Refine your search for walks in Vendée
Vendée walks
The full tour of Lake Jaunay
Visorando Member
7.56 mi
+177 ft
-207 ft
3h 40
Easy
Departure from La Chapelle-Hermier (Vendée)
Check out this beautiful trail completes a circuit around "Lac du Jaunay”. It is a quiet and wonderful place for nature lovers.
The wild coast
4.49 mi
+79 ft
-79 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Olonne-sur-Mer (Vendée)
This is a pleasant route offering a beautiful walk through the forest, over the dunes and along the beach, with a climb back up to the ski hill, the highest point in the forest at 34 metres above sea level.
La Pointe du Payré
3.00 mi
+43 ft
-43 ft
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Jard-sur-Mer (Vendée)
A short hike for lovers of unspoilt nature.
Lac du Graon
8.07 mi
+236 ft
-233 ft
3h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon (Vendée)
A 13 km circuit along the edge of Lake Graon allows you to enjoy the local flora and fauna.
A very varied circuit with narrow paths and woodland trails... A real treat.
The circuit can be extended by small loops of around 2 km (La Renardière and Les Petites Touches).
Sentier de la Citardière - Mervent Forest
6.87 mi
+600 ft
-584 ft
3h 40
Easy
Departure from Mervent (Vendée)
A short walk in the Forest of Mervent and along the River Mère.
The Sébastopol Polder Nature Reserve
4.49 mi
+10 ft
-10 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Barbâtre (Vendée)
A beautiful walk around a large part of the Polder de Sébastopol nature reserve. This route also takes you past the Étang Vide and the exit of the Gois passage on the Île de Noirmoutier side.
Lake Mervent - Citardière Château - Pont du déluge
4.41 mi
+174 ft
-174 ft
2h 10
Moderate
Departure from Mervent (Vendée)
There are many pedestrian paths to discover in Mervent forest.
Vouvant, medieval town, listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'
10.25 mi
+696 ft
-712 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Vouvant (Vendée)
A hike full of mystery... in the land of the fairy Melusine.
Walk along the Sèvre in Saint-Laurent
5.15 mi
+285 ft
-289 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre (Vendée)
The banks of the Sèvre Nantaise between the Bois de la Barbinière and the Moulin Guy
Lay Valley - Saint-Vincent-Puymaufrais
5.26 mi
+427 ft
-427 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Bournezeau (Vendée)
In a steep-sided valley.
A hike along the Lay River at a place called "Le Grand Bateau".
The Lay River flows through part of the Poitevin Marshes and empties into the Atlantic Ocean between La Faute-sur-Mer and L'Aiguillon-sur-Mer.
The coastal path in Brétignolles
6.11 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Bretignolles-sur-Mer (Vendée)
The sound of waves crashing on the beaches, the smell of salt air and invigorating sea breezes: this is what you can expect on this hike, which follows the coastline as closely as possible.
Sea and marshes in the Forest of Olonne
6.11 mi
+43 ft
-43 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Olonne-sur-Mer (Vendée)
The Olonne forest stretches across the dune massif that borders the ocean between Brem-sur-Mer and Les Sables d'Olonne. This massif completely isolates the marshes located between the forest and the first hills where the vineyards of the Vendée fiefdoms flourish. This circuit offers a walk between the ocean and the banks of the Vertonne through the flat, open landscapes of the marshes, the more rugged forest and the immensity of the sea.
Circuit around Moulin Papon
5.48 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from La Roche-sur-Yon (Vendée)
A tour around the artificial lake of Moulin Papon, on foot or by bike.
Dune, forest, Veillon marsh
3.74 mi
+39 ft
-39 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Talmont-Saint-Hilaire (Vendée)
Hike along the dunes, forest and marshes. A biotope waiting to be discovered.
Between marsh and ocean on the Île de Noirmoutier
5.63 mi
+23 ft
-20 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from L'Épine (Vendée) (Vendée)
A beautiful circuit between the sea and the marshes at the northern tip of the Île de Noirmoutier, near L'Herbaudière.
The salt flower trail
3.30 mi
+16 ft
-16 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from L'Île-d'Olonne (Vendée)
Set off to explore the Marais des Olonnes.
Tour of Lake Vouraie
8.77 mi
+354 ft
-348 ft
4h 20
Easy
Departure from Bournezeau (Vendée)
This is a beautiful 3-hour walk along the banks of the Vouraie reservoir. The path is very easy to follow.
The Green Venice: Damvix - Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud - Arçais
8.89 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
4h 05
Easy
Departure from Damvix (Vendée)
Relaxation and a change of scenery guaranteed! Come and enjoy the peace and quiet, the authentic landscape and the rich flora and fauna.
The Marais Poitevin, also known as the "Green Venice" for its tourist attractions, is a vast area of water and greenery where nature lovers will find peace and tranquillity along 400 km of canals.
From Port d'Aziré to Marais des Nattes
Association / Club / Walk leader
5.89 mi
+7 ft
-7 ft
2h 45
Moderate
Departure from Benet (Vendée)
Walking along the Rigole d'Aziré to the Courdault canal, then returning via the Marais des Nattes, you may spot some nutria, purple herons or lapwings, and perhaps even a deer or two.
The Olonnes marsh
3.51 mi
+16 ft
-16 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Olonne-sur-Mer (Vendée)
This route winds between the forest and the Olonnes marshes, where many species of birds come to find food and peace.
Menhirs and Dolmens of Le Bernard
6.98 mi
+75 ft
-85 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Le Bernard (Vendée)
Hike through the countryside of the commune of Le Bernard to discover six dolmens, including the largest in the Vendée (the Frébouchère dolmen), four menhirs and a Gallo-Roman tower. Information panels are provided at each site. A significant part of the circuit is on tarmac. Can also be done by mountain bike.
Discovering the Mervent State Forest
10.23 mi
+883 ft
-883 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Pissotte (Vendée)
A superb hike through the largest forest in the Vendée. The terrain is varied but not particularly difficult, making it a hiker's paradise. Beautiful paths, a dam lake, a climbing site, a leisure park, a hidden cave, remarkable bridges and trees, and a forest that has been explored for many years: this is what I invite you to discover.
The Piquet and Pierre aux Fées valleys
4.26 mi
+217 ft
-217 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Le Tablier (Vendée)
Two unique and very different valleys: Piquet with its granite chaos and the darker and more peaceful Pierre aux Fées.
Between Beach and Marsh at the end of the island of Noirmoutier (2)
8.65 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Noirmoutier-en-l'Île (Vendée)
This beach walk should be done at low tide and includes a section through the marshes.
Remember to check the tide times (see practical information).
Moderator's note: The route was modified on 16/06/2023 to bypass the Bois de la Blanche between 2 and 5, which is private property.
Countryside and vineyards in Brem-sur-Mer
8.50 mi
+233 ft
-246 ft
4h 05
Easy
Departure from Brem-sur-Mer (Vendée)
Just a few minutes from the ocean, take a stroll along the country lanes among sunflowers, wheat fields and vineyards.
⚠️ 25/06/2025: it seems that it is impossible to access the field between 3 and 4 along the path. Thank you for your feedback on this in the reviews.
Tour of the Île d'Yeu
16.87 mi
+226 ft
-220 ft
7h 55
Moderate
Departure from L'Île-d'Yeu (Vendée)
A beautiful coastal hike that goes all the way around the island.
The hill with the mills from Mouilleron-en-Pareds
4.50 mi
+423 ft
-407 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Mouilleron-en-Pareds (Vendée)
Take a walk on the hill of the mills to discover the remains of the windmills and beautiful views of the low bocage to the north as far as Pouzauges and Saint-Michel-Mont-Mercure and the plain to the south as far as the Forest of Mervent.
Between the beach and the marshes at the tip of the island of Noirmoutier (1)
7.85 mi
+16 ft
-13 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Noirmoutier-en-l'Île (Vendée)
Hike on the sand along the beach, then through the marshes.
From Puits d'Enfer to Cayola
4.52 mi
+118 ft
-141 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Château-d'Olonne (Vendée)
A hike along the Atlantic coast, from Les Sables d'Olonne to Château d'Olonne. In all seasons, preferably during days of high tides, to admire the surf at Puits d'Enfer.
The Vendée Corniche
6.48 mi
+23 ft
-23 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (Vendée)
Located between Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the Vendée coastline offers hikers and walkers three kilometres of wild rocky coastline.A beautiful hike or walk to enjoy. The small paths, away from cars and bicycles, make this walk a wonderful experience and a treat for young and old alike.
Tour of Lake Finfarine
5.73 mi
+128 ft
-108 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Poiroux (Vendée)
Enjoyable walk around the Finfarine dam lake in Poiroux (85) with numerous shaded paths.
Two circuits are available:
- a short 7 km circuit,
- a long 9 km circuit.
Around the Jeune Autise in Maillezais
6.94 mi
+46 ft
-46 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Maillezais (Vendée)
This path between the "wet" and "dry" marshes, passing by a characteristic feature of the marsh (the Aqueduct), will take you from the Romanesque church to the majestic Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Maillezais.
The Bois Riveau and Grands Bois route
3.83 mi
+16 ft
-16 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Bouillé-Courdault (Vendée)
Merger of two very well-marked routes, marked in two colours: yellow-orange and yellow-blue.
The route is mostly shaded and very pleasant in the Poitevin marshes!
Circular route between Tiffauges and Boussay along the Sèvre river
9.69 mi
+440 ft
-413 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Tiffauges (Vendée)
This route offers magnificent views of Tiffauges Castle, especially at the end, or what remains of it, the famous Bluebeard's Castle.
It runs largely along the Sèvre Nantaise stream.
Note that this route can be shortened halfway by taking the Pont de la Grossière bridge. This halves the time and distance for little legs.
On the other hand, the second part is wilder and more bucolic.
Circular from Saint-Aubin-des-Ormeaux to Mortagne-Sur-Sèvre
10.38 mi
+495 ft
-525 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Aubin-des-Ormeaux (Vendée)
This hike begins with a series of small roads with no traffic and paths to Mortagne-Sur-Sèvre, then returns along the Sèvre river as much as possible, i.e. almost all the time, except at the end to return to the starting point.
From Les Pâtis to Les Fontenelles
10.61 mi
+197 ft
-200 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from La Roche-sur-Yon (Vendée)
From La Roche-sur-Yon to Venansault, along shaded paths through meadows, woods and streams. From town to countryside in just a few steps...
Between the sea and La Vie
3.42 mi
+33 ft
-33 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (Vendée)
This invigorating little tour invites you to discover some of the treasures of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, crossed by the mouth of the coastal river La Vie, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
The tour of La Mère via the Grotte du Père de Montford
7.67 mi
+577 ft
-571 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Mervent (Vendée)
This hike is accessible to all hikers, with a few minor difficulties and one section off the trail, but no major hazards.It starts in the village of Mervent, which overlooks the River La Mêre. A superb viewpoint at the top of the castle ruins offers a view of the meandering river and the surrounding forest.
The wild marshes of Le Mazeau
5.36 mi
+7 ft
-7 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Le Mazeau (Vendée)
A walk in the wild marshes of Le Mazeau, criss-crossed by a multitude of canals and ditches. Here, summer and winter alike, the light is always beautiful through the poplar plantations!
The Bois de la Barbinière from Rochard
5.86 mi
+315 ft
-289 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from La Verrie (Vendée)
Rochard is a tourist village located in the commune of Mortagne-sur-Sèvre. The village has picnic areas and is crossed by the Sèvre river.
The Tour du Lac du Jaunay
5.04 mi
+259 ft
-272 ft
2h 35
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Julien-des-Landes (Vendée)
A beautiful hike around Lac du Jaunay, an unmissable destination in the Pays des Achards. It is a preserved and protected natural area covering 114 hectares.
The starting point is at La Baudrière. The route runs along both banks and crosses the dam next to the water plant near La Savarière.
Walk around Lake Gué Gorand
2.21 mi
+16 ft
-10 ft
1h 00
Easy
Departure from Coëx (Vendée)
Far from the hustle and bustle of the seaside, the peaceful Lac du Gué Gorand is perfect for a lovely stroll along the water's edge. The dam, which was filled in 1990, is used to irrigate 400 hectares of farmland and the Fontenelles golf course.
The marshes of Île d'Olonne
8.53 mi
+16 ft
-16 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from L'Île-d'Olonne (Vendée)
A very pleasant walk in the Île d'Olonne Marshes Nature Reserve. You are likely to see herons and other species.
Circular of the Sèvre Nantaise valley in Mortagne
15.69 mi
+830 ft
-846 ft
7h 55
Difficult
Departure from Tiffauges (Vendée)
This large circular route can be completed in a long day. It is part of a series of circular routes of varying lengths that allow you to discover the magnificent Sèvre Nantaise valley between Clisson and Mortagne-sur-Sèvre. This section starts at the Moulin de la Roche in the commune of Tiffauges and goes to the foot of Mortagne, returning by different paths but always favouring the banks of the Sèvre.
Moutiers - Le Givre
7.27 mi
+249 ft
-266 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Moutiers-les-Mauxfaits (Vendée)
The Troussepoil Adventure Trail and discovery of the village of Le Givre.
The Hermit's Fountain Trail
3.67 mi
+184 ft
-180 ft
1h 50
Difficult
Departure from L'Orbrie (Vendée)
Starting from the Fontaine-à-l'Ermite roundabout, the trail joins the lake shore and then follows the left bank of the Vendée river up to the Perrure bridge, before climbing up to the Allée de la Fontaine à l'Ermite, which will take you back to the starting point.
Please note that the trail is uneven and involves climbing over rocks along the Vendée.
Forest and marshes around Saint-Jean-de-Monts
10.42 mi
+10 ft
-10 ft
1.5 hrs
Easy
Departure from Saint-Jean-de-Monts (Vendée)
A very easy ride to explore the dune forest and Vendée marshes by mountain bike or hybrid bike.
Urban circular in Fontenay le Comte
6.93 mi
+112 ft
-131 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Fontenay-le-Comte (Vendée)
A superb hike that allows you to discover some of the town centre's attractions and trails, mostly along the Vendée, before returning along a small stream and then an old railway line. There is little elevation gain, making it a very easy route.
The Farfadets route in Le Poiré-sur-Vie
4.67 mi
+190 ft
-187 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Le Poiré-sur-Vie (Vendée)
Enjoyable walk in the countryside along the La Vie river.
Herbergement Forest
3.79 mi
+98 ft
-98 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Sainte-Florence (Vendée) (Vendée)
Located at the intersection of the D137 and D160 roads, near the Quatre Chemins de l'Oie crossroads, the Hérbergement forest offers pleasant trails where you can explore the undergrowth with its variety of tree species. With a bit of luck, you may even spot a deer.
Three-quarters of the route follows a trail that is clearly marked by the ONF (numbered markers).
More walks in Vendée
Select an area below:
- Aubigny (Vendée)
- Auzay
- Barbâtre
- Bazoges-en-Pareds
- Benet
- Bessay
- Bois-de-Céné
- Bouillé-Courdault
- Bournezeau
- Brem-sur-Mer
- Bretignolles-sur-Mer
- Chaillé-sous-les-Ormeaux
- Château-d'Olonne
- Coëx
- Damvix
- Doix
- Dompierre-sur-Yon
- Faymoreau
- Fontenay-le-Comte
- Fougeré (Vendée)
- Grosbreuil
- Jard-sur-Mer
- L'Épine (Vendée)
- L'Hermenault
- L'Île-d'Olonne
- L'Île-d'Yeu
- L'Orbrie
- La Boissière-de-Montaigu
- La Bruffière
- La Caillère-Saint-Hilaire
- La Chaize-le-Vicomte
- La Chapelle-aux-Lys
- La Chapelle-Hermier
- La Ferrière (Vendée)
- La Garnache
- La Mothe-Achard
- La Roche-sur-Yon
- La Tardière
- La Tranche-sur-Mer
- La Verrie
- Landeronde
- Le Bernard
- Le Champ-Saint-Père
- Le Mazeau
- Le Poiré-sur-Velluire
- Le Poiré-sur-Vie
- Le Tablier
- Les Clouzeaux
- Les Epesses
- Les Herbiers
- Les Sables-d'Olonne
- Longeville-sur-Mer
- Maillezais
- Mallièvre
- Mareuil-sur-Lay-Dissais
- Mervent
- Montreuil (Vendée)
- Mortagne-sur-Sèvre
- Mouilleron-en-Pareds
- Mouilleron-le-Captif
- Moutiers-les-Mauxfaits
- Nesmy
- Noirmoutier-en-l'Île
- Olonne-sur-Mer
- Pissotte
- Poiroux
- Pouzauges
- Saint-André-Goule-d'Oie
- Saint-Aubin-des-Ormeaux
- Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
- Saint-Hilaire-de-Loulay
- Saint-Hilaire-des-Loges
- Saint-Jean-de-Monts
- Saint-Julien-des-Landes
- Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre
- Saint-Maurice-des-Noues
- Saint-Michel-le-Cloucq
- Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon
- Sainte-Florence (Vendée)
- Sallertaine
- Talmont-Saint-Hilaire
- Thorigny
- Tiffauges
- Venansault
- Vouvant
- Xanton-Chassenon