DISCOVER SAINT-HILAIRE-DE-RIEZ
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez is a small commune of about 12,000 inhabitants located on the Vendée coast, adjacent to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. It is a seaside resort surrounded by a beautiful diversity of landscapes that lives peacefully to the rhythm of the seasons. It boasts salt marshes, a pine and oak forest, and 10km of sandy beach.
The coast is marked by the Vendée cornice, the remains of an ancient island, Rié Island, now attached to the mainland. Delicate flora and fauna thrive along these small cliffs and rocks, forming 3km of coastline to explore on foot or by bike. Walkers will also appreciate the forest, which, in addition to retaining the dunes, offers a pleasant place to relax away from the intense heat.
In the town center, the Mattes monument and the Notre-Dame-de-Pitié chapel are among the historical monuments to visit, as are the salt marshes. More than a tradition, they are at the heart of local tourism. By visiting the Vie salt marshes, you can discover the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem and the work of the salt worker who harvests the salt. Children will be delighted to spend a day at Atlantic Toboggans or Dino’s Park, and adults will appreciate the many water sports available on Vendée beaches.
For several decades, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez has been one of the flagship towns on the Côte de Lumière in Vendée, and not without reason!
FESTIVITIES IN SAINT-HILAIRE-DE-RIEZ
Throughout the year, several events bring joy and entertainment to holidaymakers at the campsite in St Hilaire de Riez. The year begins with the town’s patron saint festival, followed a few months later by the communal festival during Ascension weekend. Every summer, the Déferlante festival comes to Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. Along the Vendée coast, this festival has been offering original and free cultural programs and shows for 27 years, from spring to summer. If you love street arts, theater, dance, or circus, don’t miss this unmissable event during your holidays in Vendée.
Many come to Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez in mid-July to see the impressive pyrotechnic show of Sion-sur-l’Océan: a 20-minute fireworks display followed by a monumental beach party where thousands of people dance to the sounds of the guest DJ. Shortly after, athletes invade the town’s streets during the international half-marathon “Les Galopades de la Forêt” on the first Sunday of August.
Street arts return in mid-August for the Vert-Lézard festival. Concerts and shows are on the program for this festive and colorful 3-day Vendée event. At the end of October, the Petites rues festival marks the end of the tourist season. The Astradart association invites local groups to perform during a lively evening.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN SAINT HILAIRE DE RIEZ?
It is in the heart of a protected natural site that the Bourrine du Bois Juquaud reveals its authentic early 20th-century dwellings to curious visitors. This museum will allow you to better understand the daily life of the marsh inhabitants and their various manufacturing techniques.
The Vie salt marshes will allow you to see the salt worker at work and better understand their craft. At the end of your visit, a small tasting of Vie salt will be offered.
The Devil’s Hole is an original site to see, along a walk on the coastal path. It’s an easy walk with breathtaking landscapes.
VISIT SAINT HILAIRE DE RIEZ
- Atlantic Toboggan Park welcomes you and offers a moment of exhilarating fun thanks to its many aquatic areas. This family park spans over 3 hectares and also provides catering services.
- Dino’s Park is a dinosaur-themed park. Located in the heart of a pine forest, it offers shows, games, and life-size representations for little visitors to have a pleasant time.
- 201 Forest Avenue is a leisure complex featuring: 12 bowling lanes, a 400 m² laser tag arena, a lounge bar, a fitness club, and a gourmet restaurant. Ideal for spending quality time with family or friends.
- Feeling Forest is a leisure and tree-climbing park suitable for all ages. Discover inflatable games, mini-golf, and many other activities dedicated to children.