📍 France

VENDÉE: ATLANTIC ISLANDS AND GREEN BOCAGE COUNTRYSIDE

Island palms sway facing the Atlantic. Fishing boats rock in salty air. Hedgerow paths wind through green. Vendée pulses to a maritime beat, fully customizable.

≈ 8
Days
312
Km
7
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Navigate between island traditions and green bocage landscapes. Discover Noirmoutier beaches, dive into fishing heritage and Île-d'Yeu's maritime soul, then let yourself be charmed by Saint-Gilles' seaside appeal. Medieval Fontenay-la-Comte will perfect this Vendée journey.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

La Roche Sur Yon

market town regional center

La Roche Sur Yon - Photo 1La Roche Sur Yon - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Napoleon Square (pentagon).
2
Stud farm.
3
Saint-Louis Church.
4
Embankment.
+2 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Museum of Vendée.
→
Town Hall Garden.
→
Historial.
+4 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 51.3 km
Travel time: 51min
2
Day

Saint Gilles Croix De Vie

seaside beach promenade resort

Saint Gilles Croix De Vie - Photo 1Saint Gilles Croix De Vie - Photo 2Saint Gilles Croix De Vie - Photo 3Saint Gilles Croix De Vie - Photo 4Saint Gilles Croix De Vie - Photo 5Saint Gilles Croix De Vie - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Port-Joinville.
2
Old Castle.
3
Grand Lighthouse.
🎯

Activities

→
Bicycle (tour of the island).
→
Dolmen.
→
Pétain's Tomb.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 40.1 km
Travel time: 1h20
3
Day

L Ile D Yeu

fishing harbor island refuge

L Ile D Yeu - Photo 1L Ile D Yeu - Photo 2L Ile D Yeu - Photo 3L Ile D Yeu - Photo 4L Ile D Yeu - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Passage du Gois (low tide).
2
Saint-Philbert Church.
3
Traditional market (Tuesday).
4
Saturday).
🎯

Activities

→
Bois de la Chaise.
→
Vendée bocage.
→
Breton marsh.
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 42 km
Travel time: 1h24
4
Day

Noirmoutier En L Ile

tidal passage island sanctuary

Noirmoutier En L Ile - Photo 1Noirmoutier En L Ile - Photo 2Noirmoutier En L Ile - Photo 3Noirmoutier En L Ile - Photo 4Noirmoutier En L Ile - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Ducks.
2
Puy du Fou Park (historical shows).
3
Mont des Alouettes (windmills).
🎯

Activities

→
Cinéscénie (summer night show).
→
Reconstructed villages.
→
Vendée Wars heritage.
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 43.2 km
Travel time: 1h26
5
Day

Challans

marsh village agricultural gateway

Challans - Photo 1Challans - Photo 2Challans - Photo 3Challans - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Grainetière Abbey.
2
Renaissance old town.
3
Château de Terre-Neuve.
4
Medieval village (Small City of Character).
+3 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Mervent-Vouvant Forest.
→
Poitevin Marsh.
→
Legend of Mélusine.
+5 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 119.5 km
Travel time: 2h
6
Day

Fontenay Le Comte

medieval town rampart crown

Fontenay Le Comte - Photo 1Fontenay Le Comte - Photo 2Fontenay Le Comte - Photo 3Fontenay Le Comte - Photo 4Fontenay Le Comte - Photo 5Fontenay Le Comte - Photo 6Fontenay Le Comte - Photo 7Fontenay Le Comte - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Renaissance old town.
2
Château de Terre-Neuve.
3
Notre-Dame Church.
🎯

Activities

→
Mervent-Vouvant Forest.
→
Poitevin Marsh.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 15.8 km
Travel time: 32min
7
Day

Vouvant

hilltop fortress stone rampart

Vouvant - Photo 1Vouvant - Photo 2Vouvant - Photo 3Vouvant - Photo 4Vouvant - Photo 5Vouvant - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Medieval village (Small City of Character).
2
Mélusine Tower.
3
Church.
🎯

Activities

→
Legend of Mélusine.
→
Forest.
→
Mère River.

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 10 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.