vendée - charente
Please click on one of the parks below for more information
When you are looking for old world charm combined with perfect scenery and glorious beaches, you will find them right here.
This popular region of France is renowned for its glorious sandy beaches and forests which stretch virtually unbroken along the coastline from St Jean-de-Monts to La Tranche-sur-Mer.
It is still predominantly an agricultural area and is home to many fishing ports both on the coast and on the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier. South of La Roche-sur-Yon, the region’s capital, is the Marais Poitevin Regional Park. This is an area of beautiful marshes with a network of canals surrounded by woods, dotted with bourines, traditional white-washed, thatched houses.
Also typical of the Vendée are the watermills and windmills you will find across the region. The region stretches almost as far south as La Rochelle and includes several bustling seaside resorts such as Les Sables d’Olonne and La Tranche-sur-Mer.
Places to see
Ile de Noirmoutier - Accessible from the mainland by a bridge from Fromentine or at low tide by a causeway, with lovely unspoilt beaches.
Océanile - An excellent waterpark on the Ile de Noirmoutier, an ideal family day out.
Apremont Lake - As an alternative to the coast, travel inland to the freshwater lake at Apremont where you can visit the castle ruins, laze on the grassy banks and enjoy a picnic.
Marais Poitevin - A National Park with a network of canals through marshlands, otherwise known as ‘Green Venice’. Flat-bottomed boats can be hired to explore the canals.
St Gilles-Croix-de-Vie - A little fishing port with many restaurants lining the promenade, where you can try the local seafood. Fishing trips are available from points along the promenade.
Things to do
Planète Sauvage - This safari park near Nantes is a great day out. .
Horse riding - Learn to horse ride at St Jean-de-Monts, or enjoy a guided excursion.
Futuroscope Theme Park - The European Park of the moving image, just outside Poitiers, has futuristic and virtual attractions to transport you into the future.
Sand yachting - Well known for its wide, sandy beaches and low tides, the Vendée offers perfect conditions for sand yachting.
