Hotels in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez

Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez: Atlantic Vendée Shoreline

Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez sits on the Atlantic coast of Vendée, western France, roughly 60 km southwest of Nantes. The commune stretches across pine forests and 12 km of sandy beach, including the popular Sion-sur-l'Océan seafront and the calmer coves near La Corniche vendéenne. The town proper lies 2 km inland, while several beachside hamlets draw the bulk of summer visitors.

French families make up the core visitor base, arriving July and August for flat, supervised Atlantic beaches suited to children. Cyclists use the Vélo Francette long-distance route, which passes through the commune connecting the Loire Valley to the coast. The Thursday and Sunday markets in the town centre sell local oysters, Vendée brioche, and seasonal produce.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: The nearest rail station is Saint-Jean-de-Monts, 8 km north; TGV connections run via Nantes.
• Season: Peak season runs mid-July to late August; beach lifeguards operate June 15 to September 15.
• Currency: Euro (EUR); most seafront restaurants accept card payments.
• Parking: Beach car parks fill by 10:00 on summer weekends — arrive before 09:30 or use park-and-ride shuttles from the town centre.