Ah, it's so good to go and let off steam in nature! Trail running and running enthusiast on trail or of running more peaceful, the varied landscapes of the Pays des Achards are a lovely playground for running in Vendée…And warm up the calves!
From the cool corners of the woods and lakes to the charm of the hilly paths and wooded landscapes, there's something for everyone. While some are looking to gain speed or train for a marathon, others simply want to run to reconnect with the essentials and the calm of nature.
Whatever your motivation, There are many running routes near us. Get your sneakers ready: we'll take you to discover our best running spots in Vendée!
Jump directly to the section that inspires you below:
- Top 4 running spots in Pays des Achards
- Running sporting events in Pays des Achards
- Major sporting events for running in Vendée
- Running on the islands and the Vendée coastline
Top 4 running spots in Pays des Achards
1 – Lac du Jaunay: a must-see trail in Vendée
This is THE running spot in the Land of Achards! Nestled in the heart of wooded valleys and peaceful riverbanks, Jaunay Lake is a must for lovers of cross-country running and trail running in Vendée. Here, it has it all: beautiful viewpoints, gradual elevation changes, shaded paths, and a morning atmosphere to recharge your batteries... or push your limits!
Want to run to take on new challenges? The complete tour The lake awaits you with its 12 km and its 250 meters of elevation gain. For a shorter outing, two loops are available: the East loop (upstream, approximately 5 km) or the West loop (downstream, approximately 8 km). The hiking trails that run along the banks are also very popular with runners for varying the landscapes... and the level of difficulty!
The shot of ♥ Stone : On Sunday mornings, I love the absolute calm of the Jaunay Lake, birdsong, nature on awakening. I like to go around the lake with its 250m drop, not to mention the detours which can increase the difficulty. Between the Savarière dam and the Pré, this is the steepest and sportiest part of the course. But we are quickly rewarded by the very pretty viewpoints with the Belvedere!
The shot of ♥ from Celine: I start at the Baudrière barn. I love seeing the birds and trees change with the seasons! Above all, at each race, I stop at the observatory footbridge at the end of the lake. I have already seen an otter and a kingfisher! The paths are always easily accessible (depending on the season, there is more or less mud if it has rained!).
Most of our 26 hiking trails in the Pays des Achards are also suitable for running.
👉 Check out our test to find out which outdoor walk is right for you!
2. Le Girouard: for trailers looking for a challenge
Notice to nature trail enthusiasts : trails around Girouard are made for you! Here, the paths are shaded, sometimes narrow, with just the right amount of elevation to challenge yourself without breaking your times. It's the perfect terrain to learn single-track racing or to vary your training if you're preparing for a cross-country race in Vendée.
Two key routes await you:
- The Chive Valley Trail (10 km)
- The Celtic Trail (15,5 km)
The little extra? Several fords on the Ciboule River, which winds peacefully through the fields. A natural atmosphere is guaranteed, with a few steep climbs for the more athletic!
Insiders also appreciate the old motocross track, just to the left of the socio-cultural hall: perfect for a hill or interval session on soft terrain.
💡 Did you know?
The Chive Trail is organized every year in mid-July. It is a local sporting event appreciated for its friendly atmosphere, its nature trails... and its legs that itch when you arrive!
3. Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche: easy and accessible trails
For an easy, pleasant and accessible running route all year round, head to Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche, a small natural corner conducive to walking trips or leisurely shopping in Vendée.
The must-see trail here is the Birdhouse Trail (5 km). Well signposted, it starts a stone's throw from the town center and follows a bucolic route in the heart of nature. Finding it couldn't be simpler: park near the Omnisports hall, put on your sneakers, and let yourself be guided by... a titmouse! Each direction sign is decorated with the iconic bird of the route, for a walk that's as fun as it is sporty.
Want to extend the distance a little? This circuit can easily be extended by 2 km by passing through the hamlets of Trois Moulins and La Rochette.
The shot of ♥ from Audrey: “I love running along the Sentier des Nichoirs, especially the passage that leads to the communal gardens. There, I always feel like the trees are forming a guard of honor for me! I love the Terrasses du Jaunay, the flowers, the colors that change with the seasons, the little wooden bridge, and even this pretty red house that reminds me of Canada.”
Find your next shopping trip in Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche:
4. The Bibrou lake: running in the great outdoors, just a stone's throw from La Mothe-Achard
No need to venture far to run in the great outdoors! In the heart of the La Mothe district, in Pickles, the Bibrou lake is perfect for a short run or a gentle fitness workout.
This 850-meter loop (a real warm-up lap for beginners!) is ideal for trot at one's own pace while breathing in a good bowl of greenery. It’s THE spot for Sunday runners, for those who want to get back into running slowly without starting a marathon right from the start, or for athletes in a hurry who want to treat themselves to a quick run between two meetings. A perfect circuit to get back into running... without getting your legs tangled up!
💪 The practical bonus:
On site, you will also find a health course with several pieces of equipment to do exercises in addition to your running session. Stretching, strengthening, core training... A real plus for varying the pleasures (and the workouts)!
Running sporting events in Pays des Achards
Need to set a goal? Experience the atmosphere of an official race or compete against other running enthusiasts? The Pays des Achards welcomes you every year several outdoor sporting events which attract both regular bib wearers and occasional runners.
Whether you are a fan of trail running, road running, Nordic walking or even run & bike, you will definitely find an event to add to your calendar!
The trails of the territory
- Beaulieu Winter Trail (BWT) – in February / March in Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche: day and night races, challenge formats and children’s races, from 9 to 26 km.
- Trail du Lac & Nordic des Achards – in May around Lac du Jaunay, with several trail and Nordic walking routes, from 10 to 23 km.
- Trail of the Ciboule – July 14 at Girouard, with distances of 10 km / 16 km / 28 km, hiking and “La Ciboulette” initiation for young people.
Other unmissable sporting events
- Corrida des Achards : in November in the La Mothe district, festive races for associations, businesses or individuals.
- Chrono of the Pickles : cycling time trial in September, focused on performance and precision.
Major sporting events for running in Vendée
Beyond the Pays des Achards, Vendée is full of high-level sporting events, accessible to amateurs and performance enthusiasts alike. Plenty to vary the playing fields! Running by the sea, participating in urban marathons, triathlons, forest trails or duathlons… There's something to get your sneakers warmed up almost all year round!
Trails and nature races: Vendée, off-road version
- The 1000D of the forest massif – Mervent / Vouvant (February)
If you're the type of person who doesn't spare any effort, get ready to lace up your running shoes. On the agenda: 22 km of athletic running and 1000 m of elevation gain... You'll have a recovery time at the finish line!
- Raidlight Vendée Trail – Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez (April)
Head to the wild Vendée coast with this trail, a favorite on the regional calendar. State-owned forest, beaches, dunes, and sandy trails: a playground that's both technical and exotic.
- The 10 km of La Chaume - Les Sables d'Olonne (April)
Race alert with a sea view! Meet in Les Sables d'Olonne for a 10 km road race along the channel, the marina and the coastal road. A chance to relive the emotions of the arrival of the Vendée Globe !
- The 2 Beaches Race – Brétignolles-sur-Mer (April)
Run in the sea! This invigorating run by the water transforms energy slumps into heart-stopping moments. 4,7 km sprint or 12,5 km endurance? The choice is yours!
- The Marath'Yonnaise – La Roche-sur-Yon (May)
The challenge? Run a 6 km loop, repeating it 7 times to beat your marathon time. Good news if you're a little lacking in training: the race can be done as a relay or in a shorter format (12 or 24 km).
- The Strides of Gois – Noirmoutier (June)
Running on a road… submerged by the tide? A unique challenge, with your feet in the water and your eyes fixed on the horizon. A real race against time.watchsea !
- The Giants' Stride – Les Épesses (October)
The opportunity to add a good dose of magic to your sporting challenge by running in the heart of Puy du Fou. 10 or 20 km of effort in one of the most beautiful theme parks in the world, we say yes!
- Nature of Life Race – The Poiré-sur-Vie (December)
A great way to get some exercise before the Christmas holidays. Whether it's a nighttime version, a 100% feminine version, running or walking, from 5 to 45 km: there's a formula for everyone!
- Santa's Races – Les Herbiers (December)
We're staying in the Christmas spirit with routes from 11 to 133 km, to gently enter winter and anticipate the excesses of the end-of-year celebrations!
![Massif forestier de Mervent Vouvant pour courir en Vendée]()
The Mervent forest massif ![Les Foulées du Gois à Noirmoutier courir en Vendée]()
The Strides of Gois ![Courses des deux plages à Brétignolles sur Mer courir en Vendée]()
The 2 Beaches Race ![La Foulée des Géants au Puy du Fou courir en Vendée]()
The Giants' Stride ![Trail dans la forêt de St Hilaire de Riez courir en Vendée]()
The forest of Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez
Triathlons, duathlons and multi-sport challenges
- Herbiers Duathlon (spring)
A technical event, bringing together runners and cyclists. Two running segments frame a demanding cycling section. - La Roche-sur-Yon Triathlon (may)
Another great combination of swimming, cycling and running to push yourself in Vendée.
Sizes XS – S – M – L & Youth. - Saint-Jean-de-Monts International Triathlon (June)
A benchmark in Vendée: swimming in the ocean, road cycling and running on the seafront.
Sizes S, M, L, youth and relay. - Sables-d'Olonne Triathlon (July)
A postcard-perfect setting for beginners or those who want to push their limits, with an XS, S, or M format! A nature and family triathlon, with two youth races also being organized. - The Ironman 70.3 of Les Sables d'Olonne (July)
1,9 km of swimming, 90 km of cycling (part of which crosses the Pays des Achards), 21 km of running: a great challenge to start the summer off right! - Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie Triathlon (august)
A course accompanied by a much-appreciated sea breeze. Even the little ones have their own course! - South Vendée Triathlon in Aiguillon-sur-Mer (last weekend of September)
Friendly and accessible atmosphere, with sizes XS, S, M and L. Ideal for getting started. - Run & Bike La Roche-sur-Yon to Olonnes
The opportunity to share the effort as a couple, with one bike for two riders and a good dose of strategy.
Running on the islands and the Vendée coast: feet in the sand, eyes towards the Atlantic
If you like running with a beautiful view, you'll be in luck. The Vendée is rolling out more than 250 km of coastline, punctuated by immense beaches, pine forests and coastal paths made for running. Whether you're a fan of leisurely jogging or long outings, the Vendée coast is a constant invitation to lace up your trainers.
Beaches and coastal paths: heading west
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Brétignolles-sur-Mer, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez: these seaside resorts offer lovely seaside excursions. At dawn or sunset, a picture-postcard atmosphere is guaranteed.
- La Tranche-sur-Mer and L'Aiguillon-sur-Mer : Flat terrain, hard sand at low tide, cycle paths... Perfect for lively outings facing the ocean.
- Les Sables d'Olonne : Between the trails of Puits d'Enfer and Tanchet beach, runners often come across triathletes in full preparation.
The Isle of Yeu: wild and sporty
Steeper than Noirmoutier, the Isle of Yeu is ideal for a nature trail for a weekendThe coastal paths offer a series of coves, cliffs, small ports and deserted beaches. Perfect for fans of long-distance races with sea views. There are even marked routes such as “discovery trail” !
Good to know : you get there… by sea! Embark from Fromentine or Saint-Gilles for a seaside crossing, hair blowing in the wind and sneakers on your feet.
Noirmoutier Island: running at low tide
Accessible on foot or by bike via the Passage du Gois (except at high tide), Noirmoutier is a little paradise for running in Vendée. Between salt marshes, fine sandy beaches and maritime pines, the routes are varied and with very little elevation gain.
Kick of ❤️ : the alleys of Vieil, the wooded paths of Barbâtre, and the Jacobsen dike at sunrise.
