Saint-hilaire-de-riez

Founded in the 6th century, the parish of Saint-Hilaire built a stone church in 1029. Razed in the 16th century during the Wars of Religion, it was rebuilt on the orders of Richelieu in 1609. Between 1650 and 1676, three exceptional alterpieces, unique in Vendée, were installed : La Descente de la Croix (The Descent from the Cross) in the centre behind the alter, La vierge des tempêtes (The Virgin of the Storms) and La Cène (The Last Supper). The church of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez is also home to six superb paintings by Henry Simon.

Built in 1818, the Bourrine du Bois Juquaud is an authentic set of mud constructions covered with reeds. Buildings, utensils and everyday objects are witness to the life of the marsh people in the Vendée Breton marsh at the beginning of the century. Owned by the commune of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez who have restored it and a branch of the Vendée living museum, the Bourrine du Bois Juquaud provides visitors with a permanent exhibition and a large number of documents to understand and appreciate this specific aspect of local heritage.

Salt marshes, worked by men since the 7th century, are a witness to the intense activity that carried on until recently harvesting the white gold. This is one of the many facets of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, a land of traditions that are perpetuated to better pass them on and explain activities that have crossed the centuries.

Almost 600 hectares, the domain forest is an open space that provides a large number of activities. On foot, bicycle or even on horseback, follow sign-posted footpaths that will take you past maritime pine trees on pleasant and calm walks. Play and picnic areas line this area devoted to leisure.

An integral part of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, the station of Sion sur l'Océan, recently redeveloped, includes the Vendée cornice, a remarkable natural site classified since 1926. Its tormented appearance is a contrast to the plenitude of the beaches that it extends. Its jagged cliffs hide several treasures for example the Cinq Pineaux, isolated rocks facing the ocean, the Trou du Diable (the Devil's Hole), a cauldron of foam formed by erosion or Le Pilours, a rocky point at the mouth of the river Vie.

On the road that leads from Le Pissot to Le Perrier, in the hamlet of Les Mattes, a monument stands in memory of Louis de la Rochejaquelein, who was killed there during the Vendée wars on 3rd June 1814. Leader of the Vendée troops during the Hundred Day revolt, he fought for two weeks from Aizenay to Saint-Jean-de-Monts against the Bonapartists Travot and Estève before falling in combat. A place for meditation and memory, the Les Mattes monument was restored by the commune of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez under the control of the departmental museum department with the support of the Vendée Regional Council.

The excellent quality of the water is recognised and certified by the Pavillon Bleu d'Europe. A wide variety of sports activities are available in this enormous adventure playground. You can enjoy beach volley ball, sand yachting, beach football or running. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy the infrastructures of the Sion Station Voile and the pleasures of the open sea.