The small seaside resort of Bretignolles-sur-Mer is on the coast of Vendee (in the Pays-de-la-Loire region of north-west France) and about 20 kilometres north of Sables d'Olonne.
Explore Bretignolles-sur-Mer
France This Way review: by contrast with Sables d'Olonne to the south, the resort at Bretignolles-sur-Mer is one of the smallest and most peaceful on the Vendee coast and will probably by the choice of those who really do want a beach holiday and very little else.
The beach at Bretignolles-sur-Mer is, as you would expect, long and sandy and wide and slopes very gently into the sea so is safe for children. Altogether the beach here is 13 kilometres long! The area immediately behind the beach is small but pleasant with several restaurants.
Note: you can reach quieter parts of the beach if you follow the coast road, the Route de la Corniche, north from the town centre.
The main town centre for Bretignolles-sur-Mer has more shops and restaurants and is a few minutes drive to the east of the beach - or by bike along the cycle path that goes around the Parc de Morinières if you are one of the many people who prefer to cycle as much as possible in Vendee! In the town centre you can also see the small 19th century church.
Frequent markets are held in the town centre of Bretignolles-sur-Mer during the summer, and this is the best time to visit when the town is very lively - although parking is less easy at these times!
Vendee Miniature
The most popular attraction in Bretignolles-sur-Mer apart from the beach is called Vendee Miniature.
Here you can see numerous scale models of traditional Vendee houses and industries including a water mill, shops, a church and even a model steam train and learn more about the history and development of the region. Small children in particular will find it fascinating.
Vendee Miniature is at 50 rue du Prégneau in Bretignolles-sur-Mer.
Attractions nearby
The position of Bretignolles-sur-Mer between Les Sables d'Olonne and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie means that both of these popular destinations are within easy reach: Les Sables d'Olonne is a busy and upmarket beach resort and Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie has a lively town centre.
See more of the popular Vendée beaches and resorts
See more seaside resorts in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Vendee guide and the Pays de la Loire guide.
To make travel arrangements to visit Bretignolles-sur-Mer see HERE
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Map of Bretignolles-sur-Mer and places nearby
Places to visit near Bretignolles-sur-Mer
Brem-sur-Mer
Brem-sur-Mer is a small resort with a long beach to the north of Les Sables d'Olonne
Brem-sur-Mer guide
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
The port town of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is an attractive and traditional town, very lively in summer
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie guide
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez is the beach resort next to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez guide
Sables d'Olonne
The lively town of Sables-d'Olonne is our favourite resort on the Vendee coast
Sables d'Olonne guide
Chateau d'Olonne
Chateau d'Olonne is a very small resort, well placed for exploring the coast and visiting Sables d'Olonne
Chateau d'Olonne guide
Saint-Jean-de-Monts
At Saint-Jean-de-Monts you will enjoy the extensive sandy beaches and one of the livelier resorts on the Vendee coast
Saint-Jean-de-Monts guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Vendee
Address: Bretignolles-sur-Mer, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Sables-d'Olonne, Pays de la Loire, 85470, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.628611, longitude -1.853889
Plan your visit to Bretignolles-sur-Mer, Vendee
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Parc zoologique des Sables-d'Olonne: zoo or wildlife park (18 km)
- Saint-Jean-de-Monts: ville fleurie 4* (24 km)
- Notre-Dame-de-Monts: ville fleurie 4* (31 km)
- Georges Clemenceau house: national monument (33 km)
- Phare de la Pointe des Corbeaux: site of natural beauty (34 km)
- Fort de Pierre-Levée: site of natural beauty (39 km)
- Port-Joinville: site of natural beauty (39 km)
- Vieux-château de l'Île d'Yeu: site of natural beauty (40 km)
- Marais de Machecoul: site of natural beauty (41 km)
- Phare de l'île d'Yeu: site of natural beauty (41 km)
- Aérodrome de L'Île-d'Yeu: site of natural beauty (42 km)
- Ars-en-Re: most beautiful village (54 km)
Market days in Bretignolles-sur-Mer, France
Regular market(s) are held in Bretignolles-sur-Mer each Thursday & Sunday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Bretignolles-sur-Mer (Francais)