The Vendée coastline has over 140km of beautiful beaches. Whether you like large, expansive beaches of fine golden sand or you prefer smaller, wild beaches sheltered in hidden coves, you will find what you are looking for in the Vendée. Here we explore some of our favourites:

St Jean de Monts

St Jean de Monts beach is a favourite family friendly beach in the Vendée because of its space, fine soft sand and safe waters. It’s inevitable that your children will head off and play, so there are a series of tall poles topped with shapes along the beach, which kids can use to find their way back to you.

Parking close by can be a trial during the peak season, but the Vendée has miles of easily manageable cycle paths that run through the resort and along the beach.

Les Sables d’Olonne

The long, curving sands of Les Sables d’Olonne are among the Vendée’s most famous beaches – a perfect mix of traditional seaside fun and modern comfort. The Grande Plage, right in the heart of the town, offers soft golden sand, safe swimming under lifeguard supervision and plenty of cafés and ice cream stalls along the lively promenade. Families can stroll along the seafront, rent pedalos, or simply relax while the children enjoy beach clubs and shallow paddling. For quieter moments, nearby Plage de Tanchet offers a more natural setting and is popular for surfing and kite-flying. Dogs are allowed outside the main supervised areas, so even your four-legged family members can enjoy a coastal walk.

Sion Sur L’Ocean

The charming seaside hamlet of Sion-sur-l’Océan, near Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, is a real favourite for families who love to explore. At low tide, the rocky shoreline reveals wonderful rock pools filled with tiny crabs, shrimp and shells, perfect for children armed with nets and buckets. There are also sandy stretches for paddling and sandcastles, and lifeguard supervision in summer ensures safe swimming. Parking is free and close to the beach, making it easy to unload all your beach gear. Dogs are welcome on a lead outside supervised hours and zones, so you can enjoy a peaceful seaside walk with your furry companion once the day’s bathers have gone.

Plage de la Terrière (La Tranche-sur-Mer)

Plage de la Terrière at La Tranche-sur-Mer offers sweeping sand, natural dunes and a pine forest — ideal for younger and older children alike. Supervised swimming in season, ample parking and snack kiosks make it a safe, comfortable choice. And yes — it is pet friendly too (dogs are welcome on a leash, outside the lifeguarded zone).

Plage des Dames (Île de Noirmoutier, Bois de la Chaize)

Head over to the island of Noirmoutier for a more peaceful twist: Plage des Dames offers gentle shallows in coves, perfect for the youngest children to splash safely. A shaded woodland fringe gives a welcome break from midday sun, and dog-friendly times mean the whole family (two-and four-legged) can enjoy the sea air. The beach has its own bathing huts which gives the beach and old world aura.

Plage de Boisvinet (St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie)

At St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie the Plage de Boisvinet gives families a full-service beach: beach club, lifeguards, easy access – ideal for a fuss-free day by the sea. (Note: dog access is restricted, so if you’re travelling with a pet check the current rules before visiting.)

Plage Grand’Plage (L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer)

In the southern Vendée, the Grand’Plage at L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer is perfect when you’re after a broad beach, shallow water for the little ones and fewer crowds. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the designated areas — so convenient if you’re bringing the whole clan along.

Plage de Veillon (Talmont-Saint-Hilaire)

For something a little different, head to Plage du Veillon in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire: where river meets sea, children can splash in calmer waters, explore dune trails, and adults can relax. And good news for dog-owners: on the Payré side (via the forest path) dogs on leash are welcome during the spring-and-autumn window.

Some Vendée beaches impose restrictions for dogs especially during the height of summer and on lifeguarded stretches. You’ll typically find rules such as: dogs must be leashed; they may only be allowed before 10:00 or after 18:00; or only on the non-patrolled zone. It’s always best to check the local tourist office or on-site signage before setting out.

Here’s more information to make the most of your visit to the Vendée

Attractions:

Puy du Fou

Atlantic Toboggan

Indian Forest

Le Chateau des Aventuriers