Thick pine forests and sand dunes fringe the Atlantic Coast north of Les Sables, where coastal towns like Brem-Sur-Mer, Bretignolles-Sur-Mer, and Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez are favorites among family campers. The picturesque port town of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie is a regional highlight, where you can surf, sail, and fish for sardines.
South of Les Sables, the wild Atlantic winds carve out some spectacular rocky coastline en route to La-Tranche-Sur-Mer. This is the spot to go hiking, biking, and bird-watching along protected beaches, try windsurfing and paddleboarding in the sheltered waters of the lagoon, or catch the ferry to the Île de Ré and Île d’Aix islands.
The buzzing seaside resort of Saint Jean de Monts is the ultimate family holiday destination, where you’ll find everything from cheap and cheerful campgrounds to luxury wellness retreats. Miles of golden sandy beaches, forest trails, and sweeping dunes hug the shores to the north, leading the way to the Ile de Noirmoutier, an offshore island known for its unspoiled beaches, salt marshes, and traditional oyster farms.
Summer is peak season at Les Sables d’Olonne, and the seaside resort fills up with holidaymakers from June through September. The city’s sporting events pull in the crowds, too—time your visit to watch the departure of the Vendée Globe (every four years), or join the festivities at one of the other annual sailing races. Most campgrounds close from October through April, but you might still find a few mobile homes for rent in the low season.