MUST SEEs AND DOs
IN SAINT-JEAN-DE-MONTS

The Vendée in all its glory! Eating ice cream with your toes in the warm sand, refreshing dips, splashing around in the sea and fishing for shellfish — what better way to enjoy your holiday in Saint Jean de Monts? The most famous seaside resort in Vendée has a sandy beach that’s almost 15 km-long!

There are the big family-orientated beaches like the Plage des Demoiselles, the Plage des Oiseaux and Plage de la Baigneuse, but also smaller, untouched beaches including Davière, Parée du Jonc and Tonnelles.

On the programme: swimming (lifeguards in summer), sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, sand yachting… The Saint-Jean-de-Monts water sports centre will help you get started! And when the tides are high, pop on your wellies and waxed jacket and go fishing on the foreshore! La Davière and Les Tonnelles beaches are famous for their clams. And don’t forget to visit the town centre, with its pier and wide shop-lined streets. The Saint-Jean de Monts golf course means you can hit the links while enjoying a view of the Atlantic Ocean.

This is THE must-see promenade in St Jean de Monts! The Esplanade de la Mer is popular with locals and tourists who love seaside life. The perfect place for a 2 km-ish beachside stroll while you enjoy the breeze and breathe in the fresh sea air!

Along the way, opposite the Palais des Congrès, you’ll find the incredible sculpture of three seabirds resting on the embankment of Saint-Jean-de-Monts, by twin artists Jan and Joël Martel. A little further on, there’s “La Baigneuse”, a work by Challand sculptor Henry Murail. And as you reach the end, you’ll arrive at Estacade de Saint Jean de Monts, the resort’s architectural landmark.

It’s impossible to spend a camping holiday in Saint Jean de Monts without taking a stroll along the Estacade. This 400 m-long wooden pier is an iconic St Jean de Monts attraction.

A meeting point popular with walkers and anglers who’ll happily explain why they love spending time here.

The water quality and surrounding beauty make this part of the Vendée coastline so special… Take advantage of the Vendée sunshine to try your hand at all kinds of water activities at Saint-Jean-de-Monts. Among the many water sports available in the Vendée, why not perfect your windsurfing, sea kayaking or surfing skills? There are plenty of seaside water sports clubs that can kit you out. You’ll also get professional advice to help you improve your skills in complete safety.

During your seaside holiday, make the most of Saint-Jean-de-Monts’ large beaches for a refreshing swim or even go sand yachting – a favourite beach activity in the Vendée.

Get up close to nature while you’re in Saint Jean de Monts with a trip to the Pays de Monts forest. Covering 750 ha, this Saint Jean de Monts pine forest is perfect for outings with the family.

On foot, by bike, on horseback or an all-terrain electric scooter, head along the “Sentier de la Grainette”, a 7 km discovery trail that winds through maritime pines and holm oaks.

If you’re planning a family holiday in Saint-Jean-de-Monts, then you’ll love the numerous theme parks! Whether you prefer water parks like the Atlantic Toboggan, large play areas such as “La tête à l’envers” or fancy treetop walking, you’ll find something for all ages and tastes!

Because yes… A holiday in Saint Jean de Monts also means a forest where you can show off your acrobatic skills! In the heart of the Monts forest, Explora Parc has tree-walking courses for anyone over 3. You’ll find giant zip-lines, nets stretched between the trees, perched huts, as well as laser tag, archery tag, archery and virtual reality games. A leisure park that will thrill the whole family!

As for sea lovers, why not hop on a catamaran for an unforgettable trip to the island of Yeu? Staying on the water, you can also go kayaking along the “salt route” in the Breton Marsh. “

For some visitors, golf and holidays go hand in hand. Head to the Saint Jean de Monts golf course. Set between the sea and a forest, this 18-hole course is considered to be one of the finest on the Atlantic coast. Plus it has a splendid view of the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier. A real treat for the eyes and your game!

Saint-Jean-de-Monts has been holding horse races since 1904. For over a hundred years, horse racing has been drawing in the crowds. Every summer, the Hippodrome de l’Atlantique hosts five races, with special entertainment on each day.

If horses are your thing, don’t miss Caval’Océane, one of the biggest equestrian events in the Pays de la Loire (held every September). The programme includes a show jumping competition on the beach at Saint Jean de Monts, equestrian shows, horse and carriage rides and pony rides for children.