Among the most popular of the Vendee beach resorts, La Tranche-sur-Mer is situated to the south of the department and has extensive sandy beaches to both sides of the town.
Explore La Tranche-sur-Mer
France This Way review: although it is small we very much like La Tranche-sur-Mer, and it is our favourite of the Vendee resorts to the south of Sables d'Olonne.
Visitors come to La Tranche-sur-Mer for the beach - and are unlikely to be disappointed, with more than 13 kilometers of beach to choose from. Families with young children will especially enjoy the long sandy beaches that slope gently into the sea making them safe for those with young children*.
La Tranche-sur-Mer has received the official classifications of 'Station Kid' and 'Famille Plus' and is a classified 'Blue Flag' beach as a demonstration of the resort's commitment to families.
You will also find various children's activities clubs, and the other activities popular with children such as mini-golf and a small theme park as well as discos, tennis.
Because of their size there is plenty of space for all activities on the beaches, from quietly building sandcastles to high speed kiteyachting and windsurfing.
On the eastern edge of the town there is also a large lake that is used for sailing lessons.
Generally speaking the beach to the south-east is the calmer and more suited to younger children while the beach to the north-west is ideal for those seeking larger waves and sporting activities, with designated surfing areas including the Plage des Terrières.
There is also a long and pleasant promenade that follows the beach in the centre of La Tranche-sur-Mer.
Close by, behind the beach and in La Tranche-sur-Mer, you will find a modern and clean town with all the facilities (and crowds) you expect of a bustling beach resort, with numerous restaurants and gift shops, as well as La Tranche-sur-Mer Tourist Office (next to the church in the main square).
In the summer season there are lots of activities and exhibitions organised for evening entertainments.
Attractions nearby
There are numerous opportunities to walk or cycle in the surrounding area - including an extensive forest area with two very pleasant marked trails to follow (the Sentier de la Casse aux Lièvres takes about an hour and the Sentier du Bout des Cabanes around 1 1/2 hours).
Although La Tranche-sur-Mer has everything for the family on a beach holiday it's still nice to have a day out, and you can leave the car behind by taking the boat to one of the nearby islands of Ile-de-Ré or Ile-d'Aix or to the lovely city of La Rochelle, one of our favourite French towns.
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 La Tranche-sur-Mer see HERE
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Photos of La Tranche-sur-Mer
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Map of La Tranche-sur-Mer and places nearby
Places to visit near La Tranche-sur-Mer
La Faute-sur-Mer
Here at La Faute-sur-Mer you can explore the nature reserve and peninsula - or relax on the long beach!
La Faute-sur-Mer guide
Longeville-sur-Mer
At Longeville-sur-Mer you will enjoy the lively market in the town as well as the sandy beach
Longeville-sur-Mer guide
Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard
Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard is a small resort in Vendee where you can visit the house and gardens of Georges Clemenceau
Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard guide
Jard-sur-Mer
Jard-sur-Mer is a very pleasant, if quite small, Vendee resort with a harbour and a beach
Jard-sur-Mer guide
Ile de Re
The Ile-de-Ré is an island with lots of sandy beaches and some attractive villages. Much loved by cycling families!
Ile de Re guide
... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Vendee
Address: Tranche-sur-Mer, Moutiers-les-Mauxfaits, Sables-d'Olonne, Pays de la Loire, 85360, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.344013, longitude -1.438316
Plan your visit to La Tranche-sur-Mer, Vendee
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Georges Clemenceau house: national monument (12 km)
- Ars-en-Re: most beautiful village (16 km)
- Saint-Martin-de-Ré citadelle (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (17 km)
- La Flotte-en-Re: most beautiful village (19 km)
- Parc zoologique des Sables-d'Olonne: zoo or wildlife park (29 km)
- La Rochelle: secteur sauvegarde (30 km)
- Aquarium de La Rochelle: aquarium (31 km)
- Jardins de Chaligny: remarkable garden (33 km)
- Marans: ville fleurie 4* (34 km)
- Jardins du phare de Chassiron: remarkable garden (35 km)
- Jardins du Bâtiment: remarkable garden (40 km)
- Jardins de la Boirie: remarkable garden (46 km)
Market days in La Tranche-sur-Mer, France
Regular market(s) are held in La Tranche-sur-Mer each Wednesday & Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at La Tranche-sur-Mer (Francais)