Going on holiday with your pet has become a given for many French people: more than 60% take their dog along, and for 80%, its wellbeing influences the choice of destination (study published on EmmèneTonChien.com). But are dogs allowed on the beaches of Vendée? Yes, as long as you follow a few rules. At Flower Camping Au Bois des Biches, we welcome your four-legged companions, and we’re sharing the essential information here so you can enjoy the Vendée coast together.
The golden rules for walking your dog on Vendée beaches
Before we look at access town by town, a few basic principles apply along the whole Vendée coastline. Knowing these simple rules will help you enjoy your walks with peace of mind. Sharing the beach happily with others is the key.
- A lead is your best friend: even on a beach where dogs are allowed, your companion must be kept on a lead at all times. This is an almost universal rule, helping to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
- Supervised and unsupervised areas: there is an important distinction. Access is often allowed all year round outside the supervised bathing areas, but it is restricted on supervised beaches in high season.
- Respect nature: the dune ridge is a fragile ecosystem. Walking on it is forbidden, in order to protect local wildlife and plants.
- Be considerate: picking up after your dog is compulsory. Failure to do so can result in a fine, in accordance with Article R.634-2 of the French Penal Code.
- Follow the signs: rules can change. The information boards at the entrance to the beaches always take precedence.
Saint-Jean-de-Monts: which beaches can you visit with your dog?
Saint-Jean-de-Monts is a very welcoming destination for pet owners. The town clearly distinguishes between beaches that are open all year round and those with seasonal restrictions. When it comes to walking your dog on the beaches of Saint-Jean, you have plenty of choice.
The Tonnelles, Parée du Jonc and Davière beaches are wild, natural spaces where dogs on leads are welcome all year round.
On the more central beaches, however, such as Golf, Base Nautique, l’Estacade or Demoiselles, dogs are not allowed from 1 May to 30 September. You can still enjoy them with your four-legged friend from 1 October to 30 April.
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie: the areas to know about
These two neighbouring towns each have their own approach. Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez has introduced a very popular solution: a 200-metre zone, located 300 metres south of the plage des Mouettes, is entirely dedicated to dogs, with no time restrictions, all year round. On the other beaches, such as la Pège or the plage de Riez, dogs are allowed from 15 May to 15 September, but only between 20:00 and 10:00.
In Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, pets are not allowed on the Grande Plage from 10:00 to 20:00 between 1 June and 30 September.
Les Sables d’Olonne: the call of the wild beaches
In Les Sables d’Olonne, the question “where are dogs allowed on Vendée beaches?” is best answered by the area’s natural open spaces. The plages des Granges and Sauveterre, lined by the state forest, allow dogs on a lead all year round. They’re ideal for a long walk.
On the beaches closer to the centre, such as the Grande Plage or the plage de Tanchet, dogs are allowed from 1 October to 31 March, but not during the summer high season.
Longeville-sur-Mer and La Tranche-sur-Mer: check the signs
In Longeville-sur-Mer, the rules are very specific during the summer. From 1 May to 15 September, dogs are only allowed between access points LONGE 01 to LONGE 06 (Bouil beach) and LONGE 14 to LONGE 18 (Conches beach). For the rest of the year, all beaches are open to dogs.
In La Tranche-sur-Mer, several beaches, such as Corps de Garde and La Belle-Henriette, are open to dogs all year round, as long as they stay out of the supervised bathing areas.
When your four-legged friend needs a break from the sand
A day on a Vendée beach with your dog is a real treat, but the coast has plenty more to offer. The large state forests near Saint-Jean-de-Monts and Olonne-sur-Mer are perfect for shaded walks.
For something a little different, some water sports centres offer canoe or paddleboard outings where your canine companion is welcome too.
There are also plenty of walking trails, such as those along Lac du Jaunay, where you can discover another side of Vendée’s natural landscape.
A few practical tips for a stress-free holiday
To help make your stay a success, keep these few points in mind.
- Hydration is key: always bring a bowl and plenty of fresh water. Sea water can make dogs ill.
- Watch out for the heat: avoid walks between 11:00 and 16:00. The sand can get scorching hot and seriously injure your dog’s paws.
- Rinse after a swim: a rinse with fresh water after a dip in the sea washes away the salt and sand that can irritate your pet’s skin.
- In an emergency: the national emergency vet number in France is 3115. Many clinics offer out-of-hours care along the coast, including in Les Sables d’Olonne and Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez.
So you now know that the answer to the question “are dogs allowed on the beaches in Vendée?” is a very positive one, as long as you know the tricks. With a little planning, the Vendée coast is a wonderful playground for you and your faithful friend. After a lovely day of exploring, come back to the comfort and friendly atmosphere of our Flower Camping Au Bois des Biches. Set in the heart of the pine forest, it’s the perfect place to unwind. We look forward to welcoming you for your next holiday.
