Family nature outings around Lac du Jaunay, in Vendée
In the heart of the Pays des Achards, the Jaunay Lake is a true natural gem. Classified as a Sensitive Natural Area, this preserved site offers an ideal playground for family nature outingsFor more than 10 years, the Pays des Achards Tourist Office has been organizing the Jaunay'Scapades, a series of fun, educational activities accessible to all.
![Fabrication de bateau au lac du jaunay - Jaunay'Scapades]()
Creative workshops ![Observation des insectes Patrick Trecul Jaunay' Scapades]()
Nature walk
Every Wednesday in summer, discover local biodiversity thanks to a varied program: nature walks, creative workshops with natural materials, treasure hunts or, stargazing. These low-cost nature activities (€5) are accessible to everyone from 5 or 6 years old depending on the activities, and appeal every summer to both families on vacation in Vendée and local residents.
This is the perfect opportunity to better understand the richness of preserved banks of Lac du Jaunay in an original and friendly way!
The Jaunay'Scapades are part of the highlights of the year offered by the Pays des Achards Tourist Office. An unmissable event for all nature lover, big spaces andoutdoor activities in Vendée.
Discover your next nature outings below, starting in June 2026!
6 nature getaways took place this summer 2025
🌿 Wednesday, July 16 – Recycling Superheroes
With Beatrice Vincent - From 5 years - La Baudriere (St-Julien-des-Landes)
An original activity where they mixed creativity and recycling : nature walk, material gathering, then making objects from natural and recycled elements. Participants left with a creation and a new perspective on nature!
🧺 Wednesday, July 23 – Introduction to basket weaving
With Jacky Gouband – From 6 years old – Le Pré (La Chapelle-Hermier)
Families were able to discover the world of wild basketry, learned to weave local plants and left with a unique work of art shaped by their hands. An immersion in a traditional know-how along the plants.
🔍 Wednesday, July 30 – Treasure hunt: Save the forest!
With Antonine Lefebvre – From 6 years old – La Baudrière (Canoe base, St-Julien-des-Landes)
Un 2 km family route, punctuated by tests, sensory challenges and naturalist observations. Cooperation and team spirit were the best allies to unravel the mysteries of the endangered forest!
🌠 Wednesdays, August 6 and 13 – Night of the Stars
With the Sand Museum & the Challandais Astro Club – From 6 years old – Le Pré (La Chapelle-Hermier)
You have settled in comfortably for a magical evening under the stars. Sky map, constellations, telescope observation… A cosmic escapade between science, stories and poetry which is also part of our top 7 stupid things à surtout do it as a family!
🐾 Wednesday, August 20 – Nature getaway along the Jaunay
With Patrick Trecul – From 6 years old – Observatory Footbridge (La Chapelle-Hermier)
A 5 km nature walk, without pressure or time, where we observed, listened, and exchanged. Accompanied by a passionate expert, you rediscovered the richness of our environment, at the pace of your discoveries. A picnic break was planned!
Practical information
🗓️ When? All Wednesdays from mid-July to the end of August
(I.e. Where ? On the banks of the Jaunay lake, between Saint-Julien-des-Landes and La Chapelle-Hermier
💶 Single price : €5 per participant
🎟️ Booking is recommended – Limited places
📌 Meet 10 minutes before the start of the event
⚠️ Compliance with the minimum age required for each activity
🌦️ Activities maintained or postponed depending on the weather – bring suitable clothing
Our nature outings are coming back soon!
Why participate in Jaunay'Scapades?
- Low-cost activities : €5 per participant
- Ideal outings for families, with children from 5 or 6 years old
- A sensitive and educational discovery of the Vendée nature
- Un exceptional, between shaded banks, wooded paths and preserved landscapes
- passionate animators, like Béatrice Vincent, Patrick Trécul or Jacky Gouband
- A packed schedule constantly renewed to surprise even the regulars!
I love participating in these activities with my children. Fun and educational, they are always of high quality with passionate animators! In addition, the setting of the Jaunay lake is wonderful.
✅ FAQ – Les Jaunay’Scapades
👶 From what age can you participate?
Depending on the activity: Minimum age: 5 or 6 years. The age is indicated on each page. Please respect this instruction for everyone's comfort and the quality of the nature activity.
👨👩👧👦 Can adults participate?
Yes! These activities are designed for the whole family. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers can participate with their children and fully enjoy the experience.
📝 Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the reservation is strongly recommended, places are limited for each outing. You can book directly online on our website, by email at contact@achards-tourisme.com or by phone at 02 51 05 90 49. The reservation is definitively validated once the payment has been accepted.
🎒 What do you need to plan for a nature outing?
• Dress appropriately for the weather
• Comfortable sneakers
• Water bottle, cap, backpack (or blankets for starry nights)
• Picnic for the outing on August 20
• All details are indicated on the sheet for each animation.
🌧️ What if it rains?
Some activities are canceled, postponed or adapted depending on the weather. Follow the directions given by the Tourist Office or contact us on the same day.
📍 Where are the entertainment venues?
On different banks of the Jaunay Lake, between Saint-Julien-des-Landes and La Chapelle-Hermier. Each page specifies the exact meeting place. You can also consult our tourist map of Lac du Jaunay here.
In short
Jaunay'Scapades, those are nature activities to enjoy with the family in Vendée, around Jaunay Lake. share a moment of complicity, awaken the senses and curiosity of everyone, young and old. Whether you are vacationers or inhabitants of the Land of Achards, let yourself be tempted by a natural, fun and enriching getaway !
