Talmont-Saint-Hilaire is a coastal town in Vendée, in the Pays-de-la-Loire region, located 30 km southwest of La Roche-sur-Yon and around fifteen kilometers from Les Sables-d'Olonne.
The locality first developed around its castle, originally consisting of a keep erected in the 11th century by William the Bald, vassal of the Duke of Aquitaine. After a few decades under the domination of the King of France, the castle was considerably reinforced by Raoul de Mauléon, vassal of Richard the Lionheart, and the Duke of Aquitaine at the end of the 12th century.
Dismantled in the 16th century so that the English could not establish themselves in the region, the castle lost its prestige and it was not until the 20th century that it was restored.
It is now the spearhead of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, which has made tourism linked to its heritage and its beach, on the Côte de Lumière, its vector of economic development, after having lived for a long time from agriculture, maritime trade, salt marshes and oyster farming.
In fact, since the Second War, the city has experienced remarkable demographic growth, going from a thousand inhabitants to nearly 8,000 today. It is a famous seaside and holiday resort on the Vendée coast.
A visit to the city begins with that of its jewel: formerly on the seaside, now several kilometers from the coast, the Talmont castle was partly built of pebbles and its successive expansions bear witness to the evolution of techniques in terms of military architecture. Dominating the estuary of the Payré river and the port, sheltering or protecting the city (halles, abbey), it was a stronghold of the Dukes of Aquitaine then a Protestant stronghold during the wars of religion, but after the Revolution, the The castle gradually lost its splendor. Bought by the municipality at the beginning of the 20th century, it was the subject of several restoration campaigns. Excavations are still taking place there. The castle of Richard the Lionheart offers self-guided tours, guided tours (depending on the period), medieval workshops (depending on the period), medieval shows in summer (falconry, chivalry), a night show in summer. Events within the castle grounds throughout the year.
Other elements of the architectural and historical heritage of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire are worth a look.
This is the case of the church of Saint-Hilaire, which has been remodeled several times. Originally dating from the 11th century, the vaults and bays are from the 16th century and the nave was rebuilt in the 19th century.
Built in the 19th century on the site of a former priory, the Bourgenay chapel overlooks a crypt predating the Revolution. Pilgrimages have taken place there since a statue of the Immaculate Conception was installed at the end of the 19th century.
Guided tours of the city are offered in summer.
On the port, a cannon from an 18th century frigate seems to be watching the shore.
The old pivot mills (some from the 12th century) or old dovecotes (like that of Breuil, which could accommodate 2000 birds), are also interesting.
Even more astonishing, the footprints of prehistoric animals and fossils unearthed in Vaillon, or, more recently, the "Asparagus of Rommel", stakes installed on the Payré estuary to prevent any Allied landings during the last war (visible at low tide).
For elements of historical heritage, guided tours or information on +33 2 51 90 65 10.
In a different register, the discovery of the astonishing automobile museum of Vendée and its 160 cars dating from 1885 to the 1960s (entrance 13 and 7 euros, information at +33 2 51 22 05 81) or that of the Aquarium of the 7 continents where 500 species are visible (entrance 13.80 and 9.80 euros, information at +33 2 51 32 30 00) are alternatives in case of bad weather…
Then all that remains is to discover and enjoy the coastline and its riches.
We think of the Payré oyster basin (twenty companies, information for visits on +33 2 51 20 74 85), the Payré estuary being as such classified as a Great Natural Ensemble for its remarkable biodiversity.
At the Bourgenay marina, nautical activities are offered such as sea trips with A3PB, boat rentals with Loc'Atlantique, sailing courses with the Association Nautique de Bourgenay, sea fishing, jet skiing with Jet Explorer.
Numerous hikes or bike rides, since a vast cycle network has been set up, are possible along the coast, whether it is wild, bordered by forests or made up of coves or beaches. “It rolls with Richard the Lionheart” cycle loop.
Near the port, the Bourgenay golf course and its two 18-hole courses welcome experienced players or beginners. Contact +33 2 51 23 35 45.
Finally, the pleasures of the beach and the sea will delight young and old, sportsmen or lovers of relaxation...
After a visit to the marina, head to the beach Veillon and its fine sand! You can practice the following activities there, mostly from April to September: sea walking and fishing, sport fishing, marsh fishing, jet-skiing, sailing (board, dinghy, etc.), paddle or canoe with Paddle Adventure, surfing with Vendée Surf Schools, kitesurfing or wingfoiling with Ocean Players.
With family or friends, you can also go to the La Bélière leisure park.
Nature associations allow you to discover the natural heritage of Talmont (La Ruche d'Idée and Groupe Associatif Estuaire).
Pony rides are offered near the Vendée Aquarium (in summer).
Hikes also: "Talmont Medieval city" (red markings: 6.14 km) - "La Ria du Payré" (orange markings / n°1: 3.250 km / n°2: 6 km / n°3 : 7.81 km / n°4: 11.180 km) - Les Marais de La Guittière (yellow markings: 10.8 km) - Le Chemin des Douaniers, from La Mine to Veillon (green markings: 8 km / yellow markings: 8 km / blue markings: 12.2 km).
Market every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning at Place du Payré (covered food market; Thursday food and fairground).
Night market: Wednesday evenings in July and August.
Mid-Lent (March), parade of floats and musical entertainment, evening ball.
In mid-May, medieval festival at Talmont Castle (equestrian show, costumed entertainment, evening concert).
In July and August, activities on the port (concerts, night market).
The third Sunday in August, salt festival in the Guittière district (visit to the salt marshes, artisans, traditional music and songs).
