Positioned on the west coast of France, Saint-Jean-de-Monts is a seaside resort that’s attracted bathers since the 1860s. It centres around a historic church and a waterfront area that includes a wide, sandy beach and a landmark pier. Family-friendly amusement parks dot the surrounding area while walking and cycling trails traverse the Marais Breton.

Things to do

For sweeping coastal views, stroll along the Estacade de Saint-Jean-de-Monts, a landmark pier stretching just over 400 metres into the Bay of Biscay. Constructed in 1964, it is a popular place for local fishermen to hang a line, as well as being a launching point for boat cruises to the nearby island of Yeu.

Nearby is a famous sculpture by Henry Murail titled “The Bather”, which reflects Saint-Jean-de-Monts’ long associations with bathing culture. Also not to miss is “Les Oiseaux de Mer”, a sculpture depicting two birds that was created by Jan and Joël Martel in memory of Auguste Lepère and Charles Milcendeau.

Spend your days relaxing on the Plage des Demoiselles or the Plage de la Baigneuse or enjoy a round at Golf de Saint-Jean-de-Monts, an 18-hole course overlooking the Bay of Biscay. Just inland from Saint-Jean-de-Monts is the Marais Breton, a sprawling tract of wetlands and salt marshes traversed by hiking and cycling trails.

Getting around

Saint-Jean-de-Monts is around an hour’s drive from Nantes and Nantes Atlantique Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Buses are the main means of getting to Saint-Jean-de-Monts and travel throughout the town itself. The centre of Saint-Jean-de-Monts can easily be explored on foot.