Road Trip in Vendée: 5 must-see places
to do in vanlife
Planning a vanlife road trip in the 85? The Vendée is a magnificent region not to be missed on a vanlife road trip in France. With its many natural spots, you'll be able to discover plenty of rejuvenating places on board your converted car. We promise you'll enjoy these 5 vanlife spots in the Vendée!
Noirmoutier Island & l'île d'Yeu
It's impossible to talk about a road trip in the Vendée without mentioning the islands of Noirmoutier and Yeu. These islands have preserved their natural, unspoilt areas for a rejuvenating stay. They're a must-see in the 85 for a breath of fresh air in a converted van! You can reach the island of Noirmoutier via the famous Passage du Gois, a submersible road that becomes accessible at low tide. You'll fall under the spell of its fine sandy beaches, beautiful fishing villages and salt marshes. We recommend that you leave your van in Noirmoutier and take a shuttle to the Ile d'Yeu. It's up to you to explore the roads of this haven of peace by bike. Yes, when you go to Noirmoutier or Ile d'Yeu, cycling is a must! Explore the wild creeks, coastal paths and charming towns for a totally relaxing experience.
Where to bivouac in Noirmoutier?
- At Camping de la pointe with a great sea view and all amenities nearby;
- Parking 3 impasses de Noroit, ideal for converted vans and very close to the beach;
- Parking Barbâtre 5 rue de la fontaine entre mer et dunes ;
- La Guérinière motorhome park 54 rue des Moulins.
Les Sables-d'Olonne For a successful road trip in Vendée
How can you experience vanlife in the Vendée without passing through Les Sables-d'Olonne, a surfer's paradise? Whether you're looking for a sporty break with your surfboard, or a lazy one with your beach towel and a good book, the great sunny beaches of Les Sables-d'Olonne are sure to mark this stage of your journey!
Whether you're looking for a lively evening stroll along the embankment, a surprise in the La Chaume district or a spot of green in the Olonne-sur-Mer forest, this land and sea destination has it all.
Where to bivouac in Les Sables-d'Olonne?
- Paracou beach parking lot, perfect for enjoying a night by the sea and surfing near the beautiful La Chaume district;
- Parking les Sables-d'Olonne 16 impasse Paul Verlaine for a quiet night near the sea;
- Parking les Sables-d'Olonne rue Beauséjour for a night on the town near the entertainment;
The Marais Poitevin
Make way for nature with the Marais Poitevin, nicknamed the "Green Venice". Here, you can immerse yourself in an exceptional nature reserve and cruise through the canals in a boat or kayak. It's your turn to go for a hike or go fishing! There's no doubt about it: a vanlife road trip in the Marais Poitevin in the Vendée will introduce you to a wide range of landscapes and provide you with an absolutely unique experience. Admire the peaceful landscapes, watch the birds and let the magic of the marshes work its magic.
Where to bivouac in the Marais Poitevin?
- Parking Luçon 285 Route du Communal on the edge of the lake and close to the town center and greenways to discover the marshes by bike;
- L'Aiguillon-Sur-Mer parking lot on route de la Grande Jetée for an overnight stay by the sea before setting off again to explore the marshes;
- In Triaize, you'll be able to park your converted car in this pretty spot in the middle of the marshes.
The Forest of Mervent-Vouvant
Don't miss the largest forest in the Vendée during your road trip in the 85 region in a converted minivan! This magnificent forest is a 5,000-hectare natural gem where you can recharge your batteries and enjoy a wide range of activities. Stroll along the forest paths, discover the lakes and rivers, and enjoy the tranquility of this unspoilt area. You'll have just as much fun cruising on Lake Mervent in an electric boat, canoe or paddle as you will strolling through the forest on foot, mountain bike or even horseback. And if you're on a family outing in a van, the zoo and accrobranche are just waiting for you!
Where to bivouac in the Forêt de Mervent-Vouvant?
- The Auberge de la Forêt motorhome park in a quiet, bucolic setting with all amenities in the heart of nature;
- Parking Saint-Maurice des Noues rue de la Mine Epagne, the ideal place to start your mountain biking or hiking trip;
- Vouvant's motorhome park on Rue Château Neuf is the perfect place to relax after visiting Vouvant, one of France's most beautiful villages!
Vanlife in Vendée : Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Ah Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie! This small coastal town has an authentic charm and maritime atmosphere that's sure to win you over. Its large port and the old Saint-Gilles district are interesting and invigorating places to visit during your Vendée road trip. Between its moored fishing boats and fine sandy beaches, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is a real gem on the Vendée coast, and a perfect stopover for lovers of the beach, gastronomy and the maritime atmosphere. Don't miss the Corniche Vendéenne, which starts here!
Where to bivouac in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie?
- Parking Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie avenue du Pont Neuf, quiet and close to the beach;
- Parking Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie Quai Garcie Ferrande for its proximity to the port and downtown shops and restaurants.
- Camping Les Cyprès for its proximity to the beach and its various services and activities.
Now you're ready to set off on a vanlife road trip in the Vendée, without missing out on the 85 region's must-sees, with several places to sleep peacefully in a converted van. We wish you a great trip on the roads of the Vendée!