Want to try a water activity with a difference? South Vendée Atlantic offers a host of original experiences to be shared in or on the water.

Haul in, steer and skipper!

Fancy tacking, spending a few hours on a boat trip, or going on a long cruise, visiting deserted beaches, admiring unspoilt nature and the mirages on the calm sea…?

Embark with Patrick, an experienced skipper, for an unforgettable adventure on his 12-meter catamaran. As soon as you step aboard, he’ll share the secrets of the wind and sails. Then, carried by the breeze, you’ll sail through postcard-worthy landscapes.

The journey begins at the small port of La Faute-sur-Mer. Following the Lay river to the ocean, you’ll experience South Vendée in all its splendor. Escapade Marine is more than just a boat ride; it’s a true exploration along the Atlantic coast, led by a passionate nature lover. Patrick also offers private charters on the catamaran, perfect for creating unforgettable memories with family or friends during your vacation.

In or out of the water, go on, jump!

On the lake at L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer, plenty of fun awaits children and adults on an aquatic trail that’s all the rage: the Splash Game. Trampolines, climbing walls, logs that roll on an axle, ejector airbags… Does that remind you of something? That’s right, it’s like a scene out of Total Wipeout on the M6 TV channel. Will you rise to the challenge? Join the fun with your family or friends!

Again at L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer lake, the more intrepid can leave the water and climb up the Warrior Game ropes! Unique in France, this demanding agility course requires strength and balance. Nets, swings, rings and knotted ropes to challenge you, whatever your level. Indeed, the four different courses are colour-rated by level of difficulty. Will you succeed in completing the course?

In at the deep end!

Swirling swimming pools in South Vendée Atlantic! Indeed, our swimming pools are hives of activity, like the Port’Océane pool in Luçon where you can enjoy sessions of aquafitness, aquabike, circuit training or aquathlon (swimming, cycling and running). Or if you just want to unwind, the relaxation area offers you a zen experience in the hammam, sauna or jacuzzi. You can even enjoy a massage. Young children and even babies can appreciate the water thanks to waterbaby sessions and water play features.

If you just want a good swim, don’t hesitate, head for the pool at Mareuil-sur-Lay-Dissais or Sainte-Hermine, or the Auniscéane pool at La Tranche-sur-Mer.

Some of our pools propose swimming lessons for beginners or for swimmers wishing to perfect their technique, as well as life-saving sessions. These are also open to adults, and there are flipper-swimming lessons too, as well as sessions aimed at overcoming a fear of water. In summer, the swimming school also proposes lessons at the bathing area in L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer.

If you prefer seawater, try sea-wading. This activity is a great energy-booster. It’s good for your heart, your balance, your abdominals and your back muscles, and can be enjoyed by anyone and in any season. Let’s go! You start with water up to your knees, walking in short, quick steps. This is a good cardio workout and it’s great for the thighs too. Go in up to your waist and it becomes harder. Here we go! Run, move in single file, then walk… backwards! Now if that isn’t an original watersport…!

A typically Poitevin nautical activity…

The “plate” is a traditional Marais poitevin punt and the ideal way to discover France’s second biggest wetlands. And there are three places where you can embark on an adventure in the maze of canals of the Marais poitevin and on the River Lay. All sites propose rentals of punts, canoes and pedaloes, and even stand-up paddles in some cases! From elsewhere.

So choose your vessel, put on your lifejacket, place your snack in the waterproof container, and off you go… Oh yes, a piece of advice: put your smartphone on mute and sharpen your senses, as it’s not unusual to come across European otters here… and they don’t like electronic ringtones… They prefer a gentle “cooee”…