Tourism Saint hilaire de Riez
DISCOVER SAINT-HILAIRE-DE-RIEZ
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez is a small commune of about 12,000 inhabitants located on the Vendée coast, stuck to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. It is a seaside resort surrounded by a beautiful diversity of landscapes that lives quietly to the rhythm of the seasons. It has salt marshes, a pine and oak forest and 10km of sandy beach.
The coast is marked by the Vendean Corniche, the remnant of a former island, the island of Rié, now attached to the mainland. Delicate flora and fauna live along these small cliffs and rocks which form 3km of coastline to explore on foot or by bike. Walkers will also enjoy the forest. As well as holding back the dunes, it offers a nice place to relax away from the hot weather.
In the town centre, the Mattes monument and the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Pitié are among the historical monuments to visit, as are the salt marshes. More than a tradition, they are at the heart of local tourism. By visiting the La Vie salt marshes, you can discover the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem and the work of the salt worker who harvests the salt. Children will be delighted to spend a day at Atlantic Toboggans or Dino’s Park and older children will enjoy the many water sports to be enjoyed on the beaches of the Vendee.
For several decades, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez has been one of the flagship towns of the Côte de Lumière in the Vendée, and not for nothing!
FESTIVITIES IN SAINT-HILAIRE-DE-RIEZ
Throughout the year, several events bring cheerfulness and entertainment to the inhabitants of Saint-Hilaire-deRiez and to visitors on holiday camping in the Vendée. The year begins with the town’s patron saint’s festival and then a few months later with the town festival on Ascension weekend. Every summer, the Déferlante festival passes through Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez. Along the Vendée coast, this festival has been bringing original and free cultural programmes and shows for 27 years, from spring to summer. If you like street arts, theatre, dance or circus, don’t miss this not-to-be-missed event during your holidays in Vendée.
Many people come to Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez in mid-July to see the impressive fireworks show at Sion-sur-l’Océan: a 20-minute fireworks display followed by a monumental party on the beach where thousands of people dance to the sounds of the guest DJ. Shortly afterwards, the sportsmen invade the streets of the town, during the international half-marathon “Les Galopades de la Forêt” on the first Sunday in August.
The street arts make their return in mid-August for the Vert-Lézard festival. Concerts and shows are on the programme for this festive and colourful 3-day Vendée event. At the end of October, the festival of Petites rues marks the end of the tourist season. The Astradart association invites local groups to perform during a lively evening.
It is in the heart of a protected natural site that the Bourrine du Bois Juquaud makes the most curious discover its authentic dwellings from the beginning of the 20th century. This museum will allow you to better conceive the daily life of the inhabitants of the marsh as well as their different manufacturing techniques.
The Vie salt marshes will allow you to see the salt worker at work and better understand his work. At the end of your visit, you will be offered a small tasting of Vie salt.
The devil’s hole is an original site to see, along a walk on the coastal path. Easy for walking with stunning scenery.
Visit SAINT HILAIRE DE RIEZ
- The Atlantic Toboggan park welcomes you and offers you to spend a moment of relaxation thanks to its many aquatic spaces. This family park covers more than 3 hectares and also provides you with catering services.
- The Dino’s Parc is a park centred on the theme of dinosaurs. It is in the heart of a pine forest, where shows, games and life-size performances are available for little visitors to spend a pleasant time.
- 201 Forest Avenue is a leisure complex consisting of: 12 bowling lanes, a 400 m² laser game, an atmosphere bar, a fitness club as well as a gastronomic restaurant. Ideal to spend good times with family or friends.
- Feeling Forest is a leisure and adventure park suitable for all ages. Inflatable games, mini-golf and many other activities dedicated to children are to be discovered
