DISCOVER SAINT-HILAIRE-DE-RIEZ
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez is a small town of around 12,000 inhabitants on the Vendée coast, right next to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. This seaside resort is surrounded by a wonderful variety of landscapes and lives quietly to the rhythm of the seasons. It has salt marshes, a forest of pine and oak trees, and 10 km of sandy beach.
The coastline is shaped by the Corniche Vendéenne, the remains of an ancient island, the Île de Rié, which is now joined to the mainland. Delicate wildlife and plants live along these small cliffs and rocks, which form 3 km of coastline to explore on foot or by bike. Walkers will also enjoy the forest. As well as holding the dunes in place, it is a pleasant place to relax, sheltered from the summer heat.
In the town centre, the Mattes monument and the Notre-Dame-de-Pitié chapel are among the historic sites worth visiting, as are the salt marshes. More than just 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 harvester who gathers the salt. Children will love spending a day at Atlantic Toboggans or Dino’s Park, while older ones will enjoy the many water sports on offer at the beaches of Vendée.
For several decades, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez has been one of the leading resorts on the Côte de Lumière in Vendée, and it’s easy to see why.
EVENTS AND FESTIVITIES IN SAINT-HILAIRE-DE-RIEZ
Throughout the year, a number of events bring fun and entertainment to holidaymakers staying at our campsite in St Hilaire de Riez. The year begins with the town’s patron saint festival, followed a few months later by the local village fête over the Ascension weekend. Every summer, the Déferlante festival comes to Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. Along the Vendée coast, for the past 27 years this festival has offered original, free cultural shows and programmes from spring through to summer. If you enjoy street arts, theatre, dance or circus, don’t miss this unmissable event during your holiday in Vendée.
Many people come to Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez in mid-July to see the spectacular fireworks display at Sion-sur-l’Océan: a 20-minute firework show followed by a huge beach party, where thousands of people dance to a guest DJ. Soon afterwards, sports fans take over the streets of the town for the international half marathon “Les Galopades de la Forêt”, held on the first Sunday of August.
Street arts return in mid-August with the Vert-Lézard festival. Concerts and shows are on the programme at this lively, colourful 3-day event in Vendée. At the end of October, the Petites Rues festival marks the close of the tourist season. The Astradart association invites local bands to perform during a lively evening.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN SAINT HILAIRE DE RIEZ?
In the heart of a protected natural site, the Bourrine du Bois Juquaud invites the curious to explore its authentic homes from the early 20th century. This museum gives you a better idea of daily life for the people of the marshes, and of their traditional crafts and techniques.
At the La Vie salt marshes, you can watch the salt worker at work and learn more about the craft. At the end of your visit, you will be offered a small tasting of Vie salt.
The Trou du Diable is an unusual spot to see, along a walk on the coastal path. It is an easy walk with stunning scenery.
Visiting Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
- Atlantic Toboggan park welcomes you for a fun, energetic day out, with plenty of water areas to enjoy. This family park covers more than 3 hectares and also offers food and drink facilities.
- Dino’s Parc is a dinosaur-themed park. Set in the heart of a pine forest, it offers shows, games and life-size displays so that young visitors can have a great time.
- 201 Forest Avenue is a leisure complex with 12 bowling lanes, a 400 m² laser game arena, a lively bar, a fitness club and a gourmet restaurant. A great place to enjoy time with family or friends.
- Feeling Forest is a leisure and treetop adventure park suitable for all ages. Inflatable games, a mini-golf course and plenty of other activities for children are waiting to be discovered.
