Did you think the only thing of interest in La Tranche-sur-Mer was the beach? Good news: there are plenty of family-friendly activities on offer! From water sports to fun discoveries, this pretty little corner of the Vendée offers the ideal setting for a weekend or a week's vacation, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. Come on board with Petit Futé and discover the 10 must-do activities in La Tranche-sur-Mer!
1. The family beaches of La Tranche-sur-Mer
Renowned for the beauty of its beaches, La Tranche-sur-Mer offers a vast choice for holidaymakers and lucky locals alike. Among the most beautiful beaches of this pretty coastal town, we can recommend :
- La Plage de la Marine: located next to the lighthouse, it offers a vast relaxation area, supervised in July and August.
- Plage de la Porte des Îles: the adjoining snack bar and toilets offer comfort to yachtsmen. Nautical equipment can also be rented here.
- La Plage Centrale : certainly the best-known, but also the busiest! This is where you'll find the harbor master's office, a beach club, a snack bar and a tiralo for people with reduced mobility.
- Plage Clémenceau: a little bit like the end of the world, for those who love the great outdoors!
- Plage de la Terrière: nautical equipment is available for hire on this vast stretch of sand.
- Plage de la Grière: quieter than the beaches close to the town center, this beach is ideal for families looking for peace and quiet.
Whether you're looking for water sports or peace and quiet, you're bound to find the perfect beach at La Tranche-sur-Mer!
2. Discover La Tranche-sur-Mer by bike
Make the most of the tranquility of the Vendée and forget about the car. To do so, visit Vélo & Compagnie, a two-wheel rental company that also offers rosalies for hire. Equipped with your gentle means of locomotion, you're off to explore La Tranche-sur-Mer's pleasant little streets and seaside promenades. What's more, the bike rental company organizes hikes and other discovery tours of the surrounding area. What better way to discover a coastal town and its wonders?
3. Wind surfing and stand-up paddling on the menu!
Wave School is a specialist in sailing and stand-up paddling, offering original nautical activities as well as equipment rental. Even children are entitled to their own lessons, with adapted, lightweight boards. From beginners to advanced sailors, there's a course for everyone, and the right equipment to conquer the Atlantic. From windsurfing to windfoil, turn your vacation into a real party!
4. Hiking around La Tranche-sur-Mer
You're on the seaside, so don't expect steep hikes. There are, however, some lovely walks, of varying lengths, available to nature lovers. A lovely 2 h 30 h hike, for example, departs from the town's Pôle Culturel Les Floralies, heading for the Grouin du Cou lighthouse. This beautiful walk, part of which takes you along the beach, has no elevation changes. Rated "easy", it is accessible to all, even children.
5. L'île aux Pirates, a children's paradise in La Tranche-sur-Mer
Halfway between an amusement park and a playground, l'île aux Pirates, next to Funland, is a paradise for the very young. Do your kids have too much energy? They'll find it easy to let off steam on the park's inflatables! Numerous specially adapted attractions ensure a fun-filled day, while parents enjoy a little relaxation. Everything is done to ensure that families have a great time between sunbathing sessions and sand castles.
6. La Grière miniature golf course for family relaxation
Everything at La Grière miniature golf course has been designed for the pleasure and comfort of families on vacation. The play area is pleasantly paved, creating a very welcoming environment. The bucolic atmosphere is further enhanced by the many flowers that dot the course. Well planted with trees, La Tranche-sur-Mer's miniature golf course is the perfect place to spend a few hours of pure pleasure with your partner, family or friends. The courses are pretty, well-maintained and sometimes original. It's the ideal place to have fun during the day or in the evening, as it's open until 11pm.
7. Les Poneys d'Ô Village, a pleasant ride during the vacations
Treat your children, aged 2 to 6 (or even older, depending on their size), to a lovely pony ride. From the Parc des Floralies to the Boulevard de la Petite Hollande, children will discover or rediscover the pleasure of riding with these gentle (if sometimes a little stubborn, otherwise it's no fun!) animals. As a family, you're in for a little adventure your kids won't soon forget!
Don't forget : depending on weather conditions, the Parc des Floralies may be closed to the public. Pony rides may be cancelled. A regular follow-up on social networks will keep you informed in real time.
8. Learn to surf during your vacation in Vendée
In the Phare district, the FreeSurf School takes advantage of the ideal location of the Corps de Garde beach to teach its apprentices how to surf, in complete safety. From the age of 6, children can learn about the ocean, waves and their natural processes. Then it's time to hop on the board and take on the Atlantic, perfectly supervised and accompanied by professionals. The club also offers equipment rental for more experienced surfers. Ready to take the helm? The Atlantic waves are waiting for you!
9. Day and night markets in La Tranche-sur-Mer
Throughout the year, La Tranche-sur-Mer's markets are the perfect place to discover local specialties. In the town center, visit Place de la Liberté and Les Halles, for markets held every Tuesday and Saturday morning. In summer, you'll enjoy strolling through the night market, held on Friday and Monday evenings.
On the Grière side, in July and August, you can also stroll through the Wednesday morning market and the night markets on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Finally, at La Terrière, a small local market is held on Sunday mornings in summer. Between local delicacies, encounters with artisans and souvenir items, La Tranche-sur-Mer's pretty markets are a delight!
10. Discover the area around La Tranche-sur-Mer by boat
La Tranche-sur-Mer's surroundings can be explored by semi-rigid boat or catamaran. Discover the island of Ré, and even Fort Boyard, on a wonderful outing at sea! From 45-minute trips to half-day excursions, there's something for everyone at Ouest Sea Zone, the specialist in boat excursions in La Tranche-sur-Mer.
Prefer sea fishing? That's possible too! Book your favorite boat trip, and simply enjoy the moment, surrounded by experts in their field.
Where to stay in La Tranche-sur-Mer?
La Tranche-sur-Mer is a relatively quiet area. From hotels to vacation homes and gîtes, the range of vacation accommodation on offer is vast.
- The best value for money
For an affordable price, theHôtel des Cols Verts offers comfortable rooms, as well as a range of ancillary services that guests appreciate. An indoor swimming pool, sauna, terrace and children's playground ensure a pleasant stay. A beautiful address book here.
- The friendliest
At theHôtel de l'Atlantique, you'll feel right at home! The hotel has been awarded the "Accueil Vélo" label and is ideally located just 300 meters from the beach. The Mediterranean ambience dominates, offering a lovely address to book right here, for a relaxing vacation in La Tranche-sur-Mer.
- The best location
Located on the seafront and just 400 meters from the town center, Hôtel Les Dunes is the ideal address to enjoy your vacation without having to take the car. From standard to premium rooms and everything in between, there's something for everyone at this hotel with its heated swimming pool. Just click here to book this welcoming hotel !
Other great campsites in the Vendée also offer their services to holidaymakers, such as Camping Paradis Les Jonquilles. A great idea for a "nature" vacation!
What to do in La Tranche-sur-Mer when it rains?
Even when it's raining, La Tranche-sur-Mer and the surrounding area offer plenty of activities to brighten up your stay. For example, consider taking a painting, pottery or sculpture class in the area around La Tranche-sur-Mer. If you don't have to go anywhere, why not indulge in a little shopping? If it's not raining hard, you can stroll from store to store at your own pace. The town center of La Tranche-sur-Mer is bustling with small stores, much to the delight of visitors. For example,L'Étoile de Mer offers a wide range of marine and beach products.
In a completely different style, take refuge from the rain at the Agnès Varda cinema . Les Ormeaux cinema in Jard-sur-Mer shows art house films. Last but not least, theÉglise Saint-Nicolas in La Tranche-sur-Mer welcomes you whatever the weather.
What family activities are available in La Tranche-sur-Mer?
La Tranche-sur-Mer, and the Vendée in general, is one of the ideal destinations in France to discover with children. Facing the Ile de Ré, you can sunbathe on the beach, play with the kids or simply read a book. Are your children keen to get out and about? They'll love surfing lessons! You can also consider exploring the countryside, thanks to the many hiking and cycling trails in this pretty seaside town.
Now's the time to discover Pirate Island, an ideal amusement park that transforms children's days into magical moments. The same goes for La Grière miniature golf course, an ideal family activity in La Tranche-sur-Mer, before heading off for a pony ride.
Our favorite : get ready for a family adventure with the Baludik app. You'll set off in search of Némo, Louis's lost dog, through a treasure hunt.
The Tourist Office also offers a 15 km bike ride, starting in the town center, along the coast and through the national forest to La Terrière beach. With all these activities, La Tranche-sur-Mer promises unforgettable vacations for the whole family!
Why not take advantage of your vacation to discover the 13 must-do activities in Vendée? The region is just waiting to reveal its 1001 delights. Le Petit Futé has it right: the Vendée is one of the top destinations for a successful family vacation in 2024! Set down your suitcases in the tranquil seaside resort of La Tranche-sur-Mer, then set off to explore the surrounding area. You'll come back enchanted!
Tempted by our selection? Take a look at our train fares now and book without delay !
