For such a quiet and peaceful countryside, the Vendée has played its part in the history of France, from Eleanor of Aquitaine to the Revoultion. Inland a mixture of castles and châteaux abound, and the relatively flat countryside makes it ideal for exploring in a car, on a bike or even on foot. The Vendéen beaches are great sweeps of sand, but don’t miss exploring the seaside towns, like les Sables d’Olonne, which have some real character of their own. The Château du Puy du Fou makes an exciting visit, with its famous Son et Lumière. Near Pornic, Planète Sauvage is a fascinating safari park, and at the southern end of the Vendée the Marais Poitevin is a maze of canals and waterways where you can take a guided trip on a punt to discover this hidden part of the area.
A Manger… Try This…
With an Atlantic coastline and fertile countryside, you certainly won’t go hungry in the Vendée! Local markets are full of produce from the sea and local farms. The sea marshes add a distinct flavour to lamb and mutton, often served with haricots blancs and other seasonal vegetables. The countryside is also home to a variety of vineyards, with Muscadet and Gros Plant being the best-known wines. But try the small artisan producers and discover some surprises…in some cases the wine is even bottled according to the field! A chilled bottle of local white or rosé is the ideal drink for a meal of sardines or sea bass or some of the local “jambon” (ham). And for holiday picnics the local markets are bursting with local cheeses and fruit.
