The Saint-Jean-de-Monts coastal cycle path

Following British Olympic cycling success, there has been a massive increase in interest in the sport and cycling on holiday has become a favourite pass-time. Not that you need to be an aspiring Gold medalist, or even to be super-fit to enjoy cycling in the Vendee. It is, after all, pretty flat! 

The resort of Saint-Jean-de-Monts alone has a 26 km network of safe, designated cycle paths, as well as quiet country roads which make a great way to explore. You can cycle the length of the esplanade, take a picnic and ride into the coastal forest or ride to the beach.  It is a great way to slow down and enjoy a family activity that everyone can join in. You can either use your bike to get from A to B or enjoy the countryside, and discover the flora and fauna along the way.  And it doesn't end in St Jean de Monts, there are cycle tracks the length and breadth of the region, from Ile de Noirmoutier in the North down towards Les Sables in the south.

You can plan ahead and click here to download route maps for the St Jean de Monts area and the Vendee Islands
Alternatively you can purchase maps from the Tourist Information Centre

Summer Cycle wardens – there to help

A new local initiative to encourage visitors to explore on their bikes is the introduction of Summer Cycle Wardens.
Their job is to provide information to the public but also to ensure that cyclists are using designated cycle paths so that the delicate ecosystems of the Pays de Monts Forest remain intact. They are on hand to help at recreational areas, on the footpaths and cycle paths and at car parks in summer. 

Bicycle service areas – another new initiative for cyclists
Whilst designated cycle tracks are not uncommon in France, it is unusual to find an area that has so wholeheartedly embraced the idea of getting visitors off the roads and onto their bikes. To enhance the local network of cycle paths, the local council has set up bicycle service areas. As well as providing bicycle racks, there are picnic tables, drinking water points, toilets, maps, information and even bicycle tyre pumps. 

Vendee Island Routes

The islands of Noirmoutier, to the north of St Jean de Monts and Ile d'Yeu, which lies just off the coast of St Jean de Monts, have more than 150 km of safe cycle paths, running between the sea, the dunes, the forest, the salt marshes and pastureland. These are divided between dedicated cycle paths (70 km) and quiet routes with little traffic that are suitable for cycle rides. There are no hills, picnic areas and bike service areas making them a genuinely family-friendly destination, all the year round.

Our favourite cycling excursions

The following are just a taste of the variety of cycling adventures awaiting you.
Cycle to the 'Arbre et aventure' forest adventure park, where monkeybridges, Tarzan swings and zipwires provide an unforgettable adventure for anyone over 5 years old.  Ride on to the water sports centre for a sandyachting session, or maybe kitesurfing or hire a boat. Then head home along the esplanade, not forgetting to stop for ice creams along the way.
Visit one of the colourful local markets, where you'll find all manner of local produce to make a picnic for the beach. Then head off to St Hilaire de Riez and spend a couple of hours at the Atlantic Toboggan waterpark.
For a relaxing day, take a ride through the forest to Notre Dame de Monts and visit the Kulmino water tower. The viewing platform is at 70m  (there is a lift) and the views are spectacular!