SEO note: targeted terms include Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez vacation rentals, holiday rentals Vendée, farm stay accommodation Pays de la Loire, and coastal vacation rentals near Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez.
For those planning a multi-destination trip in Pays de la Loire, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Vendée coast and nearby markets, parks, and cultural sites. Use Search and Stay to discover carefully curated farm stays and coastal rentals that align with your dates and preferred vibe.
- Morning farm tours: witness the daily routines on a working farm, meet the animals, and learn about agricultural cycles that shape the regional food landscape.
- Eggs, dairy, and pastry tastings: sample fresh milk, cheese, and farm-made pastries that showcase Vendée’s dairy and pastry traditions.
- Bread baking and jam making: participate in an intimate, hands-on session that highlights traditional techniques and regional fruit flavors.
- Harvest workshops: depending on the season, you may help with harvest activities such as picking herbs, vegetables, or fruit, and then savor the fruits of your labor in a prepared meal.
- Local culinary evenings: dine under the stars or in a cozy barn setting where hosts prepare seasonal dishes using ingredients from the farm and nearby coastal producers.
- Animal encounters and nature walks: kid-friendly explorations along fields and hedgerows that reveal the biodiversity of the Pays de la Loire countryside.
Cycling is a standout activity here, with flat, scenic routes that thread along the coast. The Vélodyssée—the famed Atlantic coast cycle route—passes through the region, inviting cyclists to ride past salt marshes, tidal flats, and vibrant coastal towns. You’ll find rental bikes, repair shops, and well-marked trails suitable for families, casual riders, and more experienced cyclists alike. If you’re traveling with little ones, there are great family cycling paths that keep everyone entertained without feeling rushed.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy a traditional Vendéen crepe or galette, matched with locally sourced fillings and a lively sense of community. Farm-to-table dinners, farm shop purchases, and small producers’ tastings are common in the area, giving you a delicious way to connect with the region’s culinary identity.
- Morning beach time: start with a gentle walk along the shore, then rent beach gear if needed and teach kids the joys of building sand sculptures while listening to the sea.
- Midday market stroll: head into town to browse stalls filled with fresh seafood, regional cheeses, bread, and fruit. Grab a light lunch from a market vendor or café and enjoy a picnic on the seafront.
- Afternoon coastal cycling or shuttle to a nearby farm stay: if you’re staying at a farm stay, participate in a guided farm activity, or opt for a bike ride along the coast to see salt marshes and wildflowers in bloom (season dependent).
- Evening sunset and dinner: dine on a terrace or porch with a view of the water, then take a slow walk along the beach promenade as lights come alive along the coast.
As you plan your stay, consider choosing a farm stay to add a hands-on, authentic layer to your trip. Farm stay accommodations can be ideal for families, couples, and groups who want to learn about local agricultural traditions, taste fresh regional ingredients, and enjoy the hospitality that makes rural France such a cherished experience.
- Book early for peak summer months to secure the best seaside properties and farm stays with the most convenient access to beaches and markets.
- Pack flexible clothing to accommodate sea breezes and sun exposure—layers are helpful for cool mornings and evenings by the shore.
- Bring a reusable bag or basket for market days to carry pastries, cheese, seafood, and fresh produce, supporting sustainable travel.
- Try local specialties at least once—seafood rituals, Vendéen pastries, and farm-made products offer a true taste of the region.
- Respect local guidelines for beach safety and environmental protection to keep the coast pristine for future visitors.