Booking RequestActivities, walks
and excursions in the Vendée
From the L’Orgatte campground in Notre-Dame-de-Monts, the Vendée reveals itself in all its diversity. Untouched beaches, national forests, Breton marshes, bike paths, water sports, islands just a short boat ride away… There’s something for every taste, every age, and every interest. Welcome to one of the most diverse destinations on the Atlantic coast —come explore the Vendée and discover Notre-Dame-de-Monts from every angle!
A Walk to the Sea:
The Beaches of Notre-Dame-de-Monts
Notre-Dame-de-Monts boasts 8 fine-sand beaches stretching along 4.6 km of coastline, each with its own unique character. The one closest to the campground? La Braie Beach, just a 400-meter walk away. Follow a shaded forest path under the pine trees, and you’ll be there.
To explore Notre-Dame-de-Monts from the water, continue your stroll toward the central beach —the liveliest one, with its beach club and activities— or head to the more secluded beaches such as Parée Grollier, Bois Soret, or Renaudière, accessible only on foot or by bike via sandy paths through the national forest.
At low tide, don’t miss the Pont d’Yeu: this rocky promontory extends up to 2 km—or even 4 km during spring tides—toward Île d’Yeu. It’s an ideal spot for beachcombing (mussels, clams) and for admiring the unique landscape of the Vendée coast.
The Pays-de-Monts Forest
and the Pey de la Blet Lookout
In the town of Notre-Dame-de-Monts alone, there are 321 ha of forest and nearly 60 km of forest trails to explore on foot, by bike, or on horseback. An exceptional green oasis, especially welcome on hot summer days—and accessible directly from the campground.
Deep in the forest, the Pey de la Blet observation deck is well worth a visit. Recently renovated, it stands 37 meters tall and offers an exceptional panoramic view of the dunes, the marsh, and the ocean. For nature lovers and tourists visiting the Vendée, Biotopia is a must-see: this discovery center dedicated to the coastal and forest environments offers marked outdoor trails, interactive exhibits, guided walks, and workshops on nature and biodiversity.
Round out your visit with a stop at the Jardin du Vent, where animated sculptures, wind-powered installations, and legends delight visitors of all ages, and a trip up to Kulmino: this water tower, still in operation, rises 70 meters and offers a 360° panoramic view of the dunes, the marshes, and the ocean.
Bike Paths in Notre-Dame-de-Monts: The Vélodyssée in the Vendée
If you love cycling, you’ve come to the right place! L’Orgatte Campground, certified by Accueil Vélo, is located right on the Vélodyssée, one of Europe’s longest cycling routes. But the opportunities don’t stop there: Notre-Dame-de-Monts boasts over 60 km of well-maintained bike, walking, and horseback riding trails.
Among the must-see trails: the Boucle des Étiers (9 km), which crosses the town, the Vendée Breton marsh, and the national forest, with possible stops at Kulmino, Biotopia, or the Jardin du Vent. For a more challenging hike, the Boucle des Panoramas (26 km) connects the forest and the marsh, starting from Le Daviaud.
Bikes are available for rental through partner providers who deliver directly to the campground—convenient for travelers on the go!
Water sports in the Vendée: kitesurfing, sailing, and sand yachting
The Notre-Dame-de-Monts Water Sports Center, located on the main beach, is certified by Tourisme et Handicap and offers courses and lessons in sand yachting, sailing, sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and beach walking. and many other disciplines. Perfect for beginners or those looking to improve, no matter what your skill level.
In this windy region, sand yachting is particularly popular, as the vast expanse of fine sand is ideal for this fast-paced outdoor sport. And for a more leisurely experience, beachcombing at Pont d’Yeu is a free activity that the whole family can enjoy at low tide.
Find all the water sports activities available on the Pays de Saint-Jean-de-Monts Tourist Office website.
Noirmoutier and Île d’Yeu:
Two Must-See Excursions
Two legendary islands are accessible from Notre-Dame-de-Monts, offering an unforgettable day of escape.
Noirmoutier is located a few kilometers to the north. It charms visitors with its quiet beaches, dunes, pine forests, and salt marshes. Accessible for free via the bridge, or via the legendary Passage du Gois —a 4.5-km submersible causeway that can be crossed at low tide, offering a truly unique experience.
The Île d’Yeu, which is more unspoiled and wild, offers a radically different landscape with its cliffs, moors, and small coves of turquoise water. It is accessible only by boat from the Fromentine ferry terminal (just a few minutes from the campground), with departures year-round. Be sure to book your crossing during peak season!
To plan your getaway, visit the Vendée des Îles website.
Family Activities
in Notre-Dame-de-Monts
Notre-Dame-de-Monts is a small market town, a lively seaside resort day and night, with fine sandy beaches and a variety of sports and cultural activities for a family vacation. Here’s our selection for unforgettable days:
• Biotopia: an interactive exhibition on nature and the coastline, perfect for sparking children’s curiosity
• Jardin du Vent: sculptures, games, and activities centered around the wind—free admission
• Kulmino: a 360° panoramic view from a height of 70 m
• Atlantique Toboggan and mini-golf for recreation enthusiasts
• Pony rides, ATV tours, and tree-top adventure courses in the surrounding area
• Summer markets: local produce on Tuesday mornings, evening craft market on Tuesday evenings, and food market on Thursday mornings (July–August)
• Festivals: Festival À tout vent (kites, early July), La Déferlante, Festival [A]out, and “Réveillons-nous” concerts
The Marais Breton Vendéen: Nature Walk and Birdwatching
Just a few kilometers from the campground, the Marais Breton Vendéen offers a peaceful and bountiful natural setting. This area is a major bird sanctuary, thanks in particular to its wet meadows and salt marshes, located along the north-south migratory route. Depending on the season, you can spot gray herons, egrets, avocets, black-tailed godwits, and numerous shorebirds.
For a truly immersive experience,the Daviaud Ecomuseum (in La Barre-de-Monts) is a must-see: spread over several hectares, it features bourrines, salorges, and reenactments of the lives of market gardeners of yesteryear.
The “From the Dune to the Marsh” trail (5 km – 1 hour 15 minutes), starting in Notre-Dame-de-Monts, is an easy family hike that takes you through the beach, a national forest, and the marshes of the Vendée region of Brittany. A gentle and rejuvenating getaway in the Vendée, perfect for enjoying throughout the seasons.
To learn more about the Vendée’s natural heritage, visit Vendée Tourisme.
Vendée Tourism
Discover our
camping in the Vendée