Sports and leisure activities Vendée

On the beach of Notre-Dame de Monts. Here, we offer you the following activities: sand yacht, catamaran, and since 2020 surfing - initiation, training courses, improvement. You can also take part in nautical regattas. Other activities on offer: stand-up puddle, coastal longe, sea kayaking, towed buoy (from 15/06 to 30/08), canoe trips in the Breton marshes. The sand yachting activity is adapted to disabled people with the supervision of a competent staff.

Mathieu Mercier welcomes 6 months of the year on the beach of Sauveterre, Olonne-sur-Mer, for surf/bodyboard lessons in homogeneous groups allowing an initiation and a fast improvement with the element, ensuring a secure approach of the marine environment. Equipment adapted to the size and level of each person is provided. This beach offers waves suitable for this practice, the sandy bottom allows to evolve safely. Since 2020, a foil school in Les Sables-d'Olonne, called Ohana Foil, to fly over the waves and practice foiling!

Discover Lac du Jaunay by the water, at La Baudrière, Saint-Julien-des-Landes, as well as at Le Pré and La Chapelle-Hermier, thanks to the recreational areas set up on the shores of Lac du Jaunay. You can rent canoes, kayaks and pedal boats for an unusual trip to discover the attractive shores of Jaunay. Canoes-kayaks and pedal boats for hire: information at the Le Pin Parasol campsite in La Chapelle Hermier (tel.) 02 51 34 64 72. Picnic areas are available for a day's snack on this magnificent site.

This equestrian farm offers an hour-long walk for families and individual families, as well as for school holidays. You leave with a monitor in walking, and depending on your level, it will evaluate the type of promenade. On site, a step-by-step cottage welcomes the cavaliers.

O'Abandonado offers sea outings aboard an old 1916 coaster for 18 passengers. Two-hour daytime and sunset cruises. Sea class, group and seminar outings are also organized. Every Sunday in July and August, take part in our day trips to the Ile du Pilier, a unique site where you can discover its history and monuments. Boat rental available for groups.

Crowned "Top club" in 2020 and 2021 by the French Sailing Federation, the Fort Saint-Pierre Nautical Center offers various formulas for learning to sail or improving your sailing skills in a superb setting and under ideal conditions. Weekly courses: sea garden (4-6 years), Optimist, dinghy, windsurfing, catamaran... Private lessons (all types of boats including wingfoil), family outings in a collective sailboat, multi-activity courses for teenagers, paddle outings, etc.

At the entrance of Barbâtre at the roundabout next to the tourist office, this small leisure park created in the 80s can be a nice recreation for children. The activities: mini-karts circuit, little train, bumper boats, inflatable games, trampolines, outdoor bowling, table tennis, games room, and especially a mini-golf 18 holes based on the marine theme. Several games are accessible from the age of 2. On site, a fast food service, ice creams, drinks.

This equestrian centre, located in the heart of the marshes, offers horse and pony riding lessons and rides, from beginners to advanced riders. The horse or pony lessons take place in the arena, and depending on the level, can take place in the forest, the marshes... Reserved for experienced riders, 2-hour rides on the beach are organized (according to tide schedules). For children, lessons, initiation and rides are done on ponies. Pony rides of 30 min (ponies held in hand by the parents).

Located in the north of the town, a quiet and shady site that sportsmen choose for their jogging that they will finish by a passage through the health course. With its two freshwater fishing ponds, it is also a paradise for fishermen and walkers who come to take possession of the picnic tables for a little bucolic break while the children have fun on the playground. Mountain bikers also appreciate the place which offers cycle tracks. The site also has a petanque court and a beach volleyball court.

From Givrand, canoe, kayak, paddle or pedal boat rides. Navigation is on the Jaunay river, a calm river, accessible to all. You will admire the Vendée landscapes in a Natura 2000 protected area. After crossing the marshes and the forest, you will follow the dunes and arrive at the heart of the seaside resort. Make a stopover in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and discover its fishing and yachting port, its beaches and numerous activities. Night tours by reservation organized in July and August.

Come and have fun on an indoor electric karting circuit installed in a 4,500^m2 complex. An asphalt track of 350 m on which 12 electric karts can evolve at the same time. The karts are designed and developed with a specific technology of their own. Sessions of 10 minutes for adults or children. If you are more of a spectator, you can enjoy the bar-terrace area with a panoramic view of the large car-bike track, or sit in the 80 m² box overlooking the karting hall. Room for events with a capacity of 250 people.

This equestrian centre offers the opportunity to discover horse riding. Qualified instructors, thanks to an adapted pedagogy, welcome beginners and experienced riders. Discover the different disciplines of horse riding for amateurs or in competition. Private lessons for all levels, horse lessons for teenagers and adults, pony and double pony lessons for the youngest, baby pony activity from 4 years old and equi-handi. Also horse boarding, they take care of the work of the horses and ponies.

On Veillon beach, we offer surfing lessons for beginners and more experienced surfers. Private or group lessons, 3 to 5-day courses and a "first waves" course for 6-10 year olds to discover the first sensations of surfing in a fun and safe way. Equipment adapted to your level and morphology, provided. The Veillon spot is a beach break: the waves break over the sand. For beginners, learning about the currents, the dangers of the sea, the waves, how to glide on your stomach, how to row, how to straighten up...

This surf school is in the Phare area. The beach of Corps de Garde in La Tranche has been selected by Antoine because it allows a safe learning of surfing! The school welcomes children from 8 years old, through group lessons. On the other hand, the lessons are open from 6 years old, with an awareness of the marine environment first, before discovering the waves, their functioning and learning the techniques by alternating between the beach and the waves. Equipment rental and repair are also available.

This school has 2 sites: Plage de la Mine in Jard and Plage du Veillon in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire. Surfing lessons for beginners and more experienced surfers. Ideal waves for beginners or advanced surfers. Individual or group lessons from 10 years old. For beginners, learning to acquire fundamental knowledge: currents and dangers, waves, moving with your board, sliding flat on your stomach, learning to paddle, straightening, gliding, taking direction, safety rules. Surf and bodyboard rental by the hour, half day or day.

La Pinède de Barbâtre is a wonderful playground for nature lovers who want to breathe a good bowl of calm air, breathing in the sweet scents of maritime pines. Ideas for walks and bike rides are available. The walking tour is 8 to 10 km round trip (about 3 hours). From the tip of the Fosse to the southern tip of the island, the path, with its gentle relief, is perfectly marked and well protected from the wind. It takes barely 5 kilometres to reach Barbâtre. You can return by the pine forest, by the fire path that runs along the houses and undulates along the edge or you can prefer to walk sheltered by the dike on the bay side to discover a completely different facet of the island of Noirmoutier. Another alternative to discover this pine forest in depth is cycling, for a hike "between Gois and forest". The trail is 23.3 km long (about 2.5 hours). On the island, several bicycle rental companies offer different ranges, including electric bicycles such as the L'Île à Vélo 12 rue du Boucaud in Noirmoutier-en-l'île

Several water activities: jet-ski, towed buoy, gyropod. For the scooter, initiation from 16 years old. Rental with or without a licence, with briefing and supervision. 3-seater jet-skis for more stability and comfort. Holders of a coastal licence can rent a jet-ski with a 110CV or 180CV licence. Just as fun, the towed buoy (capacity 6 people), ideal to practice with friends or for a bachelor party. You can leave the water for dry land by renting a gyropod! It requires a bit of stability, but you'll soon get the hang of it!

Discover the Treasures of the Havre du Payré in freedom or guided hike. Alone, with your family, with friends, on a guided tour or for rent. Rental for 1 or 2 hours, single or double kayak, and paddle. 1h30 initiation to stand-up paddle with a qualified instructor and to waveski surfing, a board between kayak and surf, supervised by world champions Océane and Virgile. A 2-hour kayak trip along the "white gold route" starting from the Veillon beach and continuing along the estuary to La Guittière for an oyster tasting.

A few steps from the center of the prefecture, in the Bourg-sous-La-Roche district, Axe Yon offers you to play war in the heart of the Yonnais country... But don't worry, no chemical or other weapons, just paintballs that stain! The game is played outdoors, on 3 landscaped fields (forest, urban and speedball). Event" formulas are available: bachelor parties, birthdays... A leisure activity that is very popular and not only reserved for men. Other course in La Faute-sur-Mer.

Fishing enthusiast, embark with Sandy Potier, a passionate fisherman sailor, on board the Amiral des Côtes, an 11 m boat that can accommodate up to 12 passengers, for 5 hours of sea fishing in the Bay of Bourgneuf. Off the island of Noirmoutier, you will enjoy the boat ride while fishing. In your nets, a conger e.g. caught during a sporting fight as this fish fights, but also horse mackerel and other fish from our coasts. A convivial outing.

Anse Rouge beach is located in the northeast of the island. It's a small cove facing east, with the well-known Plage des Dames to its right. The best way to discover Anse Rouge beach is by bike. Take the allée des Soupirs from avenue du Maréchal-Joffre. A few steps lead up to this cove. This is undoubtedly one of the most unspoilt coves on the island. The beach at Anse-Rouge is dominated by the lighthouse-like Tour Plantier (privately owned), offering a truly picture-postcard landscape.

In this school located on the Grande Plage of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, we offer surf and bodyboard lessons (group or individual) from 5 years old as well as equipment rental. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, you will follow the lessons of Sylvain, a passionate surfer who has also competed nationally and internationally. Friendly atmosphere and friendly advice are the order of the day. The large beach of Saint-Gilles is really the place to learn how to surf gently for beginners.

This school, located at the foot of the Huttopia campsite, offers introductory surfskiing trips and hikes departing from the Sableaux beach. Basically, surfskiing is a "rescue" board sport that originated in Australia. As a family or with friends, book your 2-hour "Discovery of the Bois de la Chaise beaches" tour with an instructor (equipment supplied, maximum 7, for children aged 10 and over). From April to October, the school travels around the island and its surroundings, changing location according to weather conditions.

With over 11,000 jumps to his credit, you can put your trust in this professional. If you have any last-minute fears, the whole team will reassure you: they're tandem jump specialists in the Vendée. Before the jump, you'll have a briefing to explain how the jump will work, from getting into the plane, the position to adopt in the plane and once in the air, to the position to adopt for a good landing. At an altitude of 3500 m, it's time for the jump: a fall of around 35 seconds at a speed of 200 km/h.

The ^11th edition of the Noirmoutier Island Triathlon will take place on June¹ and 2, in the communes of L'Épine, La Guérinière and Noirmoutier-en-l'île. Four event formats will take place. The queen event, with a total of 51.5 km: 1.5 km dе nаtаtіоn, 40 km dе vélо еt 10 km dе соursе à pіеd. Other courses the XS triathlon (10.5 km): 250 m dе nаtаtіоn, 8 km dе vélо еt 2 km dе cоursе to pіеd. Sprint triathlon 25.75 km; and on Sunday, cross duathlon, for kids (1.5 km еt 6.5 km).

You can reserve a court at the island's municipal tennis club, but here you'll be able to play a trendy sport from South America, Argentina in particular: padel. It's a cross between tennis and squash. It's played by 2 players on a court that's smaller than a tennis court and, above all, surrounded by walls, glass or wire mesh. Players can use the walls to send the ball over the net. Another special feature is that the rackets are made of rubber and have no strings, but are pierced with holes; and the ball is smaller in size.

Take to the skies from the gondola of a hot-air balloon and observe magnificent landscapes. Volabulle offers hot-air balloon flights over the Puy du Fou or the Marais Poitevin. Flights last on average between 45 minutes and 1 hour. The balloon covers a distance of between 10 and 40 km, depending on the wind speed (which must be moderate for the flight to be practicable). Early morning or evening flights are available, so you can watch the sunrise or sunset. The most beautiful images of the Vendée countryside under your feet.

A must-see address tucked away in the heart of the Brem-sur-Mer marshes, La Cabane is a multi-faceted address which, in addition to a bar with food to share, also offers water sports activities. In fact, it's the rental and departure point for paddleboat and kayak excursions. The site is magnificent. You're in a peaceful natural setting. Rent a kayak or paddle and explore a 3.6 km loop in the marshes. You can also rent a giant paddle (for 5 to 10 people).

Are you staying in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and looking for a nature activity? Bring your family or friends and discover the area by canoe, kayak, paddle or pedal boat. You'll navigate the calm, current-free Jaunay River, which is safe and accessible to all. You'll pass through a variety of landscapes, in a Natura 2000 protected area. After passing through marshes and forest, you'll skirt the dunes and arrive at the heart of the seaside resort.
Don't miss the night-time trails: they're magical at sunset!

This Skate Park is one of the Top 10 European Skate Parks! Built 500 m from the sea, it is in the heart of a new 8-hectare park with games for children and a petanque court. Leisure activities for all ages: while daddy is playing petanque, the children will be skating, rollerblading, BMX or scooter riding, as it is open to all these activities. Composed in two parts: a bowl part and the other one a street area, a course inspired by the street, with modules (ramp, stairs...).

Situated on an 80-hectare stretch of water in the heart of the largest forest in the Vendée, this water sports and outdoor leisure center offers a wide range of activities: canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, electric boats, walking boats, archery, mountain biking, orienteering, forest walks and fishing boats. For even more fun, board a giantpaddle for up to 8 adults or 12 children. If you're a fishing enthusiast, you can bring your own equipment and set off in a boat, with or without a motor, to tease the lake's predators and carp.

Friends surfers, you are here at the surfing specialist since many years, to equip you or repair your board, if you want to enjoy the beautiful waves of the beach of Tanchet, surfing spot of Sablais. Here, you will find everything you need for sale and for rent: surfboards, body-boards, neoprene and textile wetsuits, which can also be used for the practice of longe-côte, a very fashionable discipline, much practiced by women. Bahia surf also teaches surfing from 8 years old.

Plage des Souzeaux is located in the northeast of the island of Noirmoutier, not far from Anse Rouge beach. In the pretty Bois de la Chaise district, you'll find small, sheltered coves overlooking the Baie de Bourgneuf. The Souzeaux beach is lined with majestic villas; together with the Anse Rouge beach, characterized by bathing cabins, they are very characteristic of the island. It's a little-known beach because it's not very accessible, but it has an intimate, privileged feel to it. A truly lovely beach.

Do you want to ride all year round or during your stay in the extreme south of the Vendée coast? This equestrian center, open all year round, offers rides and lessons on horseback or in pony, whether you are an experienced rider or a beginner. Different circuits, supervised by a qualified instructor, are proposed: one hour circuit, stroll on the beach, stroll in pony held in hand, accessible to the children from the age of 2 years. There are also 3-hour courses combining theory, practice and rides, for all levels.

Do you know what an autogyro is? It's a flying machine powered by a motor-driven propeller, similar to a helicopter. Departing from Luçon, aboard this gyrocopter, discover the beaches of southern Vendée, from l'Aiguillon-sur-Mer to la Tranche-sur-Mer, via l'île de Ré and La Rochelle. Alone on board with an experienced instructor, you'll even have the chance to take the controls and learn how to fly, as flying lessons are also available. You'll also be able to enjoy the magnificent scenery. A great gift idea, don't you think?

Classified as a Natura 2000 area, the banks of this 42-hectare municipal lake are a natural site ideal for relaxation. A 4.5 km trail offers walkers and joggers a typical landscape in which to admire the flora of the dried marsh and enjoy the water's edge to the full. It's a great place for fishing, with waters rich in carp. Swimming is prohibited, but it's a popular spot for picnics. Bike rentals available in summer.

This multi-sailing school is located on Plage des Dames, right next to La Potinière restaurant, and offers fully independent rental of catamarans, dinghies, sea kayaks, paddles and giant paddles. But if you're not up to speed with these nautical activities, you can also take private, introductory or advanced lessons with state-certified instructors (BPJEPS) in the following disciplines: paddle, catamaran and dinghy. Every Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., there's a supervised kayak trip.

On the beach at La Cantine, this is a veritable institution on the island of Noirmoutier. It welcomes children aged 3 to 15 all summer long! In a family atmosphere, a wide range of activities are on offer: daily games and competitions on trampolines and inflatables, sandcastles, Olympiads... There's also a heated indoor pool for aquagym and swimming lessons. In case of bad weather, a covered area is available.

Have you heard of longe-côte? It's a water walk in which you're immersed in water between your navel and your armpits. A very popular activity with women, this aquatic walk promises many benefits for the body without any trauma to the joints. It can be done at any age and all year round. Equipped with a wetsuit, gloves and booties to keep your extremities warm, you'll walk back and forth in the ocean as a group. Meet at Plage de la Croix Rouge, Barbâtre (maximum 20 people).

Rent a boat and book a skipper, or if you have a boating license, rent without a skipper. For up to 12 passengers. A two-hour outing with three different itineraries: half-day, full-day or customized: the Boisé itinerary, the Grand Large itinerary or the Évasion itinerary, which offers a full-day outing to discover the Anse de la Madeleine, the Vieil and Mardi-Gras beaches, the Bois de la Chaise, its pretty coves and mythical beach cabins. Enjoy lunch in the shelter of the Ile du Pilier, before continuing your discovery of the island with the magnificent Luzéronde beach, the Pointe du Devin, the Port du Morin, the beaches of l'Épine and la Guérinière, their windmills and the Bois des Éloux. Fifth suggestion: an outing with aperitif (or even dinner) at sunset!

If you're interested in scuba diving, this facility offers several types of activities. You can start with a snorkeling tour. Equipment is provided on site. You'll see many species of fish, shellfish and crustaceans. For the first dive, you'll take a boat out to Pilier Island. You'll dive with an instructor for around 20 minutes in the water, at a depth of up to 6 m. We also offer the Discovery package. This course includes an introduction to diving in the sea and two dives to learn the basics of equipment, underwater movement and personal diving safety.

Sila Yoga offers a variety of classes and workshops for all levels and ages. The team of certified teachers is passionate and dedicated to passing on the love of yoga. Classes are held in a zen-like atmosphere and you can practice outdoors, near the sea in Longeville-sur-Mer, La Tranche-sur-Mer or La Roche-sur-Yon. In addition to regular classes, the school also offers yoga retreats in Vendée, led by Maud Chevallier, a certified Yoga Alliance teacher.

Saint-André-Goule-d'Oie offers guitar lessons given by Stéphane Ramin. Lessons are individual and last 30 minutes. It is also possible to enroll during the year, subject to availability.

A great way to discover the island's coastline is by kayak (up to 4 people) on a guided tour. Discover the creeks, the estacade and the old villas of Bois de la Chaize. Self-bailing kayaks are ideal for comfortable paddling. Another activity you can enjoy thanks to Noirmoutier Évasion is paddleboarding, an activity open to all. The "Mission Aventure" activity is an original escape game, but with a nature version, a real adventure and treasure hunt that takes place 100% outdoors, through interactive investigations totally inspired by the island's history.