Vendée, an ideal destination for hiking
The most beautiful hiking trails in Vendée
The coastline and its great loops
The Vendée coastline is without a doubt one of the most stunning playgrounds for hiking lovers. No guide to hiking in Vendée would be complete without mentioning the GR8, a 221-kilometer coastal route stretching from Beauvoir-sur-Mer to L’Île-d’Olonne. Accessible for all levels, this trail leads you along wild beaches, dramatic cliffs, and iconic seaside resorts such as Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Saint-Jean-de-Monts, and Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. At every turn, the spectacle of the waves and the Vendée coastline accompanies your steps. It’s the perfect trail to combine hiking with a discovery of the region’s maritime heritage.
The Vendée bocage: authenticity and tranquility
If you prefer peace and greenery, head inland to the Vendée bocage. Here, small trails wind through forests, rivers, and picturesque villages. Towns like Pouzauges, Les Herbiers, or Vouvant—listed among the most beautiful villages in France—offer enchanting circuits. Perfect for a day hike or a shorter family loop, this part of Vendée immerses you in authentic rural heritage, far from the bustle of the coast.
Marshes and nature reserves: a wild escape
Bird lovers and seekers of unique landscapes will be enchanted by Vendée’s marshes. The Marais Poitevin, the Île-d’Olonne nature reserve, and the Breton Vendée marsh all await discovery. These trails, rich in fauna and flora, provide a one-of-a-kind experience: walking through a preserved environment where observation and wonder take center stage.
Circuits for every level
Vendée offers a wide variety of hiking trails adapted to all preferences:
- Short loops of 2 to 5 km: perfect for a family walk or a relaxed outing.
- Routes of 10 to 20 km: ideal for a full day of hiking.
- Long-distance routes such as the GR8: for hikers seeking multi-day adventures and a chance to fully explore Vendée’s landscapes.
And no need to worry about losing your way—these trails are clearly marked, with maps available online and at local tourist offices.
Practical tips for hiking in Vendée
Before setting out on your adventure, remember to:
- Choose your itinerary according to your desires: coast, bocage, or marshes—each landscape tells a different story.
- Check with tourist offices: they often provide thematic circuits (nature, heritage, gastronomy) that add an extra dimension to your hike.
- Pack smartly: bring water, good walking shoes, and equipment suited to the type of trail.
- Respect the environment: stay on the marked paths and enjoy nature without disturbing it.
- And of course, don’t forget your camera to capture your best moments.
Hiking: another way to discover Vendée
Through shaded forests, rolling bocage, or spectacular coastline, hiking offers the chance to discover an authentic and rejuvenating side of Vendée. Every step is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy a land of diverse and inspiring landscapes.
And after a fulfilling day on the trails, there’s nothing like unwinding with a well-deserved rest facing the Atlantic. At Hôtellerie Les Brisants, we welcome you to a privileged setting where you can relax to the soothing sound of the waves. Our gastronomic restaurant invites you to savor refined cuisine crafted from local products, all enhanced by breathtaking ocean views.
The next morning, extend this well-being experience with a buffet breakfast featuring homemade breads, our famous gâche vendéenne, pastries, and seasonal jams—perfect to recharge before setting out on new hiking adventures.
.png)
