La Cité des Oiseaux - TOP CHOICE

Don't miss this incredible nature reserve located on one of the largest North-South migratory routes for birds, making it a major ornithological center. The Cité des Oiseaux (bird city) is one of the largest wetlands in the heart of the Vendee, (temporary) home to species such as the pochard and tufted scaup, great crested grebes, little grebes, whistling ducks, mallards, grey herons etc.

The park of some 56 hectares features two enormous ponds. There are around 3000 birds every day, some 210 species! Amateur and professional photographers, avid birders, nature lovers, and families can observe species from the observatory, the belvedere or simply by walking the trails of this amazing natural site.

So, wear your walking shoes and appropriate clothing (sunscreen), and don't for get your camera and binoculars!

Open – 09/04/2022 to 07/11/20222
Info & tarifs – here
Reduced mobility access – yes
Dogs – no
Picnic tables – yes
Tip – Family activities with treasure hunts, special adventures, and workshops for the children
Address –La Cité des Oiseaux, 14, the Butchers 85130 Les Landes-Genusson
GPS coordinates – 46.9623624468898, -1.141843935534716
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Ecomuseum le Daviaud

Le Daviaud is foremost a gateway for the marshes. You will go through its different facet, its functioning, its roots and the history of those who live here…

A TOTAL IMMERSION IN THE VERY HEART OF THE VENDEE BRETON MARSHES

The wonders of this area will amaze you. Fauna and flora compose a colorful blend that give to the landscape a singular and unique character

Le Daviaud offers English-speaking visitors audio guides in English.

Open – 19/05/2022 to 07/11/2022
Info & tarifs – here

Disabilities – all paths and buildings are accessible to people with mobility issues. Wheelchairs and folding chairs available. Guide or service dogs are allowed throughout the site. Both audio, and sensory touch. Sign language coming soon.
Dogs – no
Picnic tables or catering on-site – yes
Duration of the visit – min. 2 hours to a day
Address –Le Daviaud, 85550 La Barre-de-Monts
GPS coordinates – 46.879030518121446, -2.10530208534945
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Mervent-Vouvant Forest

A consistent surprise to tourists seems to be the fact that the Vendée is not flat! We have spoken to people who'd strapped their bike to the car, hopeful for leisurely trails on flat terrain and were bitterly disappointed. Hiking and mountain biking are a top activity in the glowing countryside and those among you who favor the activity, or hiking or backpacking, will be in their element here. Trails are dotted around the Vendée, with many to be found in the Forest of Mervent-Vouvant. The Vendée's largest forest offers an array of activities, but the most popular among locals are probably hiking and mountain biking.

Year-round, the forest is a peaceful haven, a protected nature reserve that shines its enchanted spirit everywhere you cast your eyes.

From naked trees in the winter, to their chartreuse awakening, from the birth of wildflowers in spring, to welcome shade in the summer heat, and a breathtaking pallet of fall colors

Trails narrow, wide and steep range from easy to difficult, reaching heights of nearly 300 meters or approx. 1000 feet! Welcome to the Vendée! More information here.

Open – all year round
TIP: Wear good shoes and take water! Be aware that not all trails make a loop so please research before departure.
Link to hiking and mountain biking trails – in the forest (from easy to hard)
Dogs – yes
Address – 85200 Mervent
Popular walk (easy) – Le Petit Maillezais 5km around the lake, a walk of approximately 1h45m
Picnic areas – there are 63+ picnic aread in and around the forest. Here is a list
Images – by inthevendee.com except intro image courtesy of Vendée Expansion/ Julien Gazeau

Marais Poitevin Guided Walk

A sensory and informative walking tour for children and parents!

A guide takes you and your family on a 3.5 km walking tour discussing animals, plants and the history of the beautiful Marais Poitevin whose canals were developed from the ocean by monks many centuries ago.

Equip your family with the necessary things for a walk through the swamps.

It is advised to wear closed shoes, weather appropriate clothing, to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, water and some snacks.

This tour will probably be in French but please don't let that stop you!

Open – all year round
Tip – bring your camera 
Cost – 5.50 €/adults and 7€/child
Reduced mobility access - not on the swamp paths (difficult) please call them as they may be able to make arrangements. The facilities petting zoo are wheelchair accessible as are the facilities
Dogs – no

Picnic or onsite catering – there is a bar and some tables outside

Réserve Biologique du Vendée

This biological reserve developed by the Department of Vendée is a man-made ecological reserve that leads you through life in the Marais Poitevin in the XIXth century.

Located in the northern part of the Poitevin marsh, it is one of the last examples of wooded wet marshes in the area. In order to ensure the status of a reserved natural space, the Department has divided the space into two parts, each with a specific vocation.

The first with a scientific vocation, refuge for many species, and the second with an educational landscape, aesthetic and historical vocation where the sectors formerly maintained without clearing them are valued. 

This natural habitat offers 146 hectares of exceptional richness, 3 areas to discover flora including 319 plant species, and fauna including otters, wild boar, deer, species of bugs including beautiful butterflies and moth... all along more than 4km of walking trails that are also wheelchair friendly.

Highly recommended for the whole family, all generations! Free access! 

Open – Open from April to 7 November. Schedule. 
Family activities – picnic tables, treasure hunt and more!
School holidays – many special events throughout the summer such as nature walks, guided tours and workshops
Reduced mobility access – yes
Dogs – no
Picnic tables – yes 
Address – Departmental Biological Reserve, Les huttes 85370 Nalliers
GPS coordinates – N46 ° 26’34.81 ” /O 01 ° 01’19.34 ”
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Adult groups – by reservation on 02 51 97 69 80
Images – by pixabay

Les Salines - TOP CHOICE

Discover the heart of the marsh d’Olonne and all of its natural treasures.

Boat rides take you to the Jardin des Salines where the salt workers mine their 'white gold' from the sea. 

On your journey, touch the secret routes the smugglers used to use (many centuries ago salt was a precious commodity), learn about the centuries old trade of salt, meet the salt workers, become an apprentice (harvest your own salt) and so much more.

The Salt Adventure Park also offers a unique look at the fishermen's huts of bygone years and secrets of the trade, bird life, fun and games, all in a natural setting.

Children receive the “Petit Saunier” diploma after learning to harvest. You can also rent canoes and paddle boards.

Yet another adventure park in a natural setting where learning while having fun is central to the experience.

Open – from April to the end of June and from September 1st to the end of the All Saints holidays. See website for details

Info & tarifs – here
Reservations – 02 51 21 01 19 or online in season
Duration of visit – depends on your adventure package. Min. 2 hours
Reduced mobility access – yes, but call 02 51 21 01 19 (e.g. electric wheelchairs cannot go on the boats, regular wheelchair, 1 per boat)
Dogs – yes, on a leash
Picnic tables or catering on-site – no
Address – Route de l'Aubraie, 85100 LES SABLES D'OLONNE
GPS coordinates – 46.51618176014869, -1.8049830021322286
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Adult groups – by reservation on 02 51 97 69 80

Yon River Valley - TOP CHOICE

The valley of the Yon River is located in a natural area in the heart of the Vendée. Legends and hiking trails combine to create a valley of magic, where not only flora and fauna abound, but also heritage.

Where the River Yon flows south through the town of Nesmy, you will find the restored Moulin de Rambourg, a water mill from the first half of the 20th century. The landscape evokes bygone eras of prosperity using natural resources and French patrimony reigns delightfully surrounded by river and forest.

The water mill is open to visitors in summer (guided tours cost about 3 euros), and is free during Journées du Patrimoine de Pays and Journées Européennes du Patrimoine.

Hiking trails crisscross the valley, but the Chaos de Piquet where the river has carved its way into the granite rocks is one of the most wildly picturesque and romantic walks you and your loved one can take in the Vendée. At Petit Rochereau on the hillside, you can expect breathtaking views.

At the village of Rives de l'Yon, the river offers a natural spectacle. Carved into the granite rocks of the Vallée de Piquet is the famous formation of Marmites de Gargantua, a chaos of large smoothed rocks that from a distance look like a herd of hippos making their way downstream! Piquet's bar/cafe is nearby for refreshment.

The deepest parts of this magical valley inspired the stories of French Renaissance writer François Rabelais (d.1553)

Also in the heart of the Yon Valley is the Maison des libellules, a sprawling two-hectare habitat where dragonflies can be observed in their natural habitat. There is also a museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Info & tarifs – free
Duration of visit – depends on your hiking skills. Min. 2 hours
Reduced mobility access – difficult but some walking paths offer the less mobile people ways to enjoy the scenery.
Dogs – yes, on a leash
Picnic tables – yes
Restaurant – yes, a wonderful spot: La Guinguette de Piquet TOP TIP: WEEKLY SUMMER CONCERTS
Address –  La Guinguette de Piquet / lieu dit Piquet, 85310 Le Tablier
GPS coordinates – 46.51618176014869, -1.8049830021322286
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