Vendée Va'a

Vendée Va'a: The Polynesian Adventure in Les Sables-d'Olonne

Born in 2010 from the passion of Vendée rowers from Canoë Kayak Côte de Lumière, Vendée Va'a has become in just a few editions one of the most prestigious and demanding Polynesian canoe races in the world. Created by Denys Remy and supported by the SAPOVAYE association since 2015, this high-sea event challenges around twenty crews each year from Tahiti, Germany, Switzerland, and all over France.

An Extraordinary Sporting Challenge

Over three days of racing, male and mixed crews cover 128 kilometers divided into three stages (46, 26, and 56 km), representing over 38,000 paddle strokes and between 10 and 13 hours of cumulative effort. Women's crews, on the other hand, tackle 56 kilometers in three stages. The short waves, the Atlantic cold, and the wind conditions make this race considered by competitors to be the most difficult in the world, much tougher than the Pacific classics.

A Polynesian Village in the Heart of the City

On the Remblai, at Place and Jardin du Tribunal, an authentic Polynesian village comes to life for four days. About forty exhibitors offer traditional crafts, exotic gastronomy, Polynesian tattoo workshops, and cultural activities for children and adults. Every evening, dance troupes directly from Polynesia — Aloha Tahiti Show, Hei Show Tahiti Ori, Hotu Rau Ori — set the open-air stages ablaze, accompanied by live concerts blending Polynesian music and world music.

A Unifying Event

Supported by the Department of Vendée and the municipality of Les Sables-d'Olonne, Vendée Va'a brings together over 250 rowers and thousands of spectators in a festive and warm atmosphere. More than 50 activities punctuate the program: sea va'a initiations, environmental awareness areas, a giant screen on Place Navarin to follow the races live, and a grand finale show concluding each edition in an explosion of Polynesian colors and rhythms.