In The Region ... details of the region on this page
See the left margin for the sports and photos of the region
- The Vendee
- Local attractions & amenites
- A bit further afield
- Over an hour away
Look out for links to other websites, which are highlighted in blue.
The Vendee
The Vendee, is renowned for the "micro Climate" which means that it is the second region in France with the most sunny days. It is situated to the west, on the Atlantic Coast.
The Vendée throws open its protected natural sites. Between rocky escarpments and beaches of divinely fine sand which stretch out before the eye to the harmonious accompaniment of the waves, come and discover the delights of the 250 kms of coastline in the Vendée!
Its beaches, inlets and resorts, those gems of sand and glittering gold, add a splash of colour to the fragrant bouquet of greenery.
The Gite is located in the South Vendee, inland and near the Massive Mervent/Vouvant Forest.
There is a rich heritage in theVendee with magnificent examples of the Romanesque and gothic architectural styles apparent in the many abbeys, churches and chateaus.
Thanks to its position between land and sea the Vendée offers a comprehensive range of traditional flavours. The harvest of the sea and coast is a central feature of its dishes, from ortolan bunting to oysters and sole from Les Sables…
The Vendée yields up many treasures: Charolais beef, salt-marsh lamb, poultry from Challans, foie gras… Locally produced meat and poultry will satisfy all tastes, while the charcuterie on offer derives many of its flavours from the salt and samphire of the salt marsh. The traditional mogette beans and Noirmoutier’s Bonnotte potatoes are delicacies for the palate, as are other locally grown vegetables, accompanied by Vendée V.D.Q.S. wines, products of a grape-growing tradition that goes back to medieval times.
During the summer, ther are many fetes and speciality markets where small local producers and craftsmen can exhibit and sell their products.
The cities of La Rochelle and Nantes offer extensive shopping, sightseeing and fine dining. The unique theme parks of Puy-du-Fou or Futuroscope offer a wonderful day out for the familly. Along the coast there are beaches and towns, such as Les Sables d'Olonne or Tranche sur Mere.
There ia a local vineyard in Pissote, which is just 10 minutes away from the Gite.Local attractions and amenities
Mervent-Vouvant forest
Perfect harmony between forest and water, the sleepy-contoured Mervent forest (the largest area of woodland in the Vendee) attracts walkers, ramblers, horse-riders and mountain-bikers.
The 200 kilometres of marked paths lead you from rocks to rivers, copses to forest clearing, through oak woods, chestnuts, beeches and pines.
Other activities have been developed such as canoeing and sailing which give everybody a chance to discover the rich natural heritage of the forest.
Its just minutes from the Gite and you are in the heart of the forest. The Vendee River, which is damed, so it provides a lake which you can swim You can swing through the tree tops on suspended walkways at the "Aventure Parc" and the "Parc de Pierre-Brune" amusement park offers attractions for children of all ages
The"Parc Zoologique Paysager de Mervent" is a small zoo and is within walking distance of the Gite.
The village of Mervent offers restaurents, bars, hairdressers, a small shop, tourist information and the "Vendee Chippy" on a thursday.
Fontenay-le-Comte
A ten minute drive and you are in the beautiful town of Fontenay-le-Comte.
Fontenay-le-Comte was the capital of the Vendee region around the end of the 18th century, and the most interesting buildings date from that period and the preceding centuries.
You pass through open squares and past fountains and the bustling high street has many shops and the local market on a saturday - the tourist office will give you a useful guide to follow to ensure you see the best of the town.
The main highlights are the arcades of Place Belliard; the Fontaine des Quatre Tias; and the medieval houses along Rue des Loges - the Maison Millepertuis and the half-timbered house a little further along the street.
There is a park area around the remains of the castle (Parc Baron) at the top of the town, and a pretty little medieval garden in the same park. The Chateau de Terre Neuve is an impressive castle dating from the 16th century that deserves a visit - lovingly furnished, and known for its fireplaces and ceilings
Vouvant
Take a fifteen minute drive to visit Vouvant,
Vouvant is a classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France', on a small hill in a pretty setting overlooking a river.
In part still surrounded by ramparts, Vouvant is entered by original gates in the walls. Within the village, narrow streets, lined with well-preserved medieval houses, lead to the central square and the Notre-Dame Church.
On the edges of town, don't miss the 14th century stone bridge across the river, or the Tower of Melusine (the remaining part of a chateau that once stood here).
There is also a small Priory Garden, representing the plants grown in a medieval garden - vegetables; practical plants (eg for making dyes); medicinal plants; and flowers grown for the church decoration
Bazoges-en-Pareds
Take a fifteen minute drive to Bazoges-en-Pareds to visit the medieval keep and garden. It has been fully restored and furnished and you can climb to the high ramparts and enjoy marvellous panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Afterwards you can take a stroll in the medieval garden among the plants and flowers.
Marais Poitevin
Marais Poitevin stretches across the south of the Vendee. The Marais Poitevin is a strange, lazy landscape of fens and meadows, shielded by poplar trees and crisscrossed by an elaborate system of canals, dykes and slow-flowing rivers. Recently declared a regional park, it is known as "La Venise Verte" – the Green Venice – and indeed, farmers in this area frequently travel through the marshes in flat-bottomed punts as their fields lack dry-land access.
It is the northern marshy region of the Marais-Poitevin that is of most interest to visitors (the southern part is largely flat agricultural land). The main towns for exploring the region are Coulon, Arçais and Luçon.
The Marais-Poitevin offers a natural environment that is unique in France. The wooded region is extensively crossed by canals and rivers, and in many parts is best explored by boat - usually 'barques', the flat-bottomed boats, are used. Dinghy and canoe trips are also popular on the quiet waters.
A bit further afield
The South Vendee Atlantic Coast
Drive for about 40/60 minutes to the west and you will be met by the fine sandy beaches of the attlantic coast, The nearest seside resort is La Tranche-sur-Mer,. La Tranche sur Mer has 13 kilometres of beach at follow on from those of La Faute-sur-Mer in an almost endless line, 8 kilometres of which are south facing.
La Tranche sur Mer has some of the cleanest beaches on the Atlantic coast, which regularly receive blue flag status. The beaches closest to the town are ideal for children and are gently sloping with protected waters; it also has the bonus of having every amenity close by.
The shops, restaurants and cafes are all close to the beach, so if you need a spare beach ball or an ice cream you won't have far to go.
La Tranche sur Mer is a Mecca for water sports, whether your penchant is wind-surfing, sailing or something more extreme the nautical centre is the place to head. For the surfer, the best breaks are just north of the town around the lighthouse and beyond. The Atlantic breakers have something to offer the novice and seasoned surfer alike.
La Rochelle
50 minutes away is the chic and historic port of La Rochelle
La Rochelle is one of the most beautiful places in France. There is an old port which still has the towers which used to protect it. The center is particularly beautiful, with pale stone used for the majority of the buildings and many of the walkways.
There are 2 basins in the old port which now have a large number of pleasure boats moored there. The fireworks for the 14th of July Bastille day celebrations are very impressive.
There are many restaurents, many of them overlooking the harbour and the centre offers a very chic shopping experience.
Puy Du Fou
An hours drive to the North and you encounter the unique medieval theme park of Puy-Du-Fou. By day, 2000 years of French history are brought to life in le Grand Parc. You can see gladiators fighting in the coliseum, vikings attacking a peaceful village, an extraordinary falconry spectacle, a ferocious battle between the French and the English and recreated villages and towns from former times. By night, watch la Cinéscénie, an extravagant sound and light (son et lumière) spectacle on the biggest open-air stage in the world.
This outstanding theme park has performances throughout the day of falconry, jousting, magic and music, and boasts atmospheric reconstructions of a Norman fort, a medieval town and an 18th-century village. On some evenings you can enjoy a splendid Son et Luimère show, regarded as the best sound-and-light show in Europe in which literally 1,000 local actors take part dramatising the history of the Vendee province.
Our recommendation is to book well in advance for the Son et Lumière show either on the web or at local tourist offices.
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Île de Ré
The Île de Ré is an island lying just off La Rochelle, linked to the mainland by a 2 mile long toll bridge. The island having a slightly Mediterranean feel with its sandy beaches and white-washed houses with brightly coloured shutters. The main town of St-Martin-de-Ré is a good place to visit with many shops and restaurants scattered around its pretty harbour.
Les Sables d'Olonne and the North Vendee Coast
Les Sables d'Olonne is the largest seaside resort in the Vendee with fine, curving sands and a very elegant beach promenade. It boasts every kind of facility and is renowned as the starting point for the Vendee Globe round-the-world yacht race.
Futuroscope
Futuroscope is the theme park of the moving image with extraordinary and unforgettable special effects.
Nantes
Nantes is a large modern city with good museums, wide open spaces and chic restaurants, bars and shops.
Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is world-famous for its beautiful chateaux, mellow wines and leisurely pace of life.
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