Looking for a memorable day out on the water this summer? Vendée is best discovered from the sea, setting off from the harbours near our campsite Au Bois des Biches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. Here, hiring a boat in Vendée is simple, varied and within easy reach. As a couple, with family or with friends, with or without a skipper, every day takes on a different flavour. Book your stay at our campsite and get out on the water!
The essentials for your day at sea
- What: boat hire (sailing boats, motor boats, RIBs) to explore the Corniche cliffs, Île d’Yeu, the Bay of Les Sables-d’Olonne and the forests of southern Vendée.
- Where: departing from the harbours near Au Bois des Biches campsite: Port La Vie, Fromentine and Les Sables-d’Olonne.
- When: during your summer stay, for anything from a quick stop-off (1 hour) to a full day’s expedition out on the open sea.
- How: it’s easy with local experts (Voile et Vie or AG Nautic). Choose with or without a skipper, depending on your experience, whether you’re out with family or friends, for a leisurely trip, fishing or sport.
Boat trips to discover along the Vendée coast
The Vendée coastline has a wonderful variety of seascapes, from rugged cliffs and long stretches of fine sandy beach to unspoilt archipelagos. Here are the main routes for discovering these treasures from the ocean.
Exploring the Vendée corniche and its cliffs
This route takes you to the foot of the cliffs of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. Sailing along this rocky coast, you can see remarkable geological formations up close, such as the “Trou du Diable” (Devil’s Hole) or the “Cinq Pineaux”. The contrast between the blue of the Atlantic and the pale limestone of the cliff faces makes for a wild, dramatic sight, especially when the swell crashes against the rocks.
Departure: Port La Vie, Bd de l’Égalité, 85800 Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France, 9 km from our campsite.
Average duration: 1 hr to 1 hr 30 min.
Crossing to the Île d’Yeu and discovering the open sea
Heading to the Île d’Yeu is the most immersive trip of all. Depending on your route, you can arrive at the island via the port of La Meule, tucked into a narrow cove, or via Port-Joinville, the lively gateway to this unspoilt island, where the wild coast is reminiscent of Brittany’s landscapes.
Departure:
- Fromentine, 85550 La Barre-de-Monts, France, 30 km from our campsite.
- Port La Vie, Bd de l’Égalité, 85800 Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France, 9 km from our campsite
Average crossing time: 30 to 70 minutes, depending on the type of boat.
A trip around the Bay of Les Sables-d’Olonne
Sailing in one of the most beautiful bays in the world gives you a view of the Les Sables-d’Olonne skyline. The route often skirts the Vendée Globe channel to bring you close to the Armandèche lighthouse and the Tour d’Arundel. It’s a peaceful outing with an outstanding panorama of the Grande Plage and the seafront promenade, while staying clear of the stronger currents.
Departure: Port des Sables-d’Olonne, 1 Quai Alain Gerbaud, 85100 Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, 38 km from our campsite.
Sailing along the coast of southern Vendée
From Jard-sur-Mer, this route follows a lower, sandier stretch of coastline. The trip offers a unique view of the oyster beds in the Baie de l’Aiguillon and the pine forests lining the shore. On a clear day, you can make out the bridge to the Île de Ré on the horizon, marking the entrance to the sheltered waters of the Pertuis Breton.
Departure: Le Port, 85520 Jard-sur-Mer, France, 58 km from our campsite.
Boat hire companies in Vendée
Choosing the right boat hire company is key to your safety. Here are the best specialists.
Voile et Vie in Saint-Gilles
Voile & Vie, based in Saint‑Gilles‑Croix‑de‑Vie in Vendée, is a passionate company that invites you to discover the sea safely. Its varied fleet of sailing boats and motorboats suits all levels, from beginners to experienced sailors. You’ll find high-performance sailing boats such as the First 25s, Océanis or Dufour 410 GL, perfect for coastal cruises or day trips, as well as motorboats, including the Cap Camarat and Flyer 6.6, ideal for leisurely trips, fishing or water sports.
Voile & Vie offers boat hire with or without a skipper, so you can sail independently or be guided and make the most of your time at sea.
Address: 3, Port La Vie, Bd de l’Égalité, 85800 Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France, 9 km from our campsite.
Tel: 06 11 83 76 22.
AG Nautic
AG Nautic is a boating specialist based in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. It offers semi-rigid motorboats for hire, for trips out to sea along the Vendée coast. Are you looking for a peaceful cruise, a chance to explore the coves, or an active day out with friends or family? AG Nautic has a well-maintained, high-performing fleet, so you can set off from Port La Vie and sail in complete freedom.
With a focus on the pleasure of being out on the water, safety and comfort are at the heart of the experience. Open to all boating enthusiasts and anyone who loves a taste of the sea, the hire is ideal for enjoying the Atlantic scenery and the Vendée islands in a friendly, relaxed setting.
Address: 56 route de l’Aiguillon, 85800 Saint Gilles Croix de Vie, 11 km from our campsite.
Tel: 06 03 29 69 32
Hiring a boat in the Vendée is a must for anyone who wants to see the coastline from a different angle. Every trip offers beautiful scenery and memories to treasure. With trusted providers within easy reach of our campsite, Au Bois des Biches, you can enjoy safe boats suited to all levels of experience. So don’t wait any longer: book your stay, cast off and let the sea carry you away!
