Saint Jean de Monts: the must-sees in the resort
There are a thousand and one reasons to spend your holidays in Saint Jean de Monts! Its exceptional natural setting, sunny beaches that are among the most beautiful in the Vendée, lively family atmosphere… We could have written a whole novel, but instead we’ve decided to sum up what makes our seaside resort so unique.
The Esplanade de la Mer
Located right in the centre of Saint-Jean-de-Monts, the Esplanade de la Mer is a popular and lively place to stroll, both during the day and in the evening. More than 2 km long, it is bordered on one side by the beach and the ocean, and on the other by numerous shops, bars and restaurants. You can walk, cycle or take the rosalie to the estacade, another of Montpellier’s must-see attractions.
The Estacade at Saint Jean de Monts
Located at the end of the Esplanade de la Mer, the Estacade de Saint Jean de Monts is another must-see. Inaugurated for holidaymakers in 1966 and rebuilt in 2013, this long wooden jetty juts out into the ocean for almost 400 metres and has become the town’s symbol. A veritable balcony overlooking the sea, the Estacade is a favourite with walkers and anglers alike.
The panoramic Ferris wheel
Every year at the start of summer, the Saint Jean de Monts Ferris wheel makes its return to the Esplanade de la Mer, opposite the Odysséa conference centre. Over the years, it has become one of the resort’s must-see attractions. Once at the top, at a height of 40 metres, the view is spectacular. At a glance, you can see the whole town, the ocean, the forest of the Pays de Monts and the island of Yeu in the distance. Night-time is also a great time to admire the view over the illuminated town.
The Saint Jean de Monts casino
What would a seaside resort be without a casino? Located on the Esplanade de la Mer, facing the ocean, the Saint-Jean-de-Monts casino is a must-see entertainment venue on the Vendée coast. With bets starting at just one cent, you don’t need to be loaded to play the slot machines, roulette, blackjack, poker and other games of chance. To satisfy a wide range of customers, concerts and themed evenings are regularly organised.
The thalasso at Saint Jean de Monts
Where there’s a seaside resort, there’s a sea… and where there’s a sea, there’s a thalasso! Make the most of your stay in Saint Jean de Monts to sample the benefits of thalassotherapy in the Vendée, algotherapy, hydrotherapy and mud wraps in the Baie de Bourgneuf. Nestling in the heart of the pine forest, the Valdys Resort in Saint-Jean-de-Monts offers full-day and half-day packages, with 2, 3 or 4 treatments.
The Saint Jean de Monts golf course
Ranked among the 30 most beautiful courses in France, the 18-hole Saint Jean de Monts golf course is in the Scottish links tradition. The fairways weave their way between ocean and forest, and the greens are often very well defended. At the heart of the site, a 6-hole beginners’ course is accessible to all after just 2 hours of lessons.
The Atlantic racecourse
In the heart of the Pays de Monts forest, just 200 metres from the beach, the Saint Jean de Monts racecourse is not just for horse racing fans. Founded in 1903, the racecourse organises flat and trotting races at five meetings a year. In summer, the racecourse offers semi-nightly races, which attract thousands of spectators, as well as free events for children (angling, face painting, pony rides, etc.).
photo©Simon Bourcier, A. Lamoureux /Vendée Expansion