Our team—your hosts at La Grand’ Métairie Campground
Bénédicte and Denis took over La Grand’ Métairie in 2009, a campground that began as a former farmhouse in the heart of Saint-Hilaire-la-Forêt. A former baker in Jard-sur-Mer and the son of a farmer, Denis rediscovered his love for the land and the great outdoors here. Together, they’ve created a family-friendly, intimate campground where the mini-farm, vegetable garden, and animals invite guests of all ages to reconnect with nature. For over fifteen years, they’ve been welcoming guests like family, nestled between the countryside and the beaches of the Vendée.
The entire team at La Grand’ Métairie welcomes you! Our family-friendly campground in Saint-Hilaire-la-Forêt, just a few minutes from the beaches of the Vendée, is where we live every day—a true slice of the countryside. The reception area, the mini-farm, the Guinguette, and the activities—it’s all part of the experience, and we’re here to welcome you. Everything you read on this site comes from right here—our campground and our seasons. Make yourself at home— we’ll tell you all about our campground!
Who we are
We’re a team of full-time and seasonal staff, from the front desk to the Guinguette, including housekeeping and entertainment. What sets us apart? A personal touch. In fact, that’s what comes up most often in our guests’ reviews, and nearly 20% of them come back season after season! We know our regulars by their first names and tailor our advice to each family’s needs.
We welcome guests of all ages here, from families with young children to grandparents who come to spend time with their grandchildren. Our guiding principle is the spirit of the countryside, which is reflected everywhere—even in the decor of our accommodations.
“Our greatest reward is seeing our regulars come back and being able to greet them by name.” — The team at La Grand’ Métairie
Our mini-farm, the beating heart of the campground
If there’s one place that really reflects who we are, it’s our mini-farm, located right at the entrance to the campground. Every morning at 10 a.m., we invite families to join us to feed the animals together. The kids love seeing Chipie, our pony, the goats and their kids, the peacock, the hens, the roosters, and the turkeys.
This moment is an integral part of the vacation: it kicks off the morning for our youngest guests, right before pool time or the Piki Club. It’s also what sets us apart—this natural, rustic atmosphere that you won’t find at every campground. A true return to the countryside, just a few minutes’ drive from the beaches, with Jard-sur-Mer 6 km away.
“The 10 a.m. gathering at the mini-farm is our signature activity: feeding Chipie and the baby goats with the kids is what kicks off the day!” — The team at La Grand’ Métairie
La Mini-ferme
Why should you trust us?
We experience firsthand everything on this site. We run the campground ourselves and answer the phone: many of you call us before booking to confirm accommodations or an outing, and we’re happy to help.
Our commitment to quality is evident in the details. At La Guinguette, our meals and evening events are the highlight of the day—the moment vacationers look forward to. Our Signature accommodations, meanwhile, tell a charming story: historic homes renovated and clad in wood, furnished with repurposed items—like these vintage teapots transformed into ceiling lights. As for our activities, led by 3 to 4 activity leaders, they’re fully included in your stay: all you have to do is show up at the right time. Some evenings even hold wonderful surprises, like concerts and guest artists during the Camping Paradis Summer Tours!
La Guinguette
The topics we share with you
Here, we write only about what we do every day at the campground. These are the topics we have the most to share about:
Tourism in the Area: Jard-sur-Mer, the beaches, the major amusement parks, and the most beautiful sites in the Vendée.
- Our accommodations—from tree-lined campsites to Comfort mobile homes, chalets, and Signature accommodations—all feature private patios, so you can find the perfect one for you.
- Our mini-farm and its animals—a daily morning highlight for the kids.
- Our two heated pools—the indoor pool opens in April and the outdoor pool in June—with their grassy pool decks.
- La Guinguette, our evening events and entertainment lineup, from the Piki Club to summer concerts.
Our area of expertise: the Vendée, from Jard-sur-Mer to Veillon Beach
We live here year-round, and that makes all the difference: we know our little corner of the Vendée inside and out. Looking for a beach to spend the day at, an authentic market, or an outing the kids will love? Just ask us—we’ve got the answer!
Looking for an idea? Head over to Jard-sur-Mer, 6 km away, where the big Monday morning market has been named one of the most beautiful markets in France: brioche, préfou, and a great atmosphere are guaranteed. In the evening, the port of Jard is worth a stroll, and its night market brings the town to life on Thursdays. For surfing, head to Longeville Beach and its renowned spot, just a few kilometers from the campground. For families, the nearby Préhistosite and La Folie de Finfarine—dedicated to the world of bees—are always a hit. And for a full-day outing, Puy du Fou is just an hour away.
“Our favorite spot, less than 30 minutes away, is the sunset at Veillon Beach. We never get tired of it.” — The team at La Grand’ Métairie
L’agenda des alentours#lagrand-metairie
Our Philosophy
Our approach stems from a conscious choice: to handle everything ourselves, from the bread delivered every morning at 8 a.m. to the last evening activity. What matters to us are the little moments: the kids dashing off to feed the goats before breakfast, a tip for a hike shared at the front desk, and come evening, the whole campground coming together to dance the Fiesta Boom Boom. We get around in golf carts, share an aperitif with our neighbors, and everyone quickly finds their bearings. That’s how we welcome you, season after season, with a sincere desire to do our best.
Book your stay
Have a question about accommodations, an idea for an outing you’d like to run by us, or a practical question? Email us at info@camping-grandmetairie.com, call us at 02 51 33 32 38, or simply stop by the front desk at 8 rue de la Vineuse en Plaine, in Saint-Hilaire-la-Forêt. We’d love to meet you and help you fall in love with our Vendée region just as much as we have. See you soon—the entire team at La Grand’ Métairie!