Walks and hikes in Saint Jean de Monts
With over 120 km of footpaths, the Saint Jean de Monts area offers a wide choice of walks for both experienced hikers and families. The signposted footpaths along the 19km of beach, dunes and forest have been awarded the “Station de Trail” and “Nordik Walk” labels.
So put on your trainers and set off to discover the rich cultural and natural heritage that has shaped the area’s identity.
Short or long hikes
Whether you’re a sportsman, an adventurer or a family enthusiast, set off on a discovery tour of the signposted footpaths through some exceptional countryside.
The Eole trail
This loop trail will take you through all the facets of Saint Jean de Monts: the seaside, the national forest and the dune. Start: rue de la Parée Jésus, Saint Jean de Monts, distance / 5.2 km, duration / (1h10), difficulty / medium.
The Grainette trail
Sheltered from the wind, the Grainette trail lets you discover the fauna, flora and history of the Saint Jean de Monts forest. Departure point: avenue Valentin, Saint Jean de Monts, distance / 7 km loop, duration / 1h45, difficulty / easy
The panoramic circuit
Nordic walking enthusiasts? This trail combines dunes and forest and takes you up to the Buzelière lookout. Return through the forest to the edge of the Saint Jean de Monts golf course. Departure point: Explora Parc car park, Saint Jean de Monts, distance / 6.5 km loop, duration / 1h30, difficulty / easy
Original scenic walks
If you want to turn a simple walk into a real family adventure, it couldn’t be easier: choose one of the 5 guided walks offered by the Saint Jean de Monts Tourist Office.
A treasure hunt in the forest, a treasure hunt on the beach or an investigation in the town are all great ways to explore your holiday destination in a fun and original way. It’s also the perfect way to get the kids walking… without being too reluctant!
- Find out more about the routes available to visitors HERE.
Spotlight on the GR8 in the Vendée
Put on your hiking boots and set off to discover the GR8, the long-distance footpath that runs for almost 220km along the coast and beaches of the Vendée.
Starting from the campsite, the GR8 Vendée links Saint Jean de Monts to Noirmoutier. Along the way, you’ll discover the Pey de la Blet lookout and its “stairway to heaven”, the port of Le Bec, nicknamed the Port Chinois, and the famous Passage du Gois, a submersible road linking the island of Noirmoutier to the mainland.
- Saint Jean de Monts > Noirmoutier : 20 km
Between Saint Jean de Monts and Saint Gilles Croix de Vie, you can discover the Corniche vendéenne (classified as a Remarkable Natural Site), the wild coastline and the cliffs of Sion-sur-l’Océan, then head for the port of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.
- Saint Jean de Monts > Saint Gilles Croix de Vie : 23 km
photo@S.BOURCIER/Vendée Expansion