If you are looking for a simple guide to the beaches around Jard sur Mer, take a look at my favourite 6 below. These beaches are generally the most accessible and with the most services. You’ll also find many other access points by walking to the beach on foot paths across the dunes, where you will find much quieter areas. Beware these areas will not have lifeguard surveillance.
Les Sable d'Olonne
Les Sables d’Olonne – Furthest away is Les Sables d’Olonne. The beach here is a gorgeously fine silvery sand and is in a natural south facing bay, protecting it from the rougher Atlantic seas. The sand creates a perfect gentle slope into the inviting ocean. At 25 mins from Jard, this is a longer drive, but well worth it to experience the bustling and most developed resort on the local coast. You’ll be spoilt for choice for shops, restaurants and bars. The world famous Vendée Globe round the world yacht race departs from here every 4 years.
Plage du Veillon
Plage du Veillon – Much closer, but still a 20 min drive is Plage du Veillon. The beach here is a spectacular sand spit that protects that Le Payré estuary from the Atlantic and creates a stunning natural lagoon. This beach is very popular, so we recommend you don’t arrive late on a nice day. The facilities here include cafes, toilets, water sports instructors and equipment hire. You can surf on the Atlantic side or relax in the gentle flow of the estuary on the other side. Lilo’s, paddle boards and kayaks are more at home here on the estuary.
Plage de Morpoigne
Plage de Morpoigne – This is the local beach to Jard sur Mer. Just to the east of the pleasure port, it is ideal if you are staying in town, but is likely to be quite busy and at low tide is quite rocky. There are plenty of bars and restaurants near the port, but limited facilities on the beach.
Plage de Boisvinet
Plage de Boisvinet – This beach is the closest to our villa, Atlantic Pines, so we may be a bit biased! There is a small car park, but we prefer to walk through the forest, or cycle, as there is extensive cycle parking. There is a lifeguarded beach here to the right and a quieter beach to the left. There is also a groyne here to protect a slipway and launch area for boats and wind sports enthusiasts. There is a dedicated area for windsurfers, kite boarders and wing foilers to set up their equipment, so please take care around this area. There is a small portaloo in the car park, but that is the extent of the facilities. The sand is lovely and golden here, but at low tide there please beware of the rocks.
Longeville
Longeville – A 10 minute drive from Jard on local roads are the beaches of Longeville. This stretch of beach is lovely and quiet even on the busiest of days. Park at Maison et jardins de Georges Clemenceau, where there are toilet facilities and a small beach café, if you are interested in the surf making a natural right hand break. Or park at the small car park at end of the road La Cartière aux Chats, if you want almost perfect isolation.
Plage des Conches
Plage des Conches – Facing more easterly than the other beaches, this beach attracts the larger waves and will appeal to surfers and body boarders alike. If you park at the main car park you will have access to the toilets, surf school, lifeguards & a beach café. The best surfing conditions are with an incoming tide and northeast to east winds. This is about 15 minutes from Jard sur mer by car. www.manusurf.com are a short distance from the beach and offer surf hire.