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• The Vendee

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Vendee

General

This popular region of France is renowned for its glorious sandy beaches and forests which stretch virtually unbroken along the coastline from St Jean-de-Monts to La Tranche-sur-Mer. It is still predominantly an agricultural area and home to many fishing ports both on the coast and on the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier. South of La Roche-sur-Yon, the region’s capital, is the Marais Poitevin Regional Park, otherwise known as Venise Vert or ‘Green Venice’. This is an area of beautiful marshes with a network of canals surrounded by woods. The main mode of transport here was once the yole, a type of punt, and the bourrines, traditional white-washed thatched houses which are dotted throughout the area, reflect this traditional way of life. Also typical of the Vendée are the watermills and windmills you will find across the region. The region stretches almost as far south as La Rochelle and includes several bustling seaside resorts such as Les Sables d’Olonne and La Tranche-sur-Mer making the Vendée the ideal choice for a family beach holiday.

Places to Visit

Ile de Noirmoutier
The island, accessible from the mainland by a bridge from Fromentine or at low tide by a causeway, boasts some lovely unspoilt beaches. For a taste of the old Vendée, visit the château and 7th century monastery ruins. Océanile is an excellent waterpark on the island, making an ideal family day out with huge swimming pools, chutes, picnic areas and sunbathing beaches.

St Jean-de-Monts
A modern resort ideal for a lively family holiday with a bustling promenade and wide, sandy beach. On Saturday mornings there is an excellent local market in the town square.

Ile d’Yeu
Reached by ferry from Fromentine or St Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. An island of granite cliffs and rocky creeks, its capital is a lively fishing port where you can sample fresh lobster.

Apremont Lake
As an alternative to the coast, travel inland to the freshwater lake at Apremont where you can visit the castle ruins, laze on the grassy banks and enjoy a picnic, windsurf or swim.

St Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
A colourful little fishing port with many wonderful restaurants where you can try the local seafood, lining the promenade and sea fishing trips available.

La Roche-sur-Yon
The capital of the region with a wide range of excellent shops and an impressive bronze statue of Napoleon I in the main town square.

Les Sables d’Olonne
A modern seaside resort with a magnificent sandy beach and narrow cobbled streets packed with colourful restaurants and shops. The evening life here is particularly lively.

Talmont St-Hilaire
A small resort with a medieval ruined castle, and an interesting motor museum with over one hundred vintage and classic cars on display.

Jard-sur-Mer
A picturesque little town, clustered around the abbey of Notre-Dame de Lieu-Dieu, founded by Richard the Lionheart. There is a traditional market and a modern yacht marina.

La Tranche-sur-Mer
An attractive holiday resort boasting the longest south-facing beach in the Vendée. Ideal for windsurfing and sailing enthusiasts or those wanting to try their hand at watersports for the first time.

Court d’Aron
A magnificent Renaissance château near Luçon with a splendid museum housing antiques and tapestries, surrounded by superb gardens.

Luçon
This ancient port is one of the largest towns in the Vendée. Visit the 17th century cathedral and Bishop’s Palace.

Marais Poitevin
A National Park with a network of canals through marshlands, otherwise known as ‘Green Venice’. Flat-bottomed boats can be hired to explore the canals.

La Rochelle
A fascinating old town with a fortified harbour. The picturesque Renaissance quarter also has beautiful ornamental gardens. You can take a boat trip to the Ile de Ré from the port.

Ile de Ré
An interesting island with long, sandy beaches and a nature reserve. The fortified port of St Martin-de-Ré has ancient, narrow streets, lined with restaurants where you can sample the local oysters.

Le Puy du Fou
This ruined Renaissance château forms the perfect setting for spectacular son et lumière performances during the summer. These are held within the 18th century village, that is also part of a popular theme park, with picturesque botanical gardens. About two hours drive inland but a visit is highly recommended.

Places to Visit

Ile de Noirmoutier
The island, accessible from the mainland by a bridge from Fromentine or at low tide by a causeway, boasts some lovely unspoilt beaches. For a taste of the old Vendée, visit the château and 7th century monastery ruins. Océanile is an excellent waterpark on the island, making an ideal family day out with huge swimming pools, chutes, picnic areas and sunbathing beaches.

St Jean-de-Monts
A modern resort ideal for a lively family holiday with a bustling promenade and wide, sandy beach. On Saturday mornings there is an excellent local market in the town square.

Ile d’Yeu
Reached by ferry from Fromentine or St Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. An island of granite cliffs and rocky creeks, its capital is a lively fishing port where you can sample fresh lobster.

Apremont Lake
As an alternative to the coast, travel inland to the freshwater lake at Apremont where you can visit the castle ruins, laze on the grassy banks and enjoy a picnic, windsurf or swim.

St Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
A colourful little fishing port with many wonderful restaurants where you can try the local seafood, lining the promenade and sea fishing trips available.

La Roche-sur-Yon
The capital of the region with a wide range of excellent shops and an impressive bronze statue of Napoleon I in the main town square.

Les Sables d’Olonne
A modern seaside resort with a magnificent sandy beach and narrow cobbled streets packed with colourful restaurants and shops. The evening life here is particularly lively.

Talmont St-Hilaire
A small resort with a medieval ruined castle, and an interesting motor museum with over one hundred vintage and classic cars on display.

Jard-sur-Mer
A picturesque little town, clustered around the abbey of Notre-Dame de Lieu-Dieu, founded by Richard the Lionheart. There is a traditional market and a modern yacht marina.

La Tranche-sur-Mer
An attractive holiday resort boasting the longest south-facing beach in the Vendée. Ideal for windsurfing and sailing enthusiasts or those wanting to try their hand at watersports for the first time.

Court d’Aron
A magnificent Renaissance château near Luçon with a splendid museum housing antiques and tapestries, surrounded by superb gardens.

Luçon
This ancient port is one of the largest towns in the Vendée. Visit the 17th century cathedral and Bishop’s Palace.

Marais Poitevin
A National Park with a network of canals through marshlands, otherwise known as ‘Green Venice’. Flat-bottomed boats can be hired to explore the canals.

La Rochelle
A fascinating old town with a fortified harbour. The picturesque Renaissance quarter also has beautiful ornamental gardens. You can take a boat trip to the Ile de Ré from the port.

Ile de Ré
An interesting island with long, sandy beaches and a nature reserve. The fortified port of St Martin-de-Ré has ancient, narrow streets, lined with restaurants where you can sample the local oysters.

Le Puy du Fou
This ruined Renaissance château forms the perfect setting for spectacular son et lumière performances during the summer. These are held within the 18th century village, that is also part of a popular theme park, with picturesque botanical gardens. About two hours drive inland but a visit is highly recommended.

Family Attractions

Futuroscope
European Park of the Moving Image just outside Poitiers. See the most advanced cinema techniques from 3D to 360° screens.

Atlantic Toboggan Waterpark
An exciting waterpark with chutes and slides at St Hilaire-de-Riez, and a great day out.

Zoo Des Sables
The zoo at Les Sables d’Olonne is a popular family excursion.

Horse riding
You can learn to horse ride at the stables at St Jean-de-Monts, or enjoy a guided excursion.

Watersports
For sailing or windsurfing, there are excellent sailing centres at St Jean-de-Monts and Les Sables d’Olonne.