Add to my wishlist
Brem-sur-Mer is very close to the coast and is the town the furthest south of the Pays de Saint Gilles. You’ll enjoy the natural peace-and-quiet and authenticity of this winegrowing town!
A mosaic of scenery
Brem-sur-Mer is on the edge of Olonne forest and surrounded by the salt marshes of Ile d’Olonne. There are so many natural areas to explore here, including the beaches of Brétignolles-sur-Mer to the north, and the ancient vineyards.
LOCAL LIFE
This may be a small village but it still boasts all the necessary shops and they are open all year round! Added to that are two weekly markets on Friday mornings all year round, and Tuesday and Friday mornings from March to mid-September.
There is a selection of accommodation to suit all tastes: 4 campsites (from 3 to 5 stars), a private campervan parking area, welcoming guesthouses, seasonal holiday rentals, either in apartment buildings or individual rentals… to stay at as a family or with friends.
We recommend coming to eat at the fine-dining restaurant Les Genêts, Michelin-starred since 2017, run by Nicolas and Amélie Coutand.
TWO UNMISSABLE AREAS OF TOWN
The village of La Gachère and marshland, a small, authentic fisherman’s village with narrow streets, single-storey limestone houses and colourful boats. Heaven on earth for fans of fishing!
The Quartier Saint Nicolas with the remarkable Romanesque church of Saint Nicolas, one of Vendée’s most beautiful medieval monuments, classified a Historic Monument and dating from the 11th century (before 1020).
What is there to do in Brem-sur-Mer?
Nature AND EXPLORATION
The waymarked trail ‘Between the vineyards and the countryside’ from the Town Hall. This 13.5 km walk will take you on an exploration of the vineyard of Brem-sur-Mer and some of the different areas in the town.
A long-distance hiking trail (GR route) goes through Olonne forest, crosses the lock at the Havre de la Gachère and then back along the dune, via the church of St. Nicolas and the Brétignolles-sur-Mer coast.
Two bicycle touring routes, one 6.8 km long and the other 12.1 km long. The shorter one will take you around the ‘Quartier Saint Nicolas’ area of the town, the church and old fishing village, La Gachère, and the other one is a tour of the town’s vineyards.
Brem-sur-Mer is a fantastic place to explore, on foot or by bike
The two Wine Routes, wine tourism loop trails to explore the exceptional ‘terrior’ of Brem and its winegrowers.
The river Auzance, with a blend of freshwater and seawater, is a quiet and relaxing place that is particularly popular with fans of fishing (mullet, bass, plaice, smelt, etc.). You do not need a fishing permit for fishing in this maritime area. However, you will need a permit for fishing in Ecours stream.
Chabossière marshes are ideal for sporty visitors to try out a range of different watersports: kayaking, stand-up paddle, etc. and then satisfy any hunger pangs at the La Cabane oyster bar.
THE WINEGROWERS OF BREM-SUR-MER
The wines of Brem are produced in 3 colours (white, red and rosé, some of them sparkling): Domaine St Nicolas (Thierry Michon & fils), Domaine Eric Sage, Domaine du Lux en Roc (Jean-Pierre and Bérangère Richard), Domaine L’Orée du Sabia (Bastin Mousset), Domaine des Granges (Christian and Delphine Nobiron) all certified AOC, and winegrower Laurent Pajot.
LOCAL PRODUCERS
La Bicoque (snail producer and permaculture garden) in La Mignotière: sale and tasting of jam, and local products from Mr. Hedoin’s local production.
La Cave des Vignerons produces the local Trousseminette liqueur made from Brem wines, as well as vinegars, chutneys, prunes, etc. Patrick Grenson organises fascinating tasting sessions.
