tours st jean de monts

Saint-Jean-de-Monts

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the vendée.

The seaside resort of Saint-Jean-de-Monts offers visitors a beautiful 8-km long sandy beach. Water sports, wind sports and numerous leisure activities, especially for children, are on offer.

Additional information Saint-Jean-de-Monts

Saint-Jean-de-Monts, French commune located on the Coast of Light in the department of Vendee and region of Pays de la Loire is one of the most popular resorts on the Atlantic coast. Split into two by a pine forest - the Forest Hills Country - the resort has ecological areas: the marsh and forest are the top two. The beach, 8 km long and often turbulent, is the delight of residents and tourists. By 1867, the first bathers come since 1892 and enjoy the many artists who are inspired by their works. At the end of the nineteenth, Saint-Jean-de-Monts is a big country estate about 4500 inhabitants, situated on the edge of the dune, marsh between agricultural and young forest. In the shelter of the forest and protected from storms, St. John saw his life as chief town of the district away from any major thoroughfare, turned mainly to the marsh. The town houses are still clustered around the old church. Until the late 19th century, it is mainly the church organizations that are a pretext for mass gatherings. With the arrival of tourists, porters modernity, new events are organized: air shows, horse racing, concours d'elegance car. Foreigners staying in the country receives the bulk of lightness with which the country's youth is courting. They talk about custom typical: the maraîchinage. It was so, how dating and marriage to the test that accosted visitors. In this custom are all comparable local habits: dialect, survival of the langue d'oil, songs and dances, Veuze archetypal medieval bagpipes, and round the hammocks that have their origins in Renaissance costumes carved traditional fashion of the old regime. It is modernity that will install the entire French territory after the war 14-18. Between 1920 and 1950, with the popularization of the automobile and the arrival of the railway, Saint-Jean-de-Monts soars. From 1950 the embankment was built and the streets are increasing in the area of the beach. If the beach and the open spaces of the station are among its main assets, local products are not to be missed with brioche Vendée préfou his, her or its vendee mogette maraîchines specialties.

Things to see and do

The leisure facilities Saint-Jean-de-Monts can practice many sports and recreational activities: biking on numerous bike paths, horse riding, skating, water sports to water sports, recreational activities in the forest on the site of Jesus Dressed, golf, mini- Golf, spa marine, fishing, cinema?? The town offers a diverse natural heritage. The dunes are rich in a particular vegetation, and many organized tours to the discovery of this ecosystem. It is among the pines and oaks of 25 km of forest as we cross many squirrels, rabbits and sometimes deer and certain species of birds like the falcon squire. In addition to its wide open spaces and its 25 kilometers of bicycle paths, Saint-Jean-de-Monts enjoys places of walks to discover. These include the pier, boardwalk to the sea, is where many walkers and fishermen. The Bather, sculpture by Henry Murail, located between the beach and the shopping street of the resort, symbolizes the predominance of water in this seaside resort and in addition to the three birds of John and Joel Martel, who had been designed in memory of Charles and Auguste Lepere Milcendeau.

Places of interest

Events and festivities.

• Kid's Wednesdays: February school holidays, sports or fun activities program for 6/12 years: yachting, workshop, kitchen...
• Kid's Follies: children's festival, school holidays spring, fun shows, children's shows, workshops and activities...
• X-Trail Pays de Monts, in February: trail running.
• Roller Attitude in April, July and August meetings to map the initiation and development for children and adults.
• Duathlon in April.
• The Dune, in May, hiking at dusk through forest and beach.
• Instant Home Show, in May, decorating furniture with conferences.
• Vendee bike in May, animated journey from Saint-Jean-de-Monts.
• Festival of Spring Surge, street theater festival for all age groups.
• Vendee Atlantic Beach Rugby, in June, discovered rugby version beach.
• Spring theater, in June, this young theatrical work.
• La Mie Caline Basketball GB, in June, basketball tournament.
• Open Tennis CNGT third female, early June.
• Fires of Saint John and the music festival in June, musical entertainment.
• The International Triathlon, in June.
• Exhibitions at the Congress Odysséa in July and August.
• The festival summer Déferlante: street theater festival and live music outdoors.
• Planet Beach in July and August, discovered beach sports (beach volleyball, beach rugby...). Zen mornings, aqua marine, fitness. Appointment family and baby moments.
• Kid's Wednesdays in July and August, sports and recreational activities for 6/12 years: beach volleyball, stroll GPS...
• Cinété: in August, film showings on a giant screen on the beach.
• Caval'Océane: in September, equestrian competitions and entertainment on the beach with free access.
• Naturel'Monts Show in October, living sustainable development, eco housing and organic market. With workshops and conferences.
• Here you got the funk: All Saints school holidays, entertainment for the family around the gourd: exhibition, workshops, children's ball, animations...
• Atlantic Zen Lounge: in November, wellness area with workshops and conferences.
• Shows Fall-Winter at the Auditorium Odysséa: humor, theater, concert...
• All year: flea markets, empty attics, horse racing...

Detailed program on the website of the Tourist Office of Saint-Jean-de-Monts .

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

The Vendée has many tours and DoLandmarks family to visit.

The Vendee is a swamp of its landscape features and skiff rides allow, for example on the Canal du Perrier, discover its rich fauna and flora.

A boat trip to the island of Yeu you will see a different side of the Vendee. By bike or on foot, be sure to explore the wild coast of this island and its small port of Grindstone. Many departures are conducted from the port of Fromentine .

Another island not to miss is that of Noirmoutier. For the bridge or the passage of Gois at low tide, you can access all year. You will be surprised by the vast landscape punctuated by salt marshes, oyster beds and low houses, white and covered with pink tiles. Many activities are accessible to families: the leisure park du Gois, the island of butterflies, aquarium.

If you prefer, rather than an island to discover a village full of flowers and run by artisans, the village offers everything Sallertaine summer workshops for children and lots of activities, performances, street theater and throughout the year rides carriage and canoeing. You can also visit the Museum of Mie Caline and the mill temporarily, only windmill in France never stopped turning.

The Daviaud museum Marsh Vendée in La Barre-de-Monts is an ideal place for a family visit! In this great site outdoor treasure hunt for children, events and exhibitions are there to help us discover the salt harvest.

Kulmino installed on a water tower at Notre-Dame-de-Monts is a place to discover all public fun and interactive environment and water. The 5 / 12 years can have a play book, and many shows, events and exhibitions are organized nature.

Passio, museum Milcendeau / Jean Yole in Soullans , is a museum dedicated to the painter Charles must Milcendeau. Set in lush greenery, one discovers the house and studio of the artist, his works, and a beautiful garden. A booklet-game "Mystery at the Museum" is available for 5 / 12 years and an audio guide is available.

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

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Saint-Jean-de-Monts Is Great For

The great outdoors.

Eat & drink

• Camping Marvilla Parks - Le Domaine du Clarys
• Camping Acapulco
• Camping Resort La Forêt
• Campsite Les Genets
• Belambra Clubs - Les Grands Espaces
• L’Ernest’In
• A Chacun Son Moule
• Manhattan Georgette
• St John De Monts Open Market
• Explora Parc
• La Plage de Saint-Jean-de-Monts
• Nelly's Ranch
• La Grande Roue

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10 Reasons to Visit the Pays de Saint Jean de Monts

Located on the Vendée coast just south west of Nantes, Saint Jean de Monts is a sunny seaside resort known for its picturesque pier jutting out into the Atlantic. The gateway to Vendée’s islands, Noirmoutier and Ile d’Yeu, it should be on your bucketlist for your next holiday destination. Here are 10 reasons why. 

Endless sandy beaches in Saint Jean de Monts ©alamoureux

1. Fine sandy beaches among the sunniest on the French Atlantic coast   

Enjoy peace and quiet on the 22 beaches of the Pays de Saint Jean de Monts. Gently sloping and without rocks, the coast is perfect for families, whether they choose wild or lively beaches. Bracelets with the parents’ number are given to children on request at the lifeguard stations on the supervised beaches and at the tourist offices. All beach access car parks are free. Even at high tide you will find sand to settle in.  

A fisherman going shore fishing to find shrimp ©Michel Arnaud

2. H idden treasures to uncover at low tide    

Experience the French way of life by discovering shore fishing and the local recipes associated with it: tellines (known as “pignons” in Vendée), mussels, clams, oysters, etc. Find out where to discover the history behind the recipes at Le Pont d’Yeu, Les 4 aces, or on the pier.

Seaside views along the pier of Saint Jean de Monts ©Michel Arnaud

3. An authentic seaside atmosphere, day and night  

Stroll along the Avenue de la mer by night after a spectacular sunset ride on the ferris wheel that stands on the pier. Perch yourself at one of the beach bars and sip your apéro as you watch the sun go down. In the daytime, go on exciting treasure hunts, escape games and other fun walks to discover the area as a family. In the summer, festivals and street concerts pepper the event calendar as well as the renowned giant kite festival in July.  

Fun in the forest in Exploraparc near St Jean de Monts

4. Outdoor sports galore  

Wide open and natural spaces are perfect for nautical activities such as sand yachting or kite surfing, and in all seasons! Take a deep breath under the cover of the forests along marked trails: horseback riding, cycling (along the Velodyssée), trail running, Nordic walking, hiking, mountain biking, orienteering. Exploraparc offers a multitude of activities: tree climbing, laser tag, archery tag, net course, virtual reality, explor’adventures, archery… End the day with a drink under the canopy at the bar and in the summer, dare to have a boogie during an evening concert. The golf course of Saint Jean de Monts, elected 7th favourite golf course of the French, is practicable all year round on draining soil with a breathtaking sea view.

Fresh oysters for dinner in Saint Jean de Monts ©Florian Peroud

5. The food: taste your way through Vendée  

Many daily markets will allow you to discover the area and seasonal products in a summer atmosphere: brioche, préfou, Challans poultry, local cheese, organic honey, melon and strawberries, Maraichine cow, Vendée ham… Tour around the oyster huts of Fromentine in the bay of Bourgneuf, enjoy a chocolate tasting at 20° Nord 20° Sud chocolate factory and tuck into the famous local dessert, the Fion. Don’t forget the local beer La Petite Ramonière, in the heart of the Vendée Breton marsh and find out about the many health benefits of the Spirulina algae.   

Enjoy the views from this platform in the Pey de la Blet forest ©otfromentine CC by S.A 3.0

6. Spectacular viewpoints  

Take in the far-reaching views on a walk that brings you from the lighthouse to the Pey de la Blet. Or Climb up Kulmino , a 70m high platform giving you sweeping views of the marshes, the dunes and the forest. A cycling loop will take you there in a safe way via the V elodyssée and the Vendée bike loops.

Discover traditional farming techniques at Daviaud farm ©Florian Peroud

7. The preserved farming culture in the hinterland  

There’s nothing like a visit to the Daviaud farm to immerse yourself in the culture of the Marais Breton Vendéen. Discover ancient breeds, traditional habitat and yesteryear techniques and knowledge, explore the salt marshes, the bird observatory, and enjoy a ride on an unusual boat, called La Yole. An audio guide in English is available to accompany your visit at your own pace.  

Take your pick among the wide variety of accommodation available in Saint Jean de Monts

8. A wide choice of accommodation  

Campsites, hotels, vacation rentals, by the sea or in the marshes, there is a place to stay for everyone, according to your budget and your wishes: with family, friends or as a couple etc. Follow the guide and meet the professionals eagerly awaiting to welcome you with tailored services.

Saint Jean de Monts is just south of Noirmoutier ©Emmanuelle Marcade

9. The gateway to the two Vendée islands  

Pop in to the tourist office to organize your excursion to the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier. A little air of Brittany blows on the island of Yeu while Noirmoutier will take you on a culinary trip full of flavours.  

Welcoming locals and expats ©Michel Arnaud

10. A welcoming community  

If you wish, a welcoming and helpful community of English-speaking expats are there to help with the language barrier.  

Find out more :

en.paysdesaintjeandemonts.fr

www.in-vendee.com

Lead photo credit : Explore Saint Jean de Monts in Vendée ©alamoureux

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LES 10 MEILLEURES choses à faire à Saint-Jean-de-Monts

Saint-jean-de-monts : les meilleures activités, saint-jean-de-monts : visites à proximité.

Aux Sables d'Olonne Location vélos , VAE, trotte tout terrain

Visite privée à pied de Nantes avec un guide professionnel

Escape-game Outdoor | Jules Verne - Le défi extraordinaire

Découvre Nantes en jouant ! Escape game - L'alchimiste

Nantes : visite privée à pied avec un local

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City game L'Élixir de l’Alchimiste - Nantes Jardin des plantes

Explorez Nantes en 1 heure avec un local

Meilleures attractions à saint-jean-de-monts.

Saint-Jean-de-Monts : d'autres attractions populaires à proximité

Ce qu'en disent les voyageurs

• La Plage de Saint-Jean-de-Monts
• Explora Parc
• Nelly's Ranch
• Office de Tourisme Saint-Jean-de-Monts
• La Grande Roue
• Plage des Soixante Bornes
• Station Balnéaire de Saint-Jean de Monts

Destinations

Saint Jean de Monts

Notre Dame de Monts

La Barre de Monts / Fromentine

Tourist Information

Tourist information centres of le pays de saint jean de monts opening times, from march 31 st to may 12 th.

Every day (including Sundays and bank holidays) from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm

Notre Dame de Monts and La Barre de Monts:

From Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm

Sundays and bank holidays from 10 am to 1 pm

The 5 top reasons to visit the Tourist Information Office

1) with us, everything is straight-forward and simple.

Our team will be delighted to welcome you throughout the year and is at your service to help ensure that your holiday is a great success.

We will let you in on some of our best kept secrets…

2) Whatever you would like to do or see our ticket office is there to help and advise you.

You can be sure of the very best offers for events and trips in our offices.

3) Practical up-to-date information

Tides times, list of markets, maps, ideas for walks and cycle rides, events schedule, transport timetables, practical guides, my ideal family week… We’ve got everything you need, come in and pick up what you need!

4) Always ready to go the extra mile to provide you with that extra service

• Rental of equipment for babies at a very reasonable price: pushchairs, baby beds with mattresses, high-chairs, booster seats, baby baths.
• WIFI: every information office in the area provides you, free of charge, 2 hours connection time per day. A great opportunity to read your e-mails, share your holiday photos and stay connected with your relatives…
• Teleworking area “La Folie” in Saint Jean de Monts: an opportunity to combine work and pleasure during your holidays, or to make the most of your second home thanks to an office by the seaside!
• Printing or photocopies: we can help you out in an emergency situation – a charge applies to this service
• Accueil Vélo bicycle services: a repair kit and a pump are available for free in our offices
• Personalised reception for English-speakers

5) Visit our boutiques and take a souvenir from your holidays back home

A reminder of your fabulous holiday: mugs, fouta towels, bags, keyrings and delicacies made by local craftspeople, books about the secrets of our region…

Our customers recommend us

97% of our clients would recommend us to others. Will you? Your recommendations make us a really happy team, showing that our philosophy and commitment to quality is the right approach.

Qualité Tourisme scheme is the only scheme awarded by the French Government to tourism professionals for the quality of their welcome and services, the aim being complete customer satisfaction.

The Tourist Information Centres of Le Pays de Saint Jean de Monts were awarded category 1 classification in June 2020.

Do you need or want to contact a local? We are here:

Pays de saint jean de monts tourist infos.

67, esplanade de la Mer – 85160 SAINT JEAN DE MONTS

+33 (0)2 72 78 80 80

6, rue de La Barre – 85690 NOTRE DAME DE MONTS

+33 (0)2 51 58 84 97

La Barre de Monts

Place de la Gare – 85550 LA BARRE DE MONTS

+33 (0)2 51 68 51 83

15, place Jean Yole – 85300 SOULLANS

+33 (0)6 63 85 48 07 (July and August)

+33 (0)2 51 58 84 97 (out of season)

Homepage > Practical information > Tourist Information

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Saint-Jean-De-Monts

Hiking around Saint-Jean-De-Monts

Hiking around Saint-Jean-De-Monts is one of the best ways to experience more of the landscape, although finding the right route is not always easy. To help, here are the top hikes and walks around Saint-Jean-De-Monts — so you can just get out and go.

The best walks and hikes around Saint-Jean-De-Monts

Saint-jean-de-monts – estacade de saint jean de mont loop from notre-dame-de-monts, hiking loop from notre-dame-de-monts.

Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app

Estacade de saint jean de mont – saint-jean-de-monts loop from coudrie, hiking loop from aint-jean-de-monts, estacade de saint jean de mont loop from notre-dame-de-monts, explore these walks and hikes on the map.

Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot.

Popular around Saint-Jean-De-Monts

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Find the perfect Tour

Explore the most popular tours around saint-jean-de-monts, discover the most popular attractions around saint-jean-de-monts.

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THE 10 BEST Family & Kid Activities in Saint-Jean-de-Monts

Things to do in saint-jean-de-monts with kids.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Explora Parc

2. La Plage de Saint-Jean-de-Monts

3. Office de Tourisme Saint-Jean-de-Monts

4. Nelly's Ranch

5. La Grande Roue

6. Plage des Soixante Bornes

7. Mini Golf le Marais

9. Mini Golf Loisirs Des Marines

10. La Chevauchée des Dunes

11. Velivelo

12. Le Cycl'Hop

13. Base Nautique de St-Jean-de-Monts

14. La TroTTineTTe

What travellers are saying.