Cap sur
La Barre-de-Monts
La Barre-de-Monts, nestled in the heart of the Vendée, attracts families looking for a holiday that combines relaxation and discovery. This corner of the coast offers a wealth of possibilities, whether you want to enjoy its famous beaches, explore its unique natural heritage or multiply your activities with the kids. Whether you’re here for a day trip or to put down your bags at a campsite in La Barre-de-Montsvisitors are often seduced by the diversity on offer, both on the seaside and in the Vendée bocage. Here’s a selection of ideas to turn a stay in La Barre-de-Monts into an unforgettable experience, ideal for young and old alike.
Beaches and water sports
in La Barre-de-Monts
Between fine sand
and gentle waves
It’s impossible to miss the long sandy beaches at La Barre-de-Monts. Bordered by dunes and overlooking theAtlantic Ocean, they stretch for several kilometers: a real playground for the whole family. Whether you’re building castles, collecting shells or simply enjoying the sound of the waves, these family-friendly beaches have it all. Even in high season, it’s easy to find a quiet spot, especially after a short walk along the Vendée coast, away from the hustle and bustle.
Between ocean, beach and sail
Bathing is very popular here, thanks to the quality of the water, which delights families and swimmers alike. For those who like a bit of action, a wide range ofwater sports activities are on offer, including kayak and stand-up paddle rentals, as well as an introduction to sand yachting on Fromentine beach, ideal for thrill-seekers. Thesailing school also welcomes curious youngsters, as do the supervised outings that enable them to learn how to use their nautical equipment in complete safety. For more seaside fun, explore the beaches of Notre-Dame-de-Monts, renowned for their fine sand and unspoilt environment, in the heart of the Vendée coastline.
Supervised swimming on the main beach during the summer season;
Paddle and kayakrentals to discover the coast in a different way;
Sand yachting sessions for speed enthusiasts;
Sailing lessons for children and teenagers.
Hiking and cycling trails
around La Barre-de-Monts
Explore the Vendée
on foot or by bike
In addition to its beaches, La Barre-de-Monts also boasts a wealth of hiking trails. Several circuits cross the Pays de Monts national forest, offering a pleasant alternation between maritime pines and shady undergrowth. These nature walks appeal to families: the itineraries are well-marked, accessible and ideal for hiking with children, with no major difficulties. It’s not unusual to spot a deer or enjoy a unique view of the Vendée coastline, for a well-deserved nature break in the heart of the Vendée.
Take it easy
on the most beautiful trails
Cycling is an integral part of the local lifestyle. There are numerous safe cycle paths within easy reach of beaches, Vendée villages and the region’s must-see sites. They lead all the way to Notre-Dame-de-Monts or the famous island of Noirmoutier, accessible via the Passage du Gois at low tide. Many families rent bicycles equipped with child seats or trailers, so they can take the whole family on a ride through the countryside, between marshes, national forest and seaside.
Cycle paths linking beaches and nearby villages for family outings;
Walks in the Pays de Monts forest;
Accessible trails to discover the local wildlife of the Breton marshes.
Marshes and unspoilt nature
immersion in the Bocage Vendéen
Another face of the Vendée
To explore the marshes around La Barre-de-Monts is to plunge into a world of its own. These wetlands, typical of the Breton marshes of Vendée, are home to many rare birds, and birdwatching is fast becoming a popular activity, especially during migration periods. Several educational trails criss-cross these landscapes, allowing visitors to discover an exceptional biodiversity of reeds, salt marshes and canals. To enhance your visit, guided walks are offered on a regular basis. This part of the Vendée region has preserved its natural wealth and authenticity. Many have fond memories of the oyster huts, old salt works and observation points hidden in the reeds of the Breton marshes.
Practical information
La Barre-de-Monts Tourist Office
Address: Place de la Gare, 85550 La Barre-de-Monts
Telephone: 02 51 68 51 83
Guided tours, events and festivals
not to be missed in La Barre-de-Monts
Guided walks
and family discoveries
For families who love to explore, there’s nothing like a guided tour designed with children in mind. Several routes have been specially designed to captivate the youngest visitors, combining treasure hunts, unusual discoveries and little riddles. Local guides enthusiastically share Vendée legends and stories of the seaside, making each walk fun and lively. Whether in the narrow streets of the village or along the Vendée coastline, these walks offer a different view of the area, combining heritage with family fun.
Guided outings to the surrounding marshes are the perfect complement to the vacation program. These unusual nature walks provide an opportunity to learn more about the fragile ecosystems so characteristic of the Breton marshes of the Vendée. Educational workshops are often offered to raise awareness among children and holidaymakers of the richness of the local flora and fauna. With a pair of binoculars and a little patience, you can spot an egret, a kingfisher, or even surprise a heron between two reedbeds. A life-size immersion, ideal for young and old alike.
All year round, thelocal calendar offers a varied program to suit all tastes: open-air concerts, street entertainment and festivals punctuate the summer season in La Barre-de-Monts. There’s something for everyone, from storytelling shows on the beach, to creative workshops, to tasting Vendée specialities at a gourmet market. Children love themed days with pirates and costumed sailors, while parents enjoy musical evenings overlooking theAtlantic Ocean. And when the big summer dates come around, fireworks light up the Vendée sky, offering a magical finale to a busy day.
Bretignolles-sur-Mer
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Les Sables d’Olonne
Discover our cultural and historical heritage at
Beyond its seaside pleasures, La Barre-de-Monts boasts a rich and vibrant cultural and historical heritage. Its typical narrow streets, lined with Vendée houses, breathe the maritime history of the town and invite you to stroll around, punctuated bylocal anecdotes. Take a detour to the Notre-Dame chapel to admire its colorful stained-glass windows, testimony to an ancient religious tradition. Explanatory panels line certain quarters, revealing the life of the old fishermen, their ties to the marshes, and Vendée traditions handed down through the generations.
In summer, night markets and exhibitions enliven the streets of La Barre-de-Monts, showcasing island, rural and Vendée life. The region’s eco-museums showcase local know-how: salt-making, trades of yesteryear, antique tools… a living heritage that immerses young and old in the history of the region. Thecultural agenda is renewed each season, always focused on sharing, intergenerational discovery and highlighting regional traditions.
Île de Noirmoutier and Île d’Yeu
excursions on the Vendée islands
From La Barre-de-Monts, you can feel the call of the open sea. Taking the mythical Passage du Gois at low tide opens the doors to theisland of Noirmoutier, famous for its wild beaches,ocean-side cycle paths and villages with their typical white houses. The whole family will enjoy this accessible change of scenery, during an unusual crossing between land and sea, before a series of walks, garden visits and tastings of Noirmoutier’s famous “pomme de terre primeur”. A perfect getaway for a day full of discoveries.
Ile d’Yeu is also a favorite stopover for lovers ofescapism and unspoilt nature. Accessible by boat from Fromentine, it reveals an authentic face, with coastal paths, secret coves and typical little ports. Hiking is just as popular with sporty teenagers as it is with contemplative walkers, who enjoy skirting the cliffs, exploring the wild beaches or strolling through the flower-filled hamlets. It’s the ideal way to broaden your horizons and offer your family a unique break off the Vendée coast.
Where to stay for your vacation
in La Barre-de-Monts?
To make the most of all these adventures with your family, choosing a suitable base makes it much easier to organize your stay. Many people opt for Camping Le Clos du Bourg in Notre-Dame-de-Montsjust a few minutes from La Barre-de-Monts and the main attractions of the Vendée coastline. This family campsite is particularly popular with families, thanks to its comfortable accommodation – mobile homes, chalets or camping pitches – and facilities for all ages: playground, heated pool area, entertainment… everything you need for a successful vacation in Vendée, in a calm, green setting close to the beach.
Its green-fringed pitches and immediate proximity to services, the sandy beach and cycle paths make everyday life easier for holidaymakers. The friendly setting, typical of a family campsite, and regular entertainment create a warm atmosphere and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a keen cyclist, a beach bum or a cultural explorer, staying at Camping Le Clos du Bourg is an ideal way to explore the beautiful Vendée region, between the Atlantic Ocean, the national forest and the marshes.
Still wondering what to do in La Barre-de-Monts? Between nature, beaches, discoveries and relaxation at Camping Le Clos du Bourg, your vacations are sure to be unforgettable.
