France > France travel > Loire West > Vendee

Vendee, France tourist information

The Vendée is a very popular region with visitors, especially those with children, above all for the coastline and family entertainment.

There are plenty of places to visit and things to do in Vendee...but it seems that most children prefer paddling than sunbathing!

 

Vendee beaches and coast

The Vendee beaches are long, and gentle sloping, perfect for the children and great for windsurfers and birdwatching, and are often backed by pine forests.

The coast is sometimes given the name 'Cote de Lumiere' - the main seaside resorts and beaches (north to south) include: Saint-Jean-de-Monts, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez,  Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Brétignolles-sur-Mer, Brem-sur-Mer, Olonne-sur-Mer, Les Sables-d'Olonne, Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, Jard-sur-Mer, Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard, Longeville-sur-Mer and La Tranche-sur-Mer.

Vendee beach sport

Apart from the 'headline' beaches there are many others to discover, and it is as a beach holiday 'resort' that the Vendee is best known.

Some parts of the coast are rather built up with campsites, others lined with grand 19th century villas, and others backed by attractive pine woods. Some are easily accessible and some require a bit of effort, but one thing is certain - you will certainly find a beach to your liking somewhere here!

 

>> See CAMPING HOLIDAYS IN VENDEE to find campsites on the popular Vendee coast <<

 

Attractions and entertainments in Vendee

The Vendée region has various 'man-made' attractions. These include:

- the very popular Puy du Fou theme park - various special events and historical re-enactments take place in a carefully designed setting of France through the ages.

- Bluebeard's castle at Tiffauges has various displays and spectacles laid on for entertainment

- the water park at Oceanile, Noirmoutier

- there are more gentle quiz-pathfinder games at Chateau de la Guignardiere.

 

Vendee Nature

- there is more to the island of Noirmoutier than salt, enjoy one of the marked out nature trails

- the marshy region north of La Rochelle at Marais Poitevin - is a peaceful and unique marshland region

- take a boat out from the northern coastline of Vendee to explore the quiet island of Ile d'Yeu and chateau:

Ile d'Yeu: photo is copyright

 

Historical monuments in Vendee

- the ruined abbey at Maillezais is on the border of the marshes

- the abbey at Nieul-sur-l'Autise is also in the Vendee department

- the 'Logis de la Chabotterie' is an interesting and entertaining way to learn about life in the region pre-Revolution

 

Vendee villages and towns

Visit the village of Vouvant, a classified most beautiful village

The inland town of Fontenay-le-Comte is a listed 'town of art and history'

There are lots of small pretty villages, often little more than hamlets, that you will pass as you travel around the department. most without a particular noteworth 'highlight', but no less enjoyable for that!

Visit Vendee - travel information

Map of Vendee, France