Nicolas, the Tour d’Arundel, and Port d’Olonne.
L'Aubraie Beach
Hiking Trail · Vendée
Aubraie Beach
recommended route Difficulty easy
No ratings (yet)
3.3 km
0:49 h
31 m
33 m
The approximately 3.5 km-long loop trail begins at the parking lot at Plage de l’Aubraie, follows the coastline through the Aubraie dunes, and then returns to the starting point via the Chemin de l’Aubraie à la Mer.
Display board
Hiking Trail · Vendée
Les Gravelots
recommended route Difficulty T1 easy
No ratings (yet)
5.1 km
1:15 h
13 m
14 m
The Les Gravelots Loop Trail is an approximately 5-kilometer-long, very easy hike that is marked throughout with a bird symbol. The trail winds through dunes, a pine forest, and along the coast of Olonne-sur-Mer.
Pointe de Cayola
Hiking Trail · Vendée
Walk to Pointe de Cayola
recommended route Difficulty T1 easy
No ratings (yet)
2 km
0:30 h
19 m
19 m
The approximately 2.3 km loop begins at the Bois Saint-Jean parking lot, leads through the Bois Saint-Jean to the coast, continues to the left to the Pointe de Cayola, and returns from there through the forest.
circuits-saintreverend (2)
Hiking Trail · Pays de Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
VILLAGE TOUR No. 32
recommended route Difficulty T1 easy
1
5.9 km
1:30 h
22 m
22 m
A trail with many shaded wooded areas, ideal for listening to and observing nature, having a picnic, or simply relaxing.
Paracou Beach
Hiking Trail · Vendée
Paracou Beach
recommended route Difficulty easy
No ratings (yet)
4.6 km
1:08 h
35 m
35 m
The 5-kilometer loop trail leads from the parking lot at Plage de la Paracou along the coast and through the dune landscape surrounding Plage de la Paracou.
lachaizegiraud-circuits9et10 (2)
Hiking Trail · Pays de Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
DISCOVERY ROUTE OF LA CHAIZE-GIRAUD N°10
recommended route Difficulty T1 easy
5
4.6 km
1:30 h
57 m
58 m
Interpretation trail of La Chaize Giraud, a discovery trail of its historical and natural heritage, using educational panels installed along the route.
sainthilairederiez-route29
Hiking Trail · Pays de Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
LES HAUTS PEYS WALK NO. 29
recommended route Difficulty moderate
5
2.2 km
1:45 h
35 m
35 m
A walk in the Monts forest, on a hilly route in the heart of the state forest. Trail in the sand, requiring good physical condition.
La Chaume
Hiking Trail · Vendée
Au Coeur de la Chaume
recommended route Difficulty T1 easy
No ratings (yet)
4.3 km
1:05 h
23 m
23 m
The loop tour through La Chaume begins at the Tour Arundel on Place Anselme Maraud, continues along the Grande Jetée to the Prieuré Saint-Nicolas, then on to the Phare de l’Armandèche, and ends back at the starting point via the old streets, passing the church and the Logis Servanteau.
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Forecast for Vendée

10-day forecast

Hiking in the Vendée, between land and sea

Located on the Atlantic coast, the Vendée department enjoys an oceanic climate and is one of the sunniest in France. With hours of sunshine similar to those in Gironde or Pyrénées-Orientales, the Vendée coast has earned the nickname "côte de lumière" ("coast of light").

The islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier are blessed with plenty of sunshine, making them ideal for bucolic walks and a breath of sea air. Explore the island charm of these two very different but equally charming islands!

Inland, the landscapes of the Vendée bocage are revealed step by step. You can walk up to the Mont des Alouettes, with its valleys and rivers, before exploring the canals of the Marais Poitevin and taking to the forest paths of the largest massif in the Vendée: the Mervent-Vouvant!

Natural Monument · Vendée
Le Marais Poitevin
Vendée
No ratings (yet)

Labellisé Parc naturel régional et Grand Site de France, le Marais Poitevin s'etend de l'Ouest de ...

from Anaïs Douillard,   Outdooractive Editors

Walking the trails of the Vendée

Whether you're a fan of nature, wildlife, history or old stones, the Vendée offers a multitude of walking routes to satisfy your desire for fresh air and discovery.

Follow the red and white markings on the GR®8, a long-distance footpath that runs 221km along the coast, or take one of the more local loops for a great day out! From the sea to the countryside, the Vendée has plenty to explore with your family, friends or partner.

Here are a few suggestions for walking routes in the region. But after all, adventure also means making your own way around the Vendée. So set off on foot along the coastal paths and other bucolic trails!

Where are the major hiking spots in the Vendée?

The Sentier des Douaniers runs along the Vendée coast, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, while the Mervent-Vouvant state forest offers signposted walking routes through varied forest landscapes.

The Marais Poitevin, nicknamed the "Green Venice", offers towpaths and footpaths for a unique immersion in its marshy landscapes, while the Salorges footpath reveals breathtaking panoramas of the Ile d'Yeu.

The Pointe d'Arçay and Pointe d'Arcay nature reserves allow you to explore the wilderness between dunes, forest and beach. Finally, you can also enjoy beautiful walks around Lac du Jaunay to observe the local wildlife.

Let the Vendée tourist offices be your guide

The Vendée is a charming destination with a wealth of attractions to discover!

The region's tourist offices, including those on Ile d'Yeu and Noirmoutier, in Les Sables d'Olonne, Saint-Jean-de-Monts, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and La Tranche-sur-Mer, are on hand to help you enjoy a unique Vendée experience.

Don't hesitate to push open their doors to plan your next excursions in the Vendée!

Reviews

  • 4 d
    Gaby D.-P.
    October 03, 2026
    Wir sind die Wanderung in entgegengesetzter Richtung am 3. Oktober 2026 gegangen. Abwechslungsreiche Rundwanderung am Rand von Les Sables d‘Olonne, davon 50% eher in bebautem Gebiet mit Ferien- und Wohnhäusern (ruhig) und 50% am Stand und durch den Küstenwald. Teilstücke etwas mühsam durch Sand entlang des Strandes. Schöne Blicke auf den Atlantik. Länge eher 11 km.
    ...Show more
    Photo: Gaby D.-P., Community
    Photo: Gaby D.-P., Community
    Photo: Gaby D.-P., Community
    Photo: Gaby D.-P., Community
    Photo: Gaby D.-P., Community
    Photo: Gaby D.-P., Community
    Variety of paths Scenic
    Written October 03, 2026
    Hiking Trail
    Les Phares
  • September 04, 2026
    Emmanuel Duflos
    belle randonnée sans grosses difficultés avec de belles vues sur l'océan .
    ...Show more
    Written September 04, 2026
    Hiking Trail
    COASTAL PATH N°7
  • August 28, 2026
    Dominique
    Très bonne randonnée à faire pour découvrir la Chaize. Parfaite à faire avec des enfants.
    ...Show more
    Written August 28, 2026
  • August 12, 2026
    Gaynor Bradley
    August 12, 2026
    Lovely walk but shame about the very low water in the lake
    ...Show more
    Photo: Gaynor Bradley, Community
    Scenic
    Written August 12, 2026
  • August 08, 2026
    Anne
    Agréable sauf la partie le long de la route. Nous avons pu observer ragondin, héron, aigrettes et bien d' autres oiseaux...
    ...Show more
    Written August 08, 2026
  • August 08, 2026
    Anne
    sentiers bien indiqués. Nous avons prolongé notre randonnée pour voir le dolmen. Un petit regret : le château n'était pas accessible à cause de la fête médiévale en préparation.
    ...Show more
    Written August 08, 2026
  • August 08, 2026
    Anne
    Parcours agréable et paysages variés. Nous regrettons que la pierre levée ne soit pas indiquée.
    ...Show more
    Written August 08, 2026
  • August 02, 2026
    Peter Hammett 
    August 02, 2026
    Agréable balade facile pour découvrir le coin
    ...Show more
    Written August 02, 2026
  • April 27, 2026
    Gerry Ashton
    I followed the signposted Sentier de la Foret rather than the route shown. Looking at the map the author did a lot on the road missing some interesting paths. It is a lovely walk if you follow the signs.
    ...Show more
    Written April 27, 2026
  • April 15, 2026
    Christiane
    April 15, 2026
    Très belle randonnée facile de 12 kms entre marais, forêt et sable. Excellent balisage bleu
    ...Show more
    Written April 15, 2026
  • November 08, 2025
    Communauté ZONE85
    October 12, 2025
    Magnifique Randonnée Zone85 avec beaucoup de focus historiques, à ne pas louper....
    ...Show more
    Written November 08, 2025
  • August 04, 2023
    Chris Ram
    September 14, 2018
    Entre Plage et Forêt
    ...Show more
    Written August 04, 2023

Discover other hikes within Vendée

Aizenay Antigny Apremont Aubigny-Les Clouzeaux Auchay-sur-Vendée Avrillé Barbâtre Bazoges-en-Paillers Beaufou Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche Beauvoir-sur-Mer Bellevigny Benet Bessay Bois-de-Céné Bouillé-Courdault Bouin Bourneau Bournezeau Brem-sur-Mer Bretignolles-sur-Mer Challans Chantonnay Chanverrie Chauché Chavagnes-en-Paillers Cheffois Château-Guibert Châteauneuf Commequiers Corpe Coëx Cugand-la-Bernardière Damvix Doix lès Fontaines Dompierre-sur-Yon Essarts en Bocage Falleron Fontenay-le-Comte Fougeré Foussais-Payré Froidfond Givrand Grand'Landes Jard-sur-Mer L'Aiguillon-sur-Vie L'Epine L'Herbergement L'Ile-d'Elle L'Ile-d'Olonne L'Ile-d'Yeu L'Orbrie La Barre-de-Monts La Boissière-de-Montaigu La Boissière-des-Landes La Bretonnière-la-Claye La Bruffière La Caillère-Saint-Hilaire La Chaize-Giraud La Chaize-le-Vicomte La Chapelle-Hermier La Chapelle-Palluau La Châtaigneraie La Copechagnière La Couture La Ferrière La Garnache La Gaubretière La Guérinière La Génétouze La Meilleraie-Tillay La Rabatelière La Roche-sur-Yon La Tranche-sur-Mer Landeronde Landevieille Le Bernard Le Boupère Le Champ-Saint-Père Le Fenouiller Le Givre Le Langon Le Mazeau Le Perrier Le Poiré-sur-Vie Le Tablier Les Achards Les Brouzils Les Epesses Les Herbiers Les Landes-Genusson Les Lucs-sur-Boulogne Les Magnils-Reigniers Les Pineaux Les Sables-d'Olonne Les Velluire-sur-Vendée Liez Longeville-sur-Mer Luçon L’Aiguillon-la-Presqu’île Maché Maillezais Maillé Mallièvre Mareuil-sur-Lay-Dissais Martinet Mervent Monsireigne Montaigu-Vendée Montreuil Montréverd Mortagne-sur-Sèvre Mouchamps Mouilleron-Saint-Germain Mouilleron-le-Captif Moutiers-les-Mauxfaits Nalliers Nesmy Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile Notre-Dame-de-Monts Notre-Dame-de-Riez Pissotte Pouzauges Puy-de-Serre Péault Rives de l’Yon Rives-du-Fougerais Rives-d’Autise Rocheservière Rochetrejoux Rosnay Saint-André-Goule-d'Oie Saint-Aubin-des-Ormeaux Saint-Benoist-sur-Mer Saint-Christophe-du-Ligneron Saint-Cyr-en-Talmondais Saint-Denis-la-Chevasse Saint-Etienne-du-Bois Saint-Fulgent Saint-Georges-de-Pointindoux Saint-Gervais Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez Saint-Hilaire-de-Voust Saint-Hilaire-des-Loges Saint-Hilaire-la-Forêt Saint-Hilaire-le-Vouhis Saint-Jean-de-Monts Saint-Jean-d’Hermine Saint-Julien-des-Landes Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salle Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre Saint-Malô-du-Bois Saint-Mars-la-Réorthe Saint-Martin-des-Noyers Saint-Mathurin Saint-Michel-le-Cloucq Saint-Paul-Mont-Penit Saint-Paul-en-Pareds Saint-Philbert-de-Bouaine Saint-Pierre-du-Chemin Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux Saint-Révérend Saint-Sigismond Saint-Urbain Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard Sainte-Cécile Sainte-Flaive-des-Loups Sainte-Florence (Vendée) Sainte-Gemme-la-Plaine Sainte-Pexine Sainte-Radégonde-des-Noyers Sallertaine Soullans Sèvremont Sérigné Talmont-Saint-Hilaire Terval Tiffauges Treize-Septiers Treize-Vents Vairé Venansault Vix Vouvant Xanton-Chassenon

Similar activities in Vendée

Localization

Parts of this content were machine translated from French.
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