What to do in the Marais Breton-Vendéen?
Covering 45,000 hectares, the Marais Breton-Vendéen is a listed natural area stretching from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie through Saint-Jean-de-Monts to Moutiers-en-Retz.
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Its many canals, wet meadows and polders are a delight for hikers and cyclists who come to admire the flora and fauna. To help you discover it, your 4-star campsite suggests 6 activities to do in the Marais Breton Vendée.
Discover the history of this natural area
Formerly part of the Bay of Brittany, which then included several islands, the only one of which remains today, Noirmoutier has since undergone profound changes to take on the appearance we know today. These changes were brought about by the sedimentation of the Loire and Charente rivers, as well as by the creation of man-made dykes and étiers in ancient times to develop the salt marsh industry.
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At the same time, other economic activities, such as oyster farming and grazing, came into being. Many market gardeners have kept this natural area alive right up to the present day. This is what the Le Daviaud ecomuseum offers visitors to discover. Although the Marais Breton has undergone profound changes over time, its original name has remained in reference to this era and this geographical feature.
1. The Daviaud Ecomuseum
TheDaviaud eco-museum in La Barre de Monts offers a real immersion into the life of the marsh through its exhibition, renovated buildings, salt marsh and activities.
2. Kulmino
Between La Barre-de-Monts and Notre-Dame-de-Monts, Kulmino is the name given to the water tower that allows you to soar to new heights! In fact, you can climb to a height of 70 m to admire the spectacular panorama of marshes, forest and the Atlantic Ocean.
3. La bourrine à Rosalie
In Sallertaine (less than 10 km from Saint-Jean-de-Monts), take a trip down memory lane with the moving story of La Bourrine à Rosalie and the lady who gave her name to the house.
Visit the Breton-Vendée marshes
If you’d like to find out more about the heritage and traditions of the Marais Breton-Vendéen, there are several other options open to you. In particular, you’ll be able to discover the region’s traditional bourrines, typical dwellings whose walls are built from a naturally produced, local mixture of sand, earth, straw and water. These bourrines were then covered with reeds to create a sufficiently strong roof.
4. La bourrine du Bois-Juquaud
Located near Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the Musée de la Bourrine du Bois-Juquaud. This dwelling steeped in history allows visitors to immerse themselves in the daily life of market gardeners during a fascinating guided tour.
5. Walking or cycling
The Marais also boasts a wealth of flora and fauna, which can be explored and admired on foot or by bike, thanks to the signposted trails.
6. Yawl or canoe trip
Lovers of water sports will have every opportunity to enjoy the beauty of these vast natural spaces by canoe or even yawl. The latter allows visitors to let themselves be carried along in a traditional boat with the commentary of a local guide.
7. Carriage ride
Finally, if you’d like to admire the panoramic views of the marsh, you can also take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage to get closer to nature.
