These Atlantic Coast beaches in the Vendée are open for Social Distancing

With its abundance of thriving wildlife, tropical flora, windmills and ancient history, old customs, and outdoor activities, the Atlantic coastline of the Vendée must be one of France's best kept secrets. We miss our temporary residents and visitors terribly and can't wait for you to return, but for now the locals are surely not unhappy to have the endlessly golden Vendée beaches all to themselves for just a little while.

Superb vacationing year-round –  The western border of the Vendée is comprised of more than 200 kilometers (120 miles) of unspoilt coastline with 160 km of golden sandy beaches that are as inviting for summer reading as they are for invigorating winter walks.

In addition, each of the nearby islands supplies its own history and charm. Located in the Bay of Biscay is Noirmoutier, accessible at low tide via the famous Passage du Gois causeway. Île d’Yeu, situated around 32 km (20mi) off the coast and reachable only by ferry. Both islands are equal in beauty and charm as the Greek islands.

Similarly, the beautiful Île de Ré located just south of Vendée in Charante-Maritime, beckons with quaint villages, tiny ports, history, beaches and nature reserves.

We have compiled a handy list of the beaches that have reopened in the Covid-19 de-confinement process.

List of beaches open by prefectoral decree in the Vendée

Noirmoutier-en-l’Île
L’Épine
La Guérinière
Barbâtre
Notre-Dame-de-Monts
La-Barre-de-Monts
Saint-Jean-de-Monts
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Brétignolles-sur-Mer
Les Sables d’Olonne
Talmont-Saint-Hilaire
Jard-sur-Mer
Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard
Longeville-sur-Mer
La Tranche-sur-Mer
La Faute-sur-Mer
L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer
L’Île d’Yeu (32km from coast; reach by ferry or helicopter)

Activities allowed on these beaches

Walking, bathing, foot-fishing and individual sports activities, subject to compliance with health measures and the rules of social distancing contained in the protocol established by the mayor of the municipality, are allowed.

Watersports activities allowed

Nautical and recreational activities practised from the shore e.g. beach craft, unregistered and registered craft and pleasure craft, are authorised.

Opening Hours

The beaches are accessible from sunrise to sunset daily.

Prohibited beach activities

Standing, sitting or lying down on the beach as well as picnicking is not allowed. Compliance with the hygiene measures and social distancing rules contained in the protocols established by the mayors must be guaranteed.

Seasonal rentals

Are open for people up to 100km from holiday accommodations such as B&B, gites, hotels are open but please check with the proprietors. Campings are not yet open. 

Here you can find the decree for the authorisation of de-confinement such as opening of beaches as well as the practice of nautical and pleasure boating activities in the Vendée.

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List of beaches open on L’Île de Ré

If the island is within the allowed distance from your residence, the prefect has authorized the reopening of the following Île de Ré beaches from Friday May 15:
- beaches in the municipalities of d'Ars-en-Ré, La Couarde-sur-Mer, La Rochelle, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, Loix, Rivedoux-Plage, Saint-Martin-de-Ré, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré.
- Plans d'eau lakes in the following communes are also open: La Couarde

Open from May 20th, 2020: reopening of Les-Portes-en-Ré beach and La Flotte!

NOTE: beaches or lakes not indicated are currently prohibited until June 2, 2020.

Museums open to visitors

The musée maritime, musée du nouveau monde, muséum d’histoire naturelles in La Rochelle are open

Activities allowed on these beaches

Walking, bathing, foot-fishing and individual sports activities, subject to compliance with health measures and the rules of social distancing contained in the protocol established by the mayor of the municipality, are allowed.

Watersports activities allowed

Nautical and recreational activities practiced from the shore e.g. beach craft, unregistered and registered craft and pleasure craft, are authorised.

Opening Hours

Are listed by the beach entrances.

Prohibited beach activities

Standing, sitting or lying down on the beach as well as picnicking is not allowed. Compliance with the hygiene measures and social distancing rules contained in the protocols established by the mayors must be guaranteed.

Seasonal rentals
  • Ban on tourist accommodation to receive the public in the coastal municipalities of Charente-Maritime
  • Prohibition of access to coastal paths, dune areas, canals, forests and boat launching wedges on the coast throughout Charente-Maritime.
  • Prohibiting the pedestrian, cyclist and all unauthorized vehicles of all public spaces on the coast: ports, wharves, jetties, boardwalks, embankments and waterfronts;
  • Restriction of opening hours for certain businesses between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • Press release here

Let's work together!

Covid-19 is a scary illness resulting in difficult times ahead for our small business friends. Please do respect the 100km radius distance limit imposed by the French government and do comply with all sanitary and proper social distancing measures.

A lack of respect for these measures put into place locally by the village mayors may mean that the strict confinement rules we've all had to live through in recent months will have been for nothing.

The Vendée boasts top-notch sightseeing and beautiful beaches. We would love to share it with our national and international visitors again in the very near future.

Stay safe!

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