St.Jean-de-Monts. Holiday resort north Vendee

St.Jean-de-Monts is a very popular modern holiday resort in the north of the Vendée, although there was a fishing village dating back to the middle-ages, the glorious long stretch of beach was all but deserted except for the footpaths that the fishermen used to return from their boats. The whole area was part of the Ile-de-Monts which was seperated from the mainland by a stretch of sea which over the centuries silted up and was drained by the monks. It was the property of the state and an access road was only constructed in 1868 when the forestry commission gave up 3 hectares of dunes and part of the sea front. With the popularity of sea bathing quickly developing the Hotel du Casino was built in 1905, and with the state gradually releasing land on either side the first holiday accommodation houses were built in the late 1950's.
Today the modern look and feel of the sea front with its large promenade and all the amenities required by today's holiday maker makes St. Jean de Monts a very popular resort.
The town that developed from the tiny fishing village, is today a vibrant place and has the 15th century granite church, with its 13th century swallow beak belfry topping a plain tower, at its heart. The open square around the church makes for a pleasant place to meet and shop.

Behind the town the Marais Breton Vendéen comes almost into town reminding us that this is the remnants of the sea that separated the Ile-de-Monts from the mainland.

The beaches that stretch for 8 kilometres have some of the finest sands in the Vendée and there is a launch area for small boats and dinghies. All kinds of beach sports are available and sand yachting is very popular. It is possible to take 1 & 2 hour trips in the sand yachts.

Golf. The golf course on the pine tree covered dunes and backed by sea is 6522 yards (5937m) par 72.

The Eco-museum at nearby Le Daviaud is a must for anyone who is interested in the history of the Marais Breton. Also close by is the Kulmino, this water tower has explanations on all aspects of water plus you can go to the top for a stunning panoramic view of the area.

Photo gallery of St.Jean-de-Monts

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