Located on the western Atlantic coast of France, the departement of Vendee is situated within the Pays de la Loire region. Home to a number of popular seaside resorts, as well as some outstanding natural coastal scenery, the area is perfect for families looking to get some sun and keep the kids entertained on a summer break. Those who enjoy their peace and quiet are catered for too, as there are many coastal and inland hiking paths and cycling routes touring the area.
The two main seaside resorts are Saint-Jean-de-Monts and Les Sables d'Olonne, both of which are well known for their long, golden sandy beaches. At each resort, as well as other smaller locations along the Vendee coast you can try your hand at water sports or just relax on the sands and take a dip. There is a good choice of accommodations in these towns, as well as activities for children such as play areas, mini golf and carnivals. Every four years, Les Sables d'Olonne is the departure point for the Vendee Globe round-the-world yacht race, and the whole town turns out to celebrate the event, with musical performances and firework displays.
If you enjoy coastal scenery but prefer not to spend your time on beaches, the Vendee is the perfect destination, as it is also home to some impressive coastal paths and some beautiful islands to explore. The Noirmoutier island, sometimes called the mimosa island because of the flowers that grow there, can be reached either by boat or by a four kilometre tidal causeway. Once across, this quiet island can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle. The 12th century port is still in use today, while the island's medieval castle is home to a small museum about the community's history. Further south, the even smaller Yeu island can only be reached by boat during the summer months. Again, the small country roads are ideal for cyclists or hikers, and visitors should be sure to visit the Old Castle, an imposing 14th century fortress rumoured to have inspired the creator of the Tintin stories.
The Historial de la Vendee is an interactive museum documenting the history of the Vendee region. There is plenty to amuse older children in the main museum, while younger children are catered for in the smaller building which has exhibits, and workshops, on the history of food. The Ouy de Fou amusement park, meanwhile, offers visitors the chance to step back in time themselves. Every Friday and Saturday, the park hosts an amazing live show, featuring over 1,000 actors, live animals and sound and light effects, to tell the story of the Vendee from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Vendee? Then below is a selection of gites in Vendee and villas in Vendee that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
