Discover one of the Vendée coast’s must-sees: the Corniche de Sion and Les Cinq Pineaux, an iconic walk. Less than 5 km from this coastal treasure, our Flower Camping Au Bois des Biches is the ideal starting point for your outing. In just 15 minutes by bike, you leave the calm of the pine forest behind and step out into the fresh ocean air.
Your walk along the Corniche de Sion: what you need to know
To help you plan your visit, here is a summary of the key information. This table gives you a quick overview of what to expect on this remarkable path.
| Feature | Details |
| Starting point | Sion district, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez |
| Distance (main section) | 3 km (one-way route, from Sion to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie) |
| Average time | Around 1 to 1.5 hours of easy walking |
| Difficulty | Very easy, suitable for the whole family |
| Main sights | Le Trou du Diable, Les Cinq Pineaux, the Feu de Grosse Terre lighthouse |
| Accessibility | Well-kept path, ideal for families. Pushchairs can be used. |
| Cost | Free |
A landscape shaped by time and legend
The Corniche Vendéenne is far more than a rocky stretch of coast. It is what remains of the ancient Île de Rié, which was once separated from the mainland. Its rocks, made up of schist and quartz-veined sandstone, are particularly fragile. This geology explains the intense erosion that continues to shape the coastline today. The site has been protected since 1926 because of its unique character. One figure shows just how quickly it is changing: in only seventy years, the coast has receded by almost ten metres.
The appeal of the Vendée coast is no coincidence. The department is one of France’s biggest tourist destinations, with an average of 36 million overnight stays a year. This popularity comes down to the beauty of its landscapes, and the walk along the Corniche de Sion is a perfect example.
The large number of visitors, especially in summer, is a reminder of how important it is to protect these listed natural sites that add to the region’s reputation. This ever-changing landscape has also fed the collective imagination, giving rise to some enduring legends.
The most famous concerns the Trou du Diable, a sea cave where the ocean crashes in with a roar. Legend has it that the Devil, furious at losing a bet, struck the rock with his heel and so created the cavity. Another version says he is imprisoned there, watched closely by five petrified monks not far away. These mysterious stone guardians are the famous Cinq Pineaux. Their name comes from the Celtic pen, meaning “head”, a reference to their very distinctive shape.
Your route: the key stages of the walk
The iconic Corniche de Sion walk can be enjoyed at whatever pace suits you. The main route stretches for around 3 kilometres, a perfect distance for a family outing. More experienced walkers can extend their route along the coastal path (GR8), which offers loops of up to 13 km.
Here are the must-see stops on your Corniche de Sion walk:
- Setting off from Sion: begin your walk in the Sion district of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. Here you’ll find charming Belle Époque villas, a reminder of the resort’s seaside heritage.
- Le Trou du Diable: this geological curiosity is a constantly changing spectacle. For an even more dramatic experience, plan your visit for high tide, when the water rushes in, foaming and churning, to create an impressive natural geyser.
- Le Feu de Grosse Terre: keep following the Corniche path to reach the lighthouse and the Villa Grosse Terre public park. It’s a lovely spot for a panoramic break with open views over the Atlantic Ocean.
- Les Cinq Pineaux: the high point of the walk, these five rocks lined up facing the ocean have become the emblem of the area. Their distinctive silhouette is perfect for photography, especially at sunset.
Making the most of your visit: beyond the walk
The Corniche de Sion and Les Cinq Pineaux: the iconic walk can be enjoyed in different ways. For a richer experience, the tourist offices of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie offer guided tours that help you understand more about the site’s history and biodiversity.
For a fun outing, especially with children, hop aboard the Petits Trains de Vendée. This guided coastal tour starts near the Sion sailing school and offers a different view of the Corniche. Tickets cost €9 for adults and €5 for children.
The main path is well maintained and suitable for a pushchair, making it an ideal family outing. This means discovering the Cinq Pineaux is possible for all ages.
Practical information for a great day out
To help your visit to the Corniche de Sion and Les Cinq Pineaux: the iconic walk go smoothly, here are a few useful tips.
- Address and parking: the main access is via Avenue de la Corniche, 85270 Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. You will find parking spaces in several places, including near the Ker-Louis hotel in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie or in the centre of Sion.
- When to go? The site is open all year round, but the experience changes with the tides. Check the tide times before you set off. Tip: start your walk to Les Cinq Pineaux about an hour after low tide, so you can get close to the coves and admire the Trou du Diable safely.
- Facilities: plenty of restaurants and cafés in Sion and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie are ready to welcome you for a tasty break. The beaches, such as Les Cinq Pineaux, are a perfect spot for a swim after your walk.
More than just exercise, the Corniche de Sion and Les Cinq Pineaux: the iconic walk is a journey into the natural and cultural history of the Vendée.
After a day of exploring, Flower Camping Au Bois des Biches offers comfort and nature, the ideal place to recharge and plan your next Vendée adventure.
