Dream beaches to suit all tastes
The Vendée is famous for its magnificent beaches, which stretch over 250 kilometers of coastline. Seaside resorts such as Les Sables d’Olonne, La Tranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-de-Monts offer a wide variety of water sports such as surfing, windsurfing and kite-surfing. The fine sandy beaches are perfect for family bathing, and the quieter ones, like those at L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer, are ideal for relaxation. In summer, pleasant temperatures mean you can enjoy beach activities all season long.
Unspoilt nature to explore
The Vendée is a region where nature is omnipresent. The Marais Poitevin, nicknamed “Green Venice”, is a must-see for nature lovers. This listed site is a labyrinth of canals lined with lush vegetation, where you can cruise in a boat or go for a walk or bike ride. The salt marshes on the islands of Noirmoutier and Yeu complete this palette of unspoilt natural landscapes.
Pine forests, such as the Forêt de Mervent, offer endless possibilities for hiking and cycling, as well as being ideal for picnics and discovering the local wildlife. The Réserve Naturelle de Saint-Denis-du-Payré and the Réserve Naturelle de Lilleau des Niges are other examples of protected sites, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, particularly suitable for birdwatching.
A rich and varied historical heritage
The Vendée is also a region rich in history. La Roche-sur-Yon, the department’s capital, offers a historic and modern setting, with its pedestrianized town center and emblematic monuments such as Puy du Fou, a world-famous theme park that immerses visitors in life-size historical shows. This unique site has made the Vendée a benchmark for leisure and culture.
The Moulin de Rambourg, Château de Talmont and Château de Sainte-Hermine bear witness to the region’s rich medieval and Renaissance heritage. Abbeys, such asSaint-Jean-de-Liversay Abbey, and churches like Saint-Hilaire-la-Forêt complete this historic offering. Character villages such as Vouvant and Foussais-Payré, with their stone houses and cobbled streets steeped in history, offer a glimpse into the Vendée’s past.
Activities for all ages and tastes
Whether you’re passionate about history, nature, sport or simply looking for relaxation, the Vendée offers a multitude of activities for everyone. Cycling is very popular in the region, thanks to its many circuits such as La Vélodyssée, a 1,200-kilometer route linking Brittany to the Basque coast. Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do on the Vendée’s beaches, while those who prefer nature-based activities can enjoy hiking or boat trips in the marshes or out to sea. The Vendée is also renowned for its theme parks and entertainment sites, such as Puy du Fou, as well as zoos like Zoo des Sables d’Olonne and aquariums.
