Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez Beaches

Overview

Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, nestled in the Pays de la Loire region of France, is a premier destination for beach lovers. Its extensive coastline along the Atlantic offers miles of golden sand, making it an excellent choice for family holidays and swimming in the clear waters of the 'Côte de Lumière'. The beaches generally feature gentle slopes, welcoming for all ages.

This guide highlights several standout shores. For vibrant energy and watersports, Plage des Demoiselles is the action-packed favourite. Families often gravitate towards the calm, supervised waters of Plage de la Pège or the traditional seaside charm of Grande Plage de Sion. If scenic beauty is your priority, the rugged Corniche Vendéenne near Plage des 5 Pineaux provides stunning views and picturesque coves. The diversity extends to options like the well-known naturist beach, Plage des Salins, set in a wild, preserved environment.

Beyond these selections, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez presents a rich tapestry of coastal experiences, from bustling stretches to more tranquil, natural settings. Whether you're looking for active adventures on the water or a peaceful spot to relax, the variety ensures there's a perfect beach for every visitor. Dive into our comprehensive list to explore all the beaches this charming area has to offer.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez good for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez is considered an excellent choice for a family beach holiday. Many of its beaches, like Plage des Demoiselles, Plage de la Pège, Plage des Mouettes, and Grande Plage de Sion, are supervised during high season and offer gentle slopes into the water, making them safe for children. Some also have kids' clubs and facilities for people with reduced mobility.

Plage des de moiselles

Plage de la Pége

Plage des Mouettes

Grande plage de Sion

Can you swim in the sea at Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez and what's the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. The area boasts long sandy beaches, and many are supervised in July and August. The beaches generally have a gentle slope, which is good for swimming, especially for families with children. Water quality is monitored, and the area is known for its 'Côte de Lumière' (Coast of Light), implying clear conditions.

Are dogs allowed on the beaches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez?

Dog access on Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez beaches is generally restricted during peak season (typically June 1st to September 30th) during the day (e.g., 9 am to 7 pm or 10 am to 8 pm on some beaches). However, there is a specific dog-friendly beach area located 300 meters south of Plage des Mouettes, accessible without time restrictions. On other beaches, dogs might be allowed outside of these restricted hours, always on a leash. It's best to check local signage as regulations can vary.

Plage des Mouettes

What are the best beaches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez for watersports like surfing or kitesurfing?

For watersports, Plage des Demoiselles is a key spot, particularly for activities like surfing and land sailing, with a nautical base offering various activities. The area between Plage des Salins and Plage des Becs is specifically designated for kitesurfing. Grande Plage de Sion also has a nautical base and is good for various watersports.

Plage des de moiselles

Plage des Salins

Plage des Becs

Grande plage de Sion

Are there many campsites or accommodations with direct beach access in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez?

While many campsites and accommodations are located close to the beaches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, often within a short walk (e.g., 300-800m), direct beach access from the accommodation itself is a less common, premium feature. Some establishments do advertise this. It's always best to check directly with the accommodation for the specifics of their beach proximity.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Are there any naturist beaches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez?

Yes, Plage des Salins in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez is a well-known naturist beach. It's described as having a wild and preserved setting.

Plage des Salins

When is the best time to go to the beaches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez for swimming and sunbathing?

The best time for swimming and sunbathing at Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez beaches is during the summer months, particularly July and August. During this period, the weather is warmest, and most beaches are supervised. Lifeguard services are typically operational from early July to late August or early September. Some main posts might also be open on weekends in June and early September.

Which beaches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez are best for avoiding crowds?

Plage des 60 Bornes is often mentioned as a wilder and less crowded beach, ideal for those seeking a more natural and quiet environment. Its access points can be a bit further from parking, which contributes to it being less populated. The southern part of Plage des Demoiselles (Demoiselles 1) is also described as wilder and calmer compared to the more urban northern section.

People Also Ask

Are the beaches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez accessible for people with reduced mobility?

Yes, several beaches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez offer facilities for people with reduced mobility. Beaches like Les Demoiselles, La Pège, Les Mouettes, and Les Becs are equipped with features such as Tiralos or Hippocampes (beach wheelchairs) and accessible ramps. The town has an ongoing commitment to improving accessibility.

Plage des de moiselles

Plage de la Pége

Plage des Mouettes

Plage des Becs

What kind of activities can you do on the beaches besides swimming?

Besides swimming, the beaches of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez offer a variety of activities. Popular options include land sailing (char à voile), surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, beach volleyball, and fishing for pignouns (small shellfish) at low tide. Some beaches, like Les Demoiselles, host summer events and festivals. The Corniche Vendéenne offers scenic walks along the rocky coastline.

Plage des de moiselles

How do the beaches of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez compare to those in Saint-Jean-de-Monts?

Both Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez and Saint-Jean-de-Monts offer long sandy beaches popular with families. Plage des Demoiselles actually stretches between the two towns. Saint-Jean-de-Monts is known for its vast, well-equipped urban beaches with many amenities. Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez also has popular family beaches but offers a bit more variety with its 3km of rocky coastline (Corniche Vendéenne) and some wilder, more natural stretches like Plage des 60 Bornes or the naturist Plage des Salins.

What is the 'Corniche Vendéenne' near the beaches of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez?

The Corniche Vendéenne is a 3km stretch of rocky coastline in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, contrasting with the long sandy beaches. It's a scenic area for walks, offering views of formations like the 'Cinq Pineaux' (Five Pines rocks) and the 'Trou du Diable' (Devil's Hole). Some small coves and beaches like Pelle à Porteau are found along this section.

Plage des 5 pineaux

Plage du Porteau

Are there lifeguards on duty at Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez beaches?

Yes, many beaches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez are supervised by lifeguards, especially during the peak summer season (typically July and August). Main beaches like Les Demoiselles, Sion, Les Mouettes, La Pège, and Les Becs have lifeguard stations. Some may have extended supervision on weekends in June and early September.

Plage des de moiselles

Plage des Mouettes

Plage de la Pége

Plage des Becs

Is parking available near the beaches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, and is it free?

Yes, parking is generally available near the beaches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. Many of the main beaches, such as Plage des Demoiselles, Plage des 60 Bornes, Plage de la Pège, and Plage des Mouettes, have free parking areas. However, availability can be challenging during peak season.

Plage de la Pége

Plage des Mouettes

What is 'pêche aux pignons' and where can I do it in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez?

'Pêche aux pignons' refers to fishing for small edible wedge clams, a popular activity at low tide on some sandy beaches. Plage des Demoiselles is specifically mentioned as a place where you can enjoy this activity.

Plage des de moiselles