The small town of Jard-sur-Mer is on the coast of south-western Vendée, here known as the 'Côte de Lumière', to the south-east of the popular Sables d'Olonne resort and north-west of La Tranche-sur-Mer.
Explore Jard-sur-Mer
France This Way review: the port and town in Jard-sur-Mer are both quite small but very nicely maintained and active in high season so would be a good choice of destination for those looking to have a quiet, but not very quiet, holiday in the Vendee.
The town of Jard-sur-Mer can be seen as falling into three separate regions: the traditional town centre, the port area and the beaches. Not surprisingly it is above all the beaches that attract visitors to Jard-sur-Mer.
The coastal centre of Jard-sur-Mer is based around the port area. The harbour, overlooked by the Conchette windmill, can hold more than 500 boats. The port and jetty area is a pleasant place to take a stroll and around the edges of the port you will find plenty of bars and restaurants to take a pause.
There are small beaches close to hand on either side of the harbour, and of course several of the well known sandy beaches of Vendée with easy reach.
The Plage du Pe du Canon just north of the harbour and the Plage de la Mine a little further north-west are among the most popular of the local beaches. The Plage de la Mine would be our choice, because of its scenic setting with low cliffs behind the beach.
There are also rocky sections along the coast here, which is not always the case along the Atlantic beaches
A short distance to the north, the traditional town centre of Jard-sur-Mer is also a bustling destination in the summer months as visitors buy fresh produce from the daily market and walk around the pedestrianised town centre.
Attractions nearby
Quite unusually for coastal resorts in Vendée you wil find some sites of historical interest to visit in the vicinity, even if much of the town centre is of recent construction.
Principal among these are the remains of the nearby Abbey of Lieu-Dieu, dating back to the 12th century and about two kilometres west of the town. The abbey was seriously damaged during the Wars of Religion in the 17th century but sufficient remains to make a visit worthwhile.
Beyond the abbey, the coast along the Payre estuary and headland is among the most scenic in the region and a very nice place for a walk along the cliffs and sea-front.
The ancient roman style Church of Sainte-Radegonde, best known for the medieval carvings of monsters around the belltower, and the 17th century Chapel of Saint Anne are among the other places of interest.
The home of Georges Clemenceau, an important French politician at the time of the First World War, is a listed National Monument in France and can be visited at nearby Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard.
You will find numerous trails through the forests that follow much of the coast around Jard-sur-Mer which make for a pleasant and usually very peaceful change from the beaches, with both walking and cycling routes available. There is even a 'training circuit' marked out for those who want a little more activity during their visit!
See more of the popular beaches and resorts in Vendee
See more seaside resorts in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Vendee guide and the Pays de la Loire guide.
Photos of Jard-sur-Mer
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Hotels in Jard-sur-Mer
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Map of Jard-sur-Mer and places nearby
Visit near Jard-sur-Mer with France This Way reviews
Talmont-Saint-Hilaire
The small town of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire is mainly known for the Chateau de Talmont, where various events take place during the summer season.
Talmont-Saint-Hilaire 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
La Tranche-sur-Mer
La Tranche-sur-Mer is a small resort, but very pleasant and with an enjoyable promenade behind the beach
La Tranche-sur-Mer 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
Sables d'Olonne
The lively town of Sables-d'Olonne is our favourite resort on the Vendee coast
Sables d'Olonne guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Vendee
Address: Jard-sur-Mer, Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, Sables-d'Olonne, Pays de la Loire, 85520, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 46.417222, longitude -1.575556
Plan your visit to Jard-sur-Mer, Vendee
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Georges Clemenceau house: national monument (2 km)
- Parc zoologique des Sables-d'Olonne: zoo or wildlife park (16 km)
- Ars-en-Re: most beautiful village (24 km)
- Saint-Martin-de-Ré citadelle (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (29 km)
- La Flotte-en-Re: most beautiful village (32 km)
- Jardins de Chaligny: remarkable garden (37 km)
- La Rochelle: secteur sauvegarde (43 km)
- Aquarium de La Rochelle: aquarium (44 km)
- Jardins du phare de Chassiron: remarkable garden (45 km)
- Jardins du Bâtiment: remarkable garden (46 km)
- Marans: ville fleurie 4* (46 km)
- Saint-Jean-de-Monts: ville fleurie 4* (56 km)
Market days in Jard-sur-Mer, France
Regular market(s) are held in Jard-sur-Mer each Monday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Jard-sur-Mer (Francais)