La Vendée

The sunshine beckons

With lush countryside, superb climate and miles of sandy coastline, La Vendée is often described as one of the best kept secrets in France.

Beautiful churches, abbeys and chateaux highlight the region's historical importance.

Situated along the Atlantic coast, this region boasts a climate that rivals that of the south coast with over 280 days of sunshine a year.

From the marshes of Brittany to St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, from St-Jean-de-Monts to Les Sables d'Olonne and beyond, the 140 miles of sandy beaches are a delight. There are dunes, pine forests, farmlands and vineyards - as many different landscapes as you could wish for.

Inland is a haven of treasures just waiting to be explored where the pace of life slows down. Seaside resorts are replaced with beautiful countryside, sleepy hamlets and small Romanesque churches.

The Poitevin marshes, fringed with forests and medieval Abbeys, extends over more than 90,000 hectares of waterways and natural greenery.

In the heart of the countryside you will find one of the biggest and best loved theme parks in France. The whole history of the Vendée is explained in a brilliant son et lumiere display. There are gigantic reconstructions, daytime events and a whole host of willing local participants whose aim it is to make the greatest show in France.

Le Puy Du Fou: 7 millions spectators....The world’s largest stage.

The Vendée globe takes place every four years and is above all human adventure.

The race starts from, and returns to les Sables D’Olonne, with the competitors sailing single handed round-the-world.

The record was broken in 2004 - all eyes will now be on the next race in 2008.

And just beyond the borders you shouldn't miss La Rochelle, Niort, Poitiers (with the Futurescope theme park), Nantes and much more

Want to know more?

Don't forget Angela's Bird's excellent Vendée guide and her website the-vendee.co.uk

History

The Vendée is full of history; we've a brief summary for you

Find out more about the Vendée history....