Saint-Jean-de-Monts has three jealously guarded treasures. The first is its marshland, a fragile balance between urbanisation and conservation, with Natura 2000 keeping a watchful eye out for any misuse. Secondly, the forest, principally the responsability of the ONF, with the remainder in the hands of the technical services, doing their best to maximise its use by creating footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes. Last, but not least, the resort's chief asset, the beach! Whether it's because of the light, the soft golden sand, the dark green of the forest or the pale green marshes. Saint-Jean-de-Monts has always attracted flourishing and memorable artistic movements.