Vendée Holiday Guide
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The Vendée - a top holiday spot
The Vendée department runs down the Atlantic coast of central France, and is packed with all the attractions of a top holiday spot. All types of holidays are available here, with numerous hotels, bed and breakfast establishments, campsites and gîtes to suit all budgets. From the popular seaside resorts of the coast to the beautiful countryside and character villages of the inland areas, the Vendée is France at its most desirable.
Top 5 things to see and do in the Vendée
1. Enjoy the seaside
Lively and well equipped for tourism, resorts such as St Jean de Monts and Les Sables d'Olonne are the perfect destination for families with kids of all ages. From nightlife for the older ones to sandy beaches, fairground rides and other entertainment for the younger ones, the Vendée is certain to satisfy all.
2. The islands of Noirmoutier and Yeu
The Isle of Noirmoutier and the Yeu Island offer the opportunity to leave the mainland and really get away from it all on an island paradise. Both are unspoilt and traditional, but Yeu is the quieter of the two, a natural idyll. Noirmoutier is a little livelier, but still charmingly authentic, with oysters being the local speciality. Access to either island is simple, from the bridge which crosses to Noirmoutier, or by boat to Yeu Island from St Gilles Croix de Vie.
3. Marais Poitevin
The Marais Poitevin is a unique, natural environment which is partway between land and sea. Marshes and canals characterise this area, known often as the "Green Venice" of the region, and it is a fascinating experience to take a tour by the traditional flat bottomed boats that traverse the waterways in time honoured fashion.
4. Watch a yacht race
The Vendée is a popular venue for water sports of all types, and you will certainly find opportunities to try your hand at many of them while on holiday in the area. If you are lucky, or holiday there regularly, you may catch the thrilling Vendée Globe Yacht race, which takes place every four years and which departs from the marina of Les Sables d'Olonne.
5. Puy de Fou Amusement Park
Famed throughout France, the Puy de Fou Amusement Park offers fun and entertainment for all, with one of the most spectacular sound and light shows you will ever find. The 45-acre site is amazing, and hosts many different shows and exhibitions to bring the history of the Vendée vividly to life.
Top 5 towns and cities in the Vendée
1. La Roche sur Yon
The Vendée's principal town, La Roche sur Yon is proud of its ancestry, being built by none other than Napoleon I. There are many reminders in town of this heritage, and you can follow a well signposted trail to discover the history of this Napoleonic connection. Horse lovers should head for the National Stud, where stunning horses and equestrian shows can be seen.
2. St Jean de Monts
One of the best loved seaside resorts of the Vendée, St Jean de Monts has everything for a traditional seaside holiday. Adults and older teens and twenties will find discos, bars and clubs for fun after dark, while the town is packed with activities for the younger ones to enjoy. The sandy beach is excellent for bucket and spade fun, while many water sports are also available to try. St Jean de Monts abounds with hotels, gîtes and other holiday accommodation, and has several great campsites on the outskirts.
3. Fontenay le Comte
Fontenay le Comte is another town to add to the "must visit" list - or perhaps to make a base for your holiday. The town is deeply historic, and exists in the form of three circles, each contained within another. Timber framed houses and ancient streets paint a charming picture, and the shopping and dining are excellent too. It's classified as a "Town of Art and History", guaranteeing masses of heritage and culture to enjoy. Geographically, it is set on the edge of the Marais Poitevin, so makes an ideal home base for exploring this unusual feature of Vendéen life.
4. Saint Gilles Croix de Vie
Saint Gille Croix de Vie is a lovely port town, and one from where you can take the short boat trip to the Island of Yeu. It combines a traditional port atmosphere with that of a vibrant seaside resort, and appeals greatly to the young and trendy brigade who love the adventure sports of kite surfing and surfing. It's also the place for lovers of fish and seafood, with fabulous seafood restaurants and a lively nightlife.
5. Vouvent
This little village is one for those who adore the most beautiful of France's villages, and it is officially recognized as such. A Romanesque church, original ramparts and a mediaeval garden all add to the charm. Definitely one for the romantics!
Food and drink in the Vendée
The department is so rich in natural resources between land and sea, that any gastronome will hardly know where to begin. The Island of Noirmoutier is acclaimed for its sea salt, harvested in traditional fashion, and for its oysters, while Saint Gille Croix de Vie is noted for its sardines. Elsewhere you can eat the Vendéen speciality of white beans with ham, or indulge in the calorific but scrumptious Brioche, which is something between a bread and a pastry: buttery, sweet and delicious.
How to get to the Vendée
To reach the Vendée by air, take a flight to Nantes (Air France, Ryanair, easyJet) or La Rochelle (Flybe, Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2). Tours and Poitiers airports are also possible options, though further away. The TGV can take you in style and comfort by rail to Nantes, Poitiers and La Rochelle.
