Beauvoir-Sur-Mer: Marshes and History

Beauvoir-Sur-Mer is located in the Marais Breton Vendéen, whose wet meadows, reed beds, polders, canals and tidal creeks form the landscape. The history of Saint-Philbert Church also reaches far back, while the construction of the pontoons at Port du Bec catches the eye. The natural landscape, church architecture and harbour scenery offer different points of focus when planning your trip.

Marsh Landscape and Protected Area

The Marais du Bout de Sac regional nature reserve was established within the municipality of Beauvoir-Sur-Mer on 26 September 2025. It provides habitat for black-tailed godwits, common redshanks, natterjack toads and the rare dragonfly species Leste à grands stigmas. Which species are present can vary by season. Check the current access rules for the protected area before visiting.

Marais Breton Vendéen refers to the broader landscape, while Marais du Bout de Sac is the named protected area. Those interested in wetlands will find specific terms here to describe the landscape: alongside wet meadows, reeds, polders, canals and tidal creeks are part of its character. The protected area adds a distinct habitat to this landscape, with wildlife that may be more or less present depending on the season.

Saint-Philbert Church and Port du Bec

Saint-Philbert Church stands exactly where Saint Philbert had a Benedictine monastery built towards the end of the 7th century. The church’s main structural elements date from the 11th and 12th centuries. This places its history in context: the church’s major building phases followed the founding of the monastery at the end of the 7th century by several centuries.

Port du Bec lies at the mouth of the Étier du Dain canal between Bouin and Beauvoir-Sur-Mer. Its pontoons are supported by wooden piles; the interwoven rows of piles are reminiscent of ports on the China Sea. This construction style gave the port its nickname, “Port chinois” (Chinese Port). Bars, restaurants and shops are also part of what the harbour has to offer. At the incoming tide, you can watch the oyster farmers at work. As businesses and activities can change, it is worth checking what is currently available when making specific plans.

Passage du Gois: Plan Around the Tides

The Passage du Gois is a 4,150 km-long stretch of road that can be submerged at high tide and connects the island of Noirmoutier with the mainland. It becomes visible again twice a day. At high tide, it is covered by around 1.50 to 3 metres of water, depending on the tidal coefficient. The crossing window runs from 1 hour 30 minutes before to 1 hour 30 minutes after low tide. Safety instructions are posted at the access points. Check the latest tide forecast in advance and follow the instructions on site; the tide level determines both visibility and when crossing is possible.

Orienteering Course and La Maison de l'Ane

You can take part in the orienteering course on foot or by bicycle, alone, with friends or with family. Check the latest access information before setting out. This choice between two modes of transport and different group formats can be considered separately from the tide-dependent planning required for the Passage du Gois.

La Maison de l'Ane is an educational farm and animal park in the Marais Breton Vendéen. Visitors can get to know different donkey breeds and other farm animals there. Donkey rides on the grounds are offered to children weighing up to 35 kg; donkey treks beyond the grounds are available by reservation. The programme includes afternoon demonstrations of milking jennies and processing donkey’s milk into soap. Demonstrations depend on the seasonal programme, and seasonal opening hours may change. Check the latest programme before travelling.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Longèves, La Gaubretière, La Chapelle-Palluau, Saint-Vincent-Sur-Jard, Saint-Georges-De-Montaigu, Bretignolles-Sur-Mer, L'aiguillon-Sur-Mer, Aubigny.

For the main travel overview: Vendée.