10 great things about the Vendée.

Why the Vendée?

Stunning lakes

Planning a holiday this year? With 27 regions to choose from and an abundance of national and regional delights to discover and enjoy, what is it that makes the Vendée region of France so special?

1. It's easy to get to.

It’s only a 6 – 8 hour drive from Calais, 3 hours from St. Malo and is served by 3 local airports at Nantes, La Rochelle and Poitiers. So it’s within easy reach of the UK whether you’re a couple, family with children or even if you have a dog in tow.

2. It's the second sunniest region of France.

With an average of 2,400 hours sunshine a year, the Vendée boasts a Mediterranean climate with temperatures in the summer months regularly reaching 20 degrees. Spring and Autumn also often enjoy excellent weather but even in high summer it is rarely too hot for comfort.

3. It has about 146 km of coast.

Much of the Vendée coast is blessed with sandy beaches, enormous horizons and lined with pine forests and sand dunes. There is a mixture of tourist towns, coastal villages and vibrant harbours like St.Gilles Croix de Vie and Les Sables d’Olonne. The combination of sunny climate and rolling Atlantic make it a perfect region for surfing , sailing and even fishing.

4. It's got fabulous rolling countryside.

Known as the bocage, the Vendéen countryside combines areas of rolling hills and woodland with stunning lakes and rivers. Head to the lake at Mervent to find fresh water swimming, gentle water sports and lakeside dinning all with a beautiful woodland backdrop.

5. It's home to Green Venice.

To the south of the Vendee, the maze of quiet, tree lined canals in the Marais Poitevin is an artist’s delight. A haven for wild life but home to a number of traditional French towns, this is the place for a riverside lunch or leisurely boat ride.

6. Hundreds of kilometres of foot and cycle paths.

Whether you’re in a group of tried and tested walkers or a family with tots in tow, there is something here for walkers or cyclists of all ages and abilities. Maps are available from nearly every town hall or tourist office and apart from the route, the maps provide details of distance, estimated time and points of interest along the way. Bikes are available for hire throughout the region and you’re almost guaranteed to find the routes are well maintained and clearly marked.

7. Fishing is a regional pass time.

With mile after mile of rivers and canals and a huge diversity of lakes, there is fishing of every kind in abundance in the Vendée. Permits for public waters are easily to obtain and cost approximately E30 and for that you’ll get 15 days of consecutive fishing between the 1st April and 30th September.

8. Historical interest in spades.

Fontenay

Whether it’s architecture, history, religion, markets or just outstanding beauty, the Vendée is awash with villages and towns which simply beg a visit. From renaissance market town Fontenay Le Comte with its walled medieval castle to fortified Vouvant (one of the most beautiful towns in France) with its stunning vistas down over the river Mere, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places of interest.

9. Lots and lots for families to do.

If your kids have had enough of the swimming, riding, sailing, canoeing, surfing, karting and paint balling don’t despair. The Vendée has everything from medieval demonstrations to tree top assault courses, a zoo, water park and of course the world famous, completely unique Puy du Fou theme park.

10. Food glorious food.

Finally of course it shouldn’t remain unsaid that the Vendée is in the heart of France, home to great food and wine. Children and dogs are nearly always welcome in restaurants and eating is often al fresco and always something special.

The perfect holiday destination.

With the Loire valley with all its charms just a short distance to the North and La Rochelle and the Charente Maritime within an hour’s drive to the south, it really doesn’t matter which way you go in the Vendée because you’re sure to find something to delight you wherever you end up.

You'll find lots of information about this part of France at www.vendee-tourism.co.uk