Saint-Jean-De-Monts combines a beach, state forest and trails through varied landscapes with water sports. The routes have different focuses: one leads to a viewpoint, another passes through several landscape areas, and a third provides access to cycling routes. For planning, you can first decide whether you want to focus on forest and beach, dunes and marshland, cycling routes or activities on the water.
Forest, beach and scenic trails
The state forest covers 750 hectares in Saint-Jean-De-Monts. The Sentier d’Eole runs through the state forest of the Pays de Monts to the Buzelière viewpoint. From there, forest and beach can be seen together. The trail therefore has a specific destination and brings two landscape features into view. Along the route, the Sentier d’Eole offers families with children aged 6 to 12 numerous challenges. This is equivalent to 7.5 square kilometres.
The Sentier de la dune au marais has a different focus: the five-kilometre route runs through Notre-Dame-de-Monts and Saint-Jean-De-Monts. Along the way, visitors experience the beach with the Pont d’Yeu, the stretch of dunes with its fragile flora, the state forest and the extensive Marais Breton Vendéen. Rather than a single viewpoint, several landscape areas are the focus here. The route’s length and its passage through two municipalities distinguish it from the Sentier d’Eole, which leads to the Buzelière viewpoint.
Walking, cycling routes and activities on the water
Visitors can hike and go trail running on dune trails. The Boucle coquillages et pommes de pin adds access to the cycling routes of the Pays de Saint Jean de Monts to the options. It starts at the Espace des Oiseaux, can be walked year-round and connects the fine-sand beach with the state forest of the Pays de Monts. Its starting point, access to cycling routes and connection between beach and forest provide several specific details to help with planning.
Visitors to Saint-Jean-De-Monts can sail, kitesurf and kayak. Providers and conditions may change, so check the latest information in advance for the water sport that interests you. The Estacade de Saint-Jean-De-Monts offers a different connection to the water: this 400-metre-long wooden pier extends over the water and is a city landmark.
Different criteria can help you choose a route: the destination and challenges for children aged 6 to 12 on the Sentier d’Eole, the distance and variety of landscapes on the Sentier de la dune au marais, and the starting point, year-round accessibility and access to cycling routes on the Boucle. This lets you weigh up whether you want to focus on a viewpoint, several landscape areas or a connection to the cycling network.
Discover more destinations: Brem-Sur-Mer, Saint-Étienne-Du-Bois, Le Perrier, Foussais-Payré, Grosbreuil, La Boissière-des-Landes, Saint-Avaugourd-des-Landes, Saint-Révérend
For the regional travel overview: Vendée.
