The Vendée is a beautiful department with more than 250 km (over 155 miles) of coastline. An ideal destination for a beach holiday! The fine sandy beaches gradually move into the sea, making it ideal for children. The Vendée has an average of 2200 hours of sunshine per year and is, next to the French Riviera, one of the sunniest destinations in France.
There is a large variety in landscapes. On the coast beaches, dunes and cliffs. The interior is characterized by wetlands, fields and wooded hills. Scattered throughout the countryside is almost 800 km (500 miles) of cycle paths. For walkers, the Vendée has beautiful hiking trails.
One of the largest swamps of Europe, the 'Parc Naturel du Marais-de-Poitevin”, is in the south bordering the Charente-Maritime and the Deux-Sèvres department. Discover its beautiful flora and fauna during a boat trip through the marsh area.
Travel through time in the special theme park of Le Puy du Fou. While enjoying spectacular performances, enter into a different eras and experience no less than 2000 years of French history, from the ancient Romans to the early 20th century! From June to September, every Friday and Saturday, there is a nice water and fire spectacle.
Plenty shopping and eating in La Roche-sur-Yon, the capital of Vendée, which was founded in 1804 by Napoleon. In the city are impressive mansions around the Place de la Vieille-Horloge and the Maison des Métiers, where you can view an exhibition of pottery and leather work.
Off the coast are two beautiful islands: Ile Noirmoutier and Ile d'Yeu. The latter is just half an hour by ferry from Fromentine and Saint Gilles Croix de Vie. Visit the lively port of Joinville and enjoy the tranquillity on the rest of the island. Do to the lack of traffic and because it’s relatively flat, Ile d'Yeu is ideal for cycling!
A day of paintball in the largest paintball park in the Vendée? Or get an adrenaline burst by climbing over amazing suspension bridges, over ropes crossing lakes, and much more? This is all possible in the adventure park of Le Grand Defi, near Saint-Julien-des-Landes. Suitable for over 2 years old’s.
The popular seaside resort of Saint-Jean-de-Monts is also a must during your holidays in Vendée. Besides relaxing on the beach you can play golf on the 18 hole golf course, visit a spa or try your luck in the casino. For children, Saint-Jean-de-Monts is great. Here they can sail in a small sailboat or a catamaran, see porpoises, , ride a pony, or try archery or rollerblading.
The Vendée has a varied range of local products. You will find oysters everywhere. Try the préfou, mogette and briche vendéenne. Do you fancy wine? Then try one of the fine wines from Mareuil sur Lau, a small, but great wine region!
The colorful resort of Les Sables d'Olonne is located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by woods, dunes and wetlands. Highlights are the fishing harbours, the Chaume district and the lighthouse of Armandèche. It is possible to walk with a guide through the different districts of Sables d'Olonne. Do not miss Les Halles Centralles, located directly behind the boulevard. In this extraordinary 19th-century covered market you will find a variety of local products and lots of seafood.