Discover a hidden treasure in the heart of the Vendée: a secret network of rivers and marshes. A canoe trip in the Vendée carries you along to the soothing rhythm of the paddle. Visitors describe it as a “magical” experience, a true communion with nature. For this adventure, Flower Camping Au Bois des Biches in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez is the perfect starting point for activities for the whole family.
What you need to know before your canoe trip
For families and couples planning days out, practicalities and safety come first. This table sums up the essentials for your canoe hire in Vendée, so you can quickly tell whether the adventure suits what you have in mind.
| Feature | Recommendation | Why it matters |
| Best season | April to September. | Means milder weather and open hire centres. |
| Essential requirement | Being able to swim 25 metres and submerge underwater. | A basic safety requirement set by hire companies in case you fall into the water. |
| Compulsory equipment | Life jacket or buoyancy aid (provided by the hire company). | A non-negotiable safety rule to ensure you stay afloat straight away. |
| What to wear | Closed shoes, clothes that can get wet, sun protection (hat, sun cream, sunglasses). | Protects your feet and helps prevent sunburn from the sun’s reflection off the water. |
| Is it suitable for families? | Absolutely. Vendée has plenty of calm-water routes with no current. | Calm-water routes are designed to give families a safe introduction to canoeing. |
Why is Vendée such a secret spot for canoeing?
Why is canoeing in the Vendée so special? Because the department has a mosaic of waterscapes of rare quality. This well-preserved nature is the result of a strong commitment to conservation, recognised by labels such as “Espace Naturel Sensible” (Sensitive Natural Area). Sites such as the Réserve des Huttes, in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, are home to exceptional biodiversity, with more than 1,200 recorded species.
This protection guarantees an authentic experience. In just a few paddle strokes, you glide from shaded rivers into the green maze of the marshes, before reaching the open horizons of the coast. This variety of canoe routes in the Vendée suits every mood.
To top it all off, wildlife is everywhere: herons, kingfishers and coypu bring the trip to life and make it one to remember.
What are the best canoe routes in the Vendée?
The Vendée has a mosaic of waterscapes, each offering its own unique canoeing and kayaking in the Vendée experience.
Enchanted rivers: the Vie and the Jaunay
Close to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, the River Vie and Lac du Jaunay are perfect for a family outing. Their calm waters are ideal for a first kayak hire, with one-hour trips available from Apremont or La Chaize-Giraud.
Visitors describe an almost fairytale atmosphere. Lac d’Apremont, overlooked by its Gourgeau windmill, is also a beautiful setting for paddling or trying stand up paddleboarding for the first time.
The Marais Poitevin: a cathedral of greenery
Nicknamed the “Green Venice”, the Marais Poitevin is a maze of canals, perfect for a peaceful escape into nature. The quality of the site is recognised by the “Grand Site de France” label. For a longer canoe trip in Vendée, or to follow the salt route through the Vendée part of the Marais Breton, specialist guides offer a wide choice of routes to suit everyone.
The coast: a different perspective
For experienced paddlers, sea canoeing in Vendée, setting off from Les Sables-d’Olonne or Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, offers a spectacular view of the coast. These water activities are more demanding, though: they depend on the weather conditions and are subject to strict regulations.
How do you arrange your canoe hire in Vendée?
For canoe hire in Vendée, our partner Les Canoës du Marais, based in Givrand, is a safe bet. Located on the banks of the Jaunay, a calm and safe river, this centre is ideal for an outing with family or friends.
There are two routes to choose from:
- Découverte (1 hour), perfect for beginners;
- Escapade (2 hours), which takes you as far as Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.
In summer, the experience becomes truly special with the evening outing: paddle back under the stars after a stop at the harbour. For a change of pace, paddleboard hire is also available.
Our tips for a successful family canoe trip
To make your canoe trip in Vendée a success for adults and children alike, good preparation is essential.
- Safety first: all participants must be able to swim and feel confident in the water. Buoyancy aids must be worn at all times. For younger children, one point is important: children under 30 kg must wear a life jacket rated at least 100 Newton, which is safer than a simple 50 Newton buoyancy aid.
- Choosing the right route: for a first outing, opt for a short trip (about 1 hour) on a calm river such as the Jaunay.
- Bringing the right equipment: take water, snacks and sun protection. A waterproof dry bag is essential to keep your belongings dry.
- Getting the children involved: turn the trip into a discovery game by challenging them to spot birds or local wildlife.
- Checking the minimum age: some providers accept children from the age of 3. Ask when you book your canoe or kayak hire.
A day of canoeing in the Vendée leaves memories that last. After these outdoor activities, coming back to Flower Camping Au Bois des Biches feels just right. The calm of the pine forest near Saint-Jean-de-Monts is the perfect refuge to extend this enchanting break and share the stories of the day.
