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Coming on holiday to France with my dog

The Pays de Saint Gilles Croix de Vie is the ideal destination for your next holiday with your dog in the Vendée.

Where can I stay in the Pays de Saint Gilles with my dog?

Before packing your suitcases, you will need to find dog-friendly accommodation for you and your dog. Don’t forget to bring proof that your pet is up-to-date with vaccinations. Pets are often authorised under certain conditions (size of the dog, additional fee, etc.), so make sure you are aware of all the details before travelling.

What can I do in the Pays de Saint Gilles with my dog?

Walk along the beach

Beaches where dogs are permitted (as long as they are kept on a lead):

Brétignolles-sur-Mer: from north to south, Petit Pont beach and the coves north of Sauzaie, then south of Dunes 2, past the supervised swimming area.

Saint Hilaire de Riez :

• A dog-friendly beach area with no time restrictions has been set up 300 m south of Plage des Mouettes (200 m stretch).
• Dogs are allowed from 8pm to 10am on the following beaches (May 15 to September 15):
  • From blockaus de la plage de Riez to Plage de Riez
  • Plage de Riez
  • Plage de la Parée Préneau
  • Plage de la Pège
  • Between Plage de la Pège and Plage des Mouettes
  • Plage des Mouettes (outside southern zone)
  • Plage des Becs
  • Between Plage des Becs and Plage des Demoiselles.

Beaches where animals are not permitted:

• Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez: Dogs are not allowed in the following areas from March 15 to September 15.
  • From the Pelle à Porteau to the blockaus de la Plage de Riez
  • Between Plage de Riez and Plage de la Parée Préneau
  • Between Plage de la Parée Préneau and plage de la Pège
  • Between Plage des Mouettes and Plage des Becs
  • On Plage des Demoiselles

• Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie: animals are forbidden on the Plage de Boisvinet all year round.
• On the Grande Plage in Saint-Gilles, as far as Brétignolles, animals are not permitted between the 1 June and 30 September, from 9am to 7pm.
• Brétignolles-sur-Mer: animals are forbidden on all beaches between La Sauzaie and Les Dunes 2 between the 1 June and 30 September. They are tolerated outside of this area, as long as they are kept on a lead.

Please note, in Brem-sur-Mer: it is possible to let your dog splash around in the river Auzance in La Gachère, which you can get to via the Rue des Gabelous. But make sure you respect the fishermen who are often fishing here.

The top 3 activities to do with your dog

1 – Stand-up paddle with your dog

‘Canipaddle’

Set off on the water, or at sea (depending on the conditions), in the marshes or on a lake, for some quality time, just you and your dog.
Equipment needed: a paddle board, a paddle and a life jacket (also recommended for your dog).

Where can I go to ‘canipaddle’ with my own equipment?

• Jaunay Lake
• Brem-sur-Mer marshland: go to the Brem marshes for an afternoon of ‘canipaddle’ (make sure you don’t touch the bottom with your feet because there’s an oyster farm there)
• River Jaunay (Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie): The Jaunay is an affluent of the river Vie and is the ideal place for stand-up paddle or canoeing/kayaking with your dog.

2 – Go canoeing with your dog

Canicanoeing

Is it a warm, sunny day? There’s nothing better than an afternoon out on a canoe with your dog, to get some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors. A canoe is more stable than a paddle board so you can go further into the marshland or on the lake with your dog.

Where can I go canoeing with my dog?

• Cano’Evasion: From Landevieille, outings on Jaunay lake and the river Jaunay.
• Canoë du Marais: From Givrand, outings on the river Jaunay.
• La Cabane: From Brem-sur-Mer, outings on the Brem-sur-Mer marshland.
• Canoe Vendée: From La Chaize Giraud, outings on the river Jaunay and the river Vie.

3 – Hiking with your dog

This is an outdoor activity that is suitable for everyone and is completely free. It’s a great way to explore new places.

Walks in the forest

The forest in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez (four waymarked hiking trails and a sporty trail).

Walks in the countryside

• Walk through the vineyards and countryside in Brem-sur-Mer. Set off with your dog to explore the natural and historic heritage of Brem-sur-Mer.

• Gué Gorand lake: In the town of Coëx, you can walk around this artificial lake with your dog (around 4 km).

Ile d’Yeu: the star destination of the Vendée

Go for a day trip with your dog to Ile d’Yeu

Come and explore Ile d’Yeu, an island 17 km off the coast of the Vendée, from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie or Fromentine. A tour of this small island is just 40 km, making Ile d’Yeu an unmissable day out during your holiday. It is just off the coast of the Vendée so you can easily explore the island on a day trip, or stay longer if you so wish. Set off with your dog, you are guaranteed a refreshing change of scenery!

Hop aboard the Compagnie Vendéenne or the Compagnie Yeu Continent.

Ile d’Yeu crossings with our furry friends:

• Compagnie Vendéenne (€9 extra fee)
• Yeu Continent: Pets must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle: €13.30, but free-of-charge for small pets travelling on your knees or in a basket.