Les Herbiers Beaches

Overview

While Les Herbiers is a charming inland town, it also serves as a fantastic gateway to the magnificent beaches of the Vendée. Known as the 'Côte de Lumière' or Coast of Light, this stretch of the Atlantic is famed for its vast, sandy shores. From Les Herbiers, the coast is about an hour's drive, making seaside day trips a perfect addition to your holiday. Planning to explore the coastline is best done by car, giving you the freedom to discover its many treasures.

The Vendée coast offers a remarkable variety of beaches to suit every taste. For a truly iconic view, visit Plage des Dames on the island of Noirmoutier, famous for its historic white beach huts and pier. If you prefer wild, windswept landscapes, the social media favorite Plage du Veillon will captivate you with its natural estuary and expansive dunes. Families looking for a relaxed day will appreciate the calm, sheltered waters at Plage de Boisvinet, a favorite spot for an easy-going outing.

For the classic French resort experience, the expansive Grande Plage in Les Sables-d'Olonne offers a lively promenade and kilometers of fine sand. This is just one of the many popular spots you can explore along the coast. Our complete guide features a longer list of destinations, including quiet escapes like the cliff-backed Plage de la Mine, ensuring you can find the perfect beach for your adventure from Les Herbiers.

Top Beaches

Grande Plage des Sables-d'Olonne

The quintessential Vendée beach experience, this vast, south-facing bay in the region's most famous town offers abundant activities and amenities. Often cited as one of the most beautiful bays in Europe, its three-kilometer arc of fine, golden sand is its most defining feature. The beach is famously bordered by the Remblai, a long and lively waterfront promenade that creates a seamless link between the sand and the city. This proximity generates a vibrant atmosphere, blending the energy of a bustling town with the relaxed pace of a classic seaside holiday. The scene is a picturesque mix of historic villas and modern buildings overlooking the expansive shoreline. It is this perfect fusion of urban convenience and natural coastal beauty that makes the Grande Plage the true heart of Les Sables-d'Olonne.

FAQ

People Also Ask

How far is Les Herbiers from the nearest beach?

Les Herbiers is an inland town, so it is not located directly on the coast. The nearest Atlantic beaches are on the Vendée coast, which is about an hour's drive away. The popular resort town of Les Sables-d'Olonne, for example, is approximately 80-90 kilometers from Les Herbiers.

What is the best beach for a day trip from Les Herbiers?

For a classic seaside resort experience with a long sandy beach, a lively promenade, and many restaurants, Les Sables-d'Olonne is a top choice, about an hour's drive away. If you prefer a charming fishing port atmosphere combined with beautiful beaches, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is another excellent option at a similar distance.

Can you have a beach holiday based in Les Herbiers?

While Les Herbiers is an excellent base for visiting the Puy du Fou theme park, it is not ideal for a traditional beach holiday where you can walk to the sea daily. It is better suited for travelers who want to combine a visit to Puy du Fou with one or two day trips to the coast, for which a car is necessary.

Is there a lake or river beach in Les Herbiers itself?

Yes, for a local swimming option, Les Herbiers has the Lac de la Tricherie in nearby Mesnard-la-Barotière. It features a man-made sandy beach area, supervised swimming in the summer, water sports, and a leisure park, making it a popular alternative to driving to the coast.

Is it better to stay near the coast or in Les Herbiers if my main goal is Puy du Fou?

If Puy du Fou and its evening show, the 'Cinéscénie', are your top priority, staying in or near Les Herbiers is much more convenient. This allows you to easily return to your accommodation late at night. You can then plan a day trip to the coast, which is about an hour's drive each way.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Do you need a car to get to the beaches from Les Herbiers?

Yes, a car is essential for visiting the coastal beaches from Les Herbiers. Public transport options to the coast are very limited and not practical for a day trip. The drive to the main Vendée coastal resorts typically takes about one hour.

Are the beaches near Les Herbiers good for families with children?

Absolutely. The Vendée coast is renowned for its long, sandy, and gently sloping beaches, which are ideal for families. Resorts like Saint-Jean-de-Monts, Les Sables-d'Olonne, and La Tranche-sur-Mer offer supervised swimming areas ('plages surveillées'), kids' clubs, and plenty of amenities.

What is the water temperature like on the Vendée coast in summer?

The Atlantic water on the Vendée coast is refreshing. In the peak summer months of July and August, the sea temperature typically ranges from 18°C to 21°C (64°F to 70°F). It's pleasant for swimming on a hot day but is cooler than the Mediterranean.

Are the Vendée beaches crowded in the summer?

The main beaches in popular resorts like Les Sables-d'Olonne and Saint-Jean-de-Monts can be very busy in July and August. However, the Vendée coast is known for its vast stretches of sand, so you can usually find a quieter spot by walking a little further from the main access points.

What are the beaches on the Vendée coast like?

The Vendée coast, known as the 'Côte de Lumière' (Coast of Light), is characterized by long, wide beaches with fine, golden sand backed by dunes and pine forests. The waves are generally gentle, making them great for swimming and family activities, while some spots are also popular for surfing and kitesurfing.