A major seaside resort on the Atlantic coast, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez is a great base for exploring the Corniche Vendéenne. You can hike or bike through the salt marshes, enjoy the beaches or discover the coastline via the GR8 trails. Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez also offers all the advantages of a dynamic, well-connected town with a wide range of services. So, what's there to do in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez? Petit Futé takes you on a tour of the must-sees.
1- Enjoy the beaches of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
It's impossible to visit the Vendée without taking advantage of its many beaches! On the Corniche Vendéenne, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez is no exception. In the surrounding area, you'll have no trouble finding beaches for swimming and sunbathing (with sun cream, of course!). Don't hesitate to stop off at Plage de la Parée Préneau, a pretty beach bordered by cliffs in a wild, unspoilt setting. It's a quieter spot and will keep you away from the crowds.
Read the article to discover the most beautiful beaches in Vendée!
2- Walk the GR8
Not far from Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez runs the GR8, a hiking trail linking Saint-Brévin-les-Pins to Sare in the Pyréennées Atlantiques. If you don't feel like an avid hiker, don't hesitate to take a stroll along the paths that run along the coast around Saint-Hilaire. You'll be able to admire the ocean from the cliffs.
The article to read the most beautiful hikes in Vendée.
3- Visit the markets of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
A must for locals and vacationers alike, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez's markets take place every day of the week in summer. The downtown market (fresh produce and seasonal products) takes place all year round on Thursdays and Sundays, and the Sion market (seaside market) takes place every Tuesday and Friday. The Mouettes market (local producers and craftsmen) takes place on Mondays all year round, and every Wednesday and Saturday in summer. A summer night market also takes place on Monday evenings.
4- See the Feu de Grosse Terre
The Feu de Grosse Terre is one of the last large fires built in France. Built in 1972 under the supervision of engineer Bounolleau, it is 17 metres high and stands 25 metres above the sea. It has a range of 33.3 km for the white sector and 25.9 km for the red sector. To discover it and admire the coastline, take the GR8 hiking trail.
5- Discover the Vie salt marshes
A visit to the Marais Salants de la Vie allows you to discover or understand a little more about the work involved in harvesting salt. Guided by a saunier (the "salt picker"), you'll stroll through the salt marsh to discover the traditional gestures used by the harvesters. You'll also be introduced to the flora and fauna specific to salt marshes, as well as an exhibition showing how a salt marsh works.
Read the articleles incontournables de Vendée.
6- Le Trou du Diable
Le Trou du Diable is a sea cave located on the corniche of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. It is also sometimes referred to asthe "Marmite du diable", as the water boils there as if in a cauldron. Among the legends relating to the Trou du Diable, the best known is that of the Pont d'Yeu. It says that the devil kicked his heel at this point on the cliff, in disappointment at having lost a deal with Saint-Martin. Another says the devil was held there, guarded by monks.
7- Visit the church of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
The church of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez is a small Neo-Gothic-style church. With its pointed arches and cross vaults, it's a perfect example of medieval architecture. Don't hesitate to take a look around: you'll see three 17th-century Baroque altarpieces, as well as large paintings by local painter Henry Simon.
8- Admire the coastline from the Arrondeau Belvedere
One of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez's must-sees is the Belvédère Arrondeau, where you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the ocean. Situated on the corniche of Saint-Hilaire, you can observe the Grosse Terre fire on one side, and the Trou du Diable on the other. If you're lucky enough to get there on a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Ile d'Yeu.
The article to read to find out what to do on Yeu Island.
9- The Human Rights Wall
The Human Rights Wall was created in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez in 1998, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The wall features 14 wrought-iron sculptures by Iraqi artist Abbas Bani Hasan. To admire it, head for the area around Saint-Hilaire town hall.
10- Visit the Marais des Vallées
The Marais des Vallées is a major ornithological site and a must for birdwatchers. In fact, around 80% of north-south migration passes through this area. To help visitors learn more, the Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux has created a discovery trail through the marsh.
Read the article to discover the must-sees of the Pays de la Loire.
11- The Musée de la Bourrine du Bois Juquaud
La Bourrine du Bois Juquaud is a traditional Breton-Vendéen marsh habitat, now used as a museum. Set in a protected natural site, the house was built in 1818, and was last inhabited by Armandine Gandemer until 1967. This authentic farmhouse is still fully furnished. Here you can learn all about terracotta construction, crafts and market gardening.
Where to stay in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez?
Here is a Petit Futé selection of the best-rated accommodations available in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez:
- For a top-of-the-range hotel
The Vent d'Eden Park Hôtel is located in a pine forest near the beach. It offers modern, well-equipped rooms, a restaurant and an indoor swimming pool. Information and booking via this link.
- A 4-star family campsite
Domaine des Pins combines hilly camping and furnished apartments in the national forest of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. You'll find chalets and mobile homes, as well as bare pitches. An outdoor swimming pool with paddling pool completes the ensemble. Reservations directly via this link.
- A room with a sea view
The Résidence Catherine is a charming Belle Epoque-style hotel. Here you can stay in ocean-view T2 apartments designed to accommodate four people. To book your stay, click here.
Tempted by a stay in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez? Book your train tickets now to take advantage of the best rates:
