Vendee by Julia Doust

 

 

With an array of attractions to tempt the most jaded of palates, the Vendée makes an ideal family holiday destination. For many years quietly kept to themselves by the French, the charms of the Vendée are now being discovered by visitors from further afield.

From its 140km of beaches to the tranquillity of the rolling countryside of forests and the bocage Vendéen, from the wild beauty of the marais wetlands to the breathtaking spectacle of the shows at Le Grand Parc de Puy du Fou, the Vendée can amuse, relax, stimulate and enchant in equal measure.

Although the region has many attractions, the beaches of the Vendée are the primary source of its fame and the reason why the coast has long been a popular destination with the French. Mainly sandy and only gently sloping, these are a particular hit with children of all ages. The beaches and sea are kept scrupulously clean, and many stretches are patrolled by lifeguards during the summer.

The Vendée has a myriad of coastal communities, from St Jean-de-Monts to La Tranche-sur-Mer, each of which have their own individual charms. The largest resort in the Vendée is Les Sables-d’Olonne, the starting point for the Vendée Globe yacht race. With beaches, restaurants, shops, even a casino and a zoo, there is something here to please everyone.

To the north of the region sit the islands Ile de Noirmoutier and Ile d’Yeu; both are like different worlds from the mainland. The Ile de Noirmoutier is famed for its salt, said to give health giving properties, and can be reached via Le Passage du Gois, Noirmoutier. This 4km submerged roadway across the Bay of Bourgneuf links the island to the mainland near Beauvoir-sur-Mer. The Ile d’Yeu is like a cross between Brittany and Greece. Reachable only by boat, this island has a taste of times past, with its brightly coloured fishing boats and small painted huts.

The South of the Vendée benefits from the same microclimate as the Northern part of the Charente Maritime, giving the region a level of summer sunshine bettered in France only by the Côte d’Azur. The sandy beaches of this part of the Vendée are considered amongst the best in Europe.

A cooling contrast to the coast, the peaceful forests and countryside (the "bocage") of the Vendée provide ideal venues for picnics and leisurely rambles, more serious walks and cycling.

The Vendée and the surrounding region offer a wide selection of days out and places to visit to cover the interests of the entire family.

Le Grand Parc du Puy du Fou is arguably the best family day out in France. This extraordinary theme park displays the history of France from the standpoint of events in the Vendée via the medium of spectacular re-enactment. Set in a huge landscaped park, the shows of the Puy du Fou combine the skills of actors, horsemen, falconers and stuntmen, with stunning sets to portray history in a way that could not be less stuffy. Evening performances at the Cinéscénie involve 1,100 actors on the world's biggest stage. Visit the Website at:www.puydufou.com

Covering a large area in the South Vendée and extending into the neighbouring départements of Deux Sèrves and Charente Maritime, the Marais Poitevin is a vast area of wetlands. In many places, the tranquillity of the marais can be enjoyed by boat (for example from Coulon and Maillezais) on the network of limpid canals that criss-cross it. These are the origin of the name by it which is known locally - venise vert: Green Venice.

The Forrest of Mervent is one of a series of forested granite hills (or massif forestiers) that border the marais. The forest of Mervent provides over 12,000 acres of mixed woodland, ideal for walking, riding, cycling and picnics. The forest is also home to a water sports complex (canoes, sailing, etc), a small zoo and an amusement park.

The fascinating (and often somewhat lively) history of the Vendée has left the region with many important abbeys and châteaux. Two of the most important châteaux are the Château de la Guignardière (website www.guignardiere.com) and Château Tiffaugues, both of which are well suited to family days out.

The great cathedral abbey of St Peter at Maillezais (about 8km from Fontenay) is regarded as being the historic centre of the marais. Founded in the 10th century, it is now a ruin, but the grandeur of the building is evident. Nearby Nieul-sur-l'Autise (birthplace of Eleanor of Aquitaine) is home to the more complete abbey of St Vincent. For more details, please visit: http:/abbayes.vendee.fr The delights of the Poitou Charentes and in particular La Rochelle, the Ile de Ré and Futuroscope can also be enjoyed by visitors staying in the south Vendée.

More details of things to do in the Vendée can be found on the website of the Vendée Tourism Board www.vendee-tourisme.com/en/

 

 

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