Holiday activities

Bathing: Many beaches have areas with life-guards offering safe bathing for all ages.
See Angela Bird's beaches page

Golf: Anywhere in the Vendee, you are not far from a good golf course - La Domangere (Nesmy), Coex, Port Bourgenay, La Rochelle, Cholet, Niort.

Fishing: Freshwater fishing on the many rivers and lakes (permits available locally). Sea fishing trips from most of the coastal ports and resorts. "Pescalis" fishing park, near La Chataigneraie.
See Angela Bird's fishing page

Cycling: You will find a well signed trail along the coast and several inland itineries - ask at the nearest tourist office. The forest of Mervent/Vouvent offers excellent possibilities.
See Angela Bird's cycling page

Sailing: Beginners and children can take lessons at La Tranche-sur-Mer on a specially prepared lagoon.

Windsurfing: The coast is well loved by windsurfing enthusiasts, particularly around Jard-sur-Mer and la Tranche-sur-Mer. Several of the inland lakes also offer possibilities for windsurfing.

Surfing: Les Conches, or La Pointe du Payre are popular sites.

Micro-lights: Initiation available near La Tranche-sur-Mer.

Hot-air balooning: Initiation flights available in the north of the Vendee. Montgolfiere du Bocage.

Naturism: There is a nudist beach to the south of L'Aiguillon-sur-Mer, towards the point.

Things to do and places to visit.
Just a small selection of the attractions that you can find in the area.

Le Puy du Fou -
This famous history theme park is unique in Europe, offering a full day out, packed with fun for all ages, including a Roman amphitheatre with chariot races and gladiators, falconry displays and recreated villages from several different periods of history. The 'Grand Park' with its day-time attractions is open to visitors, without reservation, throughout the season and there is night-time 'son-et-lumiere' open air theatre for which you need to book months in advance (but well worth it!). See their web site

Exotic gardens of Court d'Aron -
St Cyr-en-Talmondais. Thousands of rare plants in a delightful setting. Spectacular lotus flower lakes in bloom from June to September.

Perfumed Gardens at Coex -
Unique collection of fragrant plants form all over the world, boutique of natural perfumes.

Museum of Prehistory, St Hilaire la Foret -
Reconstructions of stone-age life, museum.

Steam Railway, Mortagnes sur Sevre -
22km of train ride between Mortagnes & Les Herbiers through picturesque valleys and over impressive viaducts.

Velo-Rail, Commequiers -
10km ride through the countryside on a pedal-driven rail cart.

Automobile Museum, Talmont St Hilaire -
Over 200 vehicles from 1885 to the present day, including several unique prototypes.

Chateau de la Guignardiere, Avrille -
Furnished Renaissance chateau to visit, children's treasure trail, vast park.

Salt Marshes, Les Sables d'Olonne -
Guided boat trips through the salt marshes, see traditional salt production and fabulous wild-life.

Zoo, Les Sables d'Olonne -
Over 200 animals in semi-liberty in this attractive, well-maintained park.

Indian Forest Adventure park
Children love it ! see details.

Green Venice -
Many villages in the south-east corner of the Vendee offer punt hire or guided trips (Velluire, Vix, Damvix, Maillezais). Maillezais offers a good restaurant next to the embarcation as well as the ruined abbey to visit.

Historic towns -

Fontenay-le-Comte: Has a splendid boulevard, the river Vendee, an historic old quarter and a chateau to visit.
Lucon: Charming town, with an impressive cathedral and gardens to visit.
Pouzauges: Existing since medeival times, one of the most fascinating towns in the 'Bocage'. Remarkable 12th century chateau.
Clisson: Very picturesque, with its chateau on the river bank.
Tiffauges: 'Blue Beard Chateau', (medeival warefare displays), model village, picnic spots on the river bank.
La Rochelle: Just south of the Vendee, in Charente Maritime. The old port with its famous street cafés and restaurants and the historic town centre are well worth a visit, as is the fabulous aquarium. Boat trips to La Rochelle from some of the Vendee's coastal resorts.
Nantes: Well worth a visit, for its splendid architecture, great shopping and the excellent choice of restaurants in the old quarter.


Islands -

Island of Ré: Reached by bridge from La Rochelle, or by boat from some of the coastal resorts. Charming port of St Martin-sur-Re, beaches, lighthouse to visit, cycling in the salt-marshes.
Island of Yeu: 1 hour by boat from St Gilles Croix de Vie or Fromentine. Really beautiful. You can go right round by bicycle in a day (hire available), passing sandy beaches, wild moorland and rocky coves.
Noirmoutier: Linked to the mainland by bridge and by the famous causeway (Le Gois), exposed at low tide.

What's on during the season-
See Angela Bird's calender of events