If you’re looking for a dynamic, sporty vacation in a geographical area that’s ideal for hiking, the resort of Jard sur Mer is the destination we recommend. Bordered for 7 km by the Atlantic Ocean, the resort boasts a breathtaking natural setting.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the greenery, the forests and its ecosystem, where incomparable flora and fauna have developed. Jard sur Mer is a charming village in the Vendée with many natural sites criss-crossed by hiking trails, a heritage well worth a visit and a variety of events.
Tours departing from Jard-sur-Mer
Hiking is a great way to discover nature and experience unforgettable adventures. Find out about the best hiking trails in Jard-sur-Mer and choose according to your physical condition and desired level of difficulty.
The Pointe du Payré circuit in Jard-sur-Mer
This is a 4.82 km hiking trail, with gradients ranging from -10 m to +10 m. The circuit is easily completed in 1h25 min and takes you back to the starting point. You don’t need any special equipment, but you can bring your own lunch for a pleasant picnic in the heart of nature.
From the Petite Bernarde parking lot, you can take the path that splits off to the north-west, walking along the water table. You will then pass through an attractive holm oak wood and reach the cliff. Avoid getting too close to the edge as you continue westwards.
From the pointe du Payré, you’ll be delighted to contemplate the surrounding landscape: the Payré estuary, Veillon beach, Port-Bourgenay and, in fine weather, Les Sables-d’Olonne. Follow the arrows along the path back to the starting point at the parking lot.
From Jard-sur-Mer to Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard
This beginner-friendly hike covers a distance of 9.71 km and takes 2 hours 50 minutes to complete. With gradients ranging from -20 m to +20 m, you can admire landscapes at an altitude of 24 m.
Along the way, you’ll discover many of the buildings that make up the village’s heritage: the chapel of Sainte-Anne, the church of Sainte-Radegonde, the Moulin de Conchette, as well as Boisvinet beach and Clemenceau’s house in Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard. On the way back to Jard-sur-Mer, you’ll pass through the state forest.
Nearby hiking trails
You can also find around 20 hiking trails in and around Talmont-Saint-Hilaire during your vacation in Jard-sur-Mer, Vendée.
The Guittière marshes
This tour near Jard-sur-Mer takes you to the Guittière marshes in the commune of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire. You can also sample oysters from the producers who sell them along the way. The 7.07 km route takes 2 hours to complete, and has virtually no gradient (+3 m/-3 m), with the highest point at 4 m.
The tour starts at the Port de la Guittière parking lot, then runs along the beach to the oyster-farming facilities, then on to the mouth of the Payré. Enjoy the marsh landscape and its many species of birds. Then take the Chemin du Grand Marais, staying on the cycle path.
This tour also takes you to the Rue des Salines crossroads, then onto a carriage path from which you can observe dried salt marshes and saltwort bushes, which are beautifully colored in autumn. You’ll pass the Rue Saint-Henri Dorie crossroads, the Grand Îlot, before returning to the Port de la Guittière parking lot.
Marsh and Castle at Talmont-Saint-Hilaire
This 11.32 km circuit takes an average of 3 hours 20 minutes to complete and takes in the town of Talmont, its marshes and the Payré river. You’ll also see Richard the Lionheart’s castle at Talmont. The route is of medium difficulty, with gradients ranging from -50 m to +43 m. You’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views as you reach the highest point at 28 m.
From Rue des Ribandeaux, walk south to the belvedere, where you’ll enjoy a fine panoramic view of the marshes, the church and Talmont castle. You’ll then pass Grand Ribandeau, La Vignolière, Stop avant la Malvoie and Passerelle du Cul d’Âne. Take the road to the left and the path to the left, and you’ll reach the Rue de la Tonnelle crossroads. Take the path on the right after the bridge to reach Château de Talmont. You can take a gourmet break or quench your thirst in the Place du Château. Then return to the Intersection to go to Rue des Marais and return to Parking des Ribandeaux.
Your camping vacation in Jard-sur-Mer
Book a mobile home or camper pitch at Camping Parfums d’Été. This 4-star establishment in Jard-sur-Mer, located 500 m from the town center and 300 m from the seafront, welcomes you to a beautiful natural setting of 5.3 hectares.
Ideal for vacations with family, friends or couples, it features a beautiful aquatic area with a heated outdoor swimming pool. The park also features a kids’ club, sports fields, pétanque area and ping-pong tables. All the facilities you need for optimum comfort.
