Plage du Veillon

Plage du Veillon is a sandy Atlantic beach of about 1 km south of the Talmont-Saint-Hilaire resort on the Vendée coast, running down to the mouth of the Payré river. It suits surfers, kitesurfers and families who swim in the supervised zone, and it holds the Blue Flag.

A swimming zone and a kitesurf area

The beach is split in two. The northern part, near the car park, is the swimming zone, watched by lifeguards in season. The southern part is a kitesurf area, where remains of Second World War coastal defences still stand on the sand. At the southern end the Payré meets the sea, with the Pointe du Payré in Jard-sur-Mer, about 2 km away, visible across the estuary. Swimming in the river behind the dune is not allowed.

Protected dune, picnic forest and the Payré estuary

A large dune backs the beach, and walking on it is forbidden to protect it from erosion; use the marked access paths. A forest beside the beach has space for picnics, and the walk toward the Payré estuary is quiet outside summer.

Mid-tide surf and the Veillon Surf School

Le Veillon is a known surf spot, and mid tide usually gives the best conditions. The Veillon Surf School works in the northern zone from early April to mid-November; in 2026 its season ran from 4 April to 11 November. It is accredited by the French Surfing Federation and holds the Handi Surf label, and state-certified instructors give group lessons in surfing and bodyboarding, from a single introductory session to courses of two to five sessions, for children from age seven and adults. Boards and wetsuits are included. Lessons are offered in English, Spanish and French.

Summer services and access for disabled visitors

Showers, toilets, a children's club, mattress and pedal boat hire, restaurants and a snack bar serve the beach in summer, and there is access for disabled visitors. Outside summer, the lifeguards and most services stop.