Discover Vendée | A Visitor's Introduction to Vendée

Why is Vendée Worth a Visit?

Vendée is a destination that blends natural beauty with fascinating history. Its 140 km of coastline boasts some of the best sandy beaches in France, while its inland countryside is home to picturesque villages, medieval castles, and rolling vineyards. The region played a crucial role in the French Revolution, adding an extra layer of intrigue to its historical sites. Vendée is also famous for its family-friendly attractions, including the world-renowned Puy du Fou theme park, and its excellent cycling routes that allow visitors to explore at a leisurely pace. With a sunny microclimate that rivals the Mediterranean, Vendée is an ideal holiday destination for all seasons.

Vendée Highlights: Things to See and Do in Vendée

Puy du Fou

One of Vendée’s biggest draws is Puy du Fou, an extraordinary historical theme park that takes visitors on a journey through time with its grandiose live shows and immersive experiences. Unlike traditional amusement parks, Puy du Fou offers no rides but instead features spectacular performances, from Viking raids and medieval jousting to a breathtaking Roman gladiator spectacle. The night show, La Cinéscénie, is a must-see, with over 2,500 actors bringing history to life in a dazzling open-air performance.

Les Sables-d’Olonne

Les Sables-d’Olonne is a lively seaside resort famous for its long sandy beaches, charming harbour, and bustling promenade. It is also the starting point of the Vendée Globe, the world’s most famous solo, non-stop sailing race around the world. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at the harbourfront restaurants, explore the Penotte Island district with its colourful seashell mosaics, or take a scenic walk along the wild Côte Sauvage.

Île de Noirmoutier

The enchanting Île de Noirmoutier, known as the "Island of Mimosas" for its mild climate, is a haven of unspoiled beaches, salt marshes, and quaint villages. The island is accessible via a bridge or the Passage du Gois, a natural causeway that disappears at high tide. Explore the historic Château de Noirmoutier, relax on the stunning Plage des Dames with its picturesque wooden beach huts, or cycle through the island’s peaceful landscapes.

Marais Poitevin

Dubbed "Green Venice," the Marais Poitevin is a vast network of canals, meadows, and wetlands that provide a tranquil escape into nature. Visitors can explore this unique marshland by renting a traditional flat-bottomed boat, paddling through the maze of waterways while spotting birds and wildlife. The charming village of Coulon serves as the gateway to the Marais Poitevin and is home to excellent restaurants and a fascinating museum about the region’s history.

Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

This charming fishing town is one of the best places in Vendée to sample fresh seafood, particularly sardines, which have been fished here for centuries. Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie also boasts beautiful sandy beaches, a vibrant marina, and a lively market where visitors can browse local produce and crafts. The town is an excellent base for water sports, including surfing, sailing, and paddleboarding.

La Tranche-sur-Mer

A paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, La Tranche-sur-Mer is known for its vast sandy beaches and excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions. With a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of family-friendly activities, it’s a fantastic spot for a seaside holiday. A boat trip from here can take you to the picturesque Île de Ré for a perfect day out.

Château de Tiffauges

History lovers shouldn’t miss Château de Tiffauges, the medieval fortress of the infamous Gilles de Rais, a 15th-century knight with a dark legend. The castle hosts thrilling reenactments, showcasing medieval warfare, alchemy, and siege machines in action.

L’Historial de la Vendée

For a deep dive into the region’s history, L’Historial de la Vendée in Les Lucs-sur-Boulogne is a must-visit. This state-of-the-art museum covers everything from prehistoric times to the Vendée Wars, providing an engaging experience with interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.

Indian Forest and O’Gliss Park

For families and adventure seekers, Indian Forest offers tree-top rope courses, zip lines, and fun outdoor activities, while O’Gliss Park is one of France’s largest water parks, featuring thrilling slides, a lazy river, and a tropical beach area.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Vendée is well connected to the rest of France. The closest airports are Nantes Atlantique (around an hour’s drive) and La Rochelle-Île de Ré Airport, both of which have flights from the UK and other European cities. High-speed trains (TGV) connect Paris to La Roche-sur-Yon, the region’s capital, in about three hours. For those driving, Vendée is easily accessible via the A87 and A83 motorways.

Parking

Most seaside towns have designated car parks, though they can get busy in peak summer months. Free and paid parking options are available, with some areas offering shuttle services from car parks to beaches or town centres.

Dining

Vendée’s cuisine is a highlight of any visit. The region is famous for its seafood, particularly oysters, mussels, and sardines. Local specialities include Préfou, a garlicky bread best enjoyed with an apéritif, and Mogettes, a white bean dish often served with ham. Brioche Vendéenne is a delicious sweet bread that makes for a perfect treat. Top restaurants include Le Fatra in Les Sables-d’Olonne for fine dining and La Marine in Noirmoutier, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering exquisite seafood dishes.

Shopping

Vendée’s bustling markets are perfect for picking up local produce and souvenirs. Les Sables-d’Olonne, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, and La Roche-sur-Yon all have fantastic weekly markets. Look out for regional wines, salt from Noirmoutier, and handmade crafts.

When to Visit

Vendée enjoys a mild climate, making it a great year-round destination. Summer (June to August) is the busiest season, with warm temperatures and vibrant seaside towns. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds, ideal for cycling and exploring. Winter is quiet but can be a great time for a peaceful coastal retreat.

Local Events

Vendée hosts several exciting events throughout the year. The Vendée Globe sailing race, which starts in Les Sables-d’Olonne every four years, is a major international spectacle. The Cinéscénie show at Puy du Fou runs throughout the summer and is one of France’s most impressive historical performances. Food lovers shouldn’t miss the Fête de la Sardine in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, celebrating the town’s fishing heritage.

Exploring Beyond Vendée

If time allows, consider venturing beyond Vendée. The historic city of Nantes, with its Château des Ducs de Bretagne and whimsical Machines de l’Île, is just a short drive away. The Île de Ré, a beautiful island known for its beaches and charming villages, is another fantastic day-trip option. La Rochelle, with its stunning harbour and medieval towers, is also well worth a visit.

Vendée offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and coastal charm, making it an unforgettable destination in France. Whether you're here for the beaches, cultural attractions, or fantastic food, there’s something in Vendée for everyone.