The Vendée
The Vendée, a multi-faceted department, promises unexpected discoveries. Whether you're looking for natural panoramas, cultural gems, varied entertainment or relaxation, this region, with its rich history and heritage, is sure to meet your expectations. Stretching along the Atlantic Ocean and crossed by the eponymous river, the Vendée is an integral part of the Pays de la Loire and the former province of Poitou.
This article is intended as a comprehensive guide to exploring the Vendée and soaking up its riches. We'll be highlighting the places that are emblematic of the Vendée, those that contribute to its prestige and add to its distinctive charm.
We'll also be offering a range of activities and leisure pursuits, designed for all ages and interests: whether you're an adventurer, an intellectual explorer, a gourmand or a contemplative. Finally, we invite you to travel back in time and discover the historic heritage of the Vendée, through its emblematic monuments, captivating museums, lively traditions and cultural events. Are you ready to discover the Vendée?
So let us guide you!
Must-see Vendée attractions
The Vendée, famous for its Gois Passage and its delicious brioche, is home to many other treasures. This département is a treasure trove of natural, cultural and historical treasures well worth exploring.
While you're here, don't miss out on these must-see Vendée attractions.
Discover the Vendée beaches and surf spots
With over 250 km of coastline, the Vendée offers a wide variety of seascapes. Whether you're looking for family-friendly beaches, secluded coves or excellent surf spots, the Vendée coastline has it all.
Famous beaches such as Grande Plage de Sion, Plage du Veillon or Plage des Dames on the island of Noirmoutier are not to be missed. Watersports enthusiasts can try their hand at surfing, kitesurfing or stand-up paddling at popular sites such as Bud Bud, La Sauzaie or Tanchet.
Visit Ile d'Yeu and Ile de Noirmoutier
The Vendée department is also home to two exceptional islands, Ile d'Yeu and Ile de Noirmoutier, both accessible by boat or car. The island of Yeu will captivate you with its unspoilt natural landscapes and fascinating wild coastline. Don't miss the old castle, the port of La Meule, the Corbeaux lighthouse and the Pointe des Corbeaux.
As for the island of Noirmoutier, accessible via the bridge or the historic Gois passage, it boasts picturesque white houses with multicolored shutters, salt marshes, vast pine forests and magnificent sandy beaches. Visits such as the Château de Noirmoutier, the Bois de la Chaise, the Sealand aquarium and the Court d'Aron floral park are a must.
Le Puy du Fou: a journey through time
Visit Puy du Fou offers a unique experience thanks to its breathtaking shows retracing history, spectacular stunts, striking special effects and the participation of trained animals, transporting visitors from Antiquity to the 20th century. Explore reconstructed villages and artisan workshops, while enjoying entertainment and games for the whole family.
Acclaimed the world over, Puy du Fou has been voted best theme park on several occasions, and has won numerous international awards.
Salt marshes and unspoilt nature
The salt marshes of the Marais Breton Vendéen represent a unique ecosystem harboring a rich biodiversity. Discover birds, fish, crustaceans and plants that adapt to the specific salinity and temperature conditions. Witness the traditional harvesting of salt by sauniers, an ancestral skill. These precious natural spaces benefit from restoration programs aimed at their conservation.
The Vendée Globe: Everest of the Seas
A race like no other
Visit Vendée Globe is a sailing race in solo, non-stop and unassistedwhich is touring the world. Created in 1989 by Philippe Jeantottakes place every four years and share of Sables-d'Olonnein the Vendée region. It is often nicknamed the Everest of the seasbecause of its extreme difficulty.
A Dantesque Course
Vendée Globe skippers face tough conditions 45,000 km journey which takes them through some of the world's most dangerous oceans. The route follows a a route traditionally used by the great explorers
Find out more about the Vendée Globe, read our dedicated article here.
Activities and leisure: For all ages and tastes
The Vendée is much more than a jewel box of historic sites and natural landscapes: it's also a land rich in a variety of activities to entertain, relax and keep fit.
Whether you're an athlete, an adventurer, a curious visitor or a gourmet, there's something for everyone. Find out how to make the most of your stay in Vendée.
Nautical activities in Vendée
The Vendée is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Thanks to its 250 km of coastline, islands, lakes and rivers, it offers a range of activities for all levels: sailing, surfing, kitesurfing, paddling, kayaking, jet-skiing, towed buoys, water jumping and much more.
Explore the underwater fauna and flora by diving, snorkeling or fishing. Nautical bases and sailing schools offer introductions, courses, rentals or group outings.
Hiking and cycling: itineraries to follow
The Vendée is also a Mecca for hikers and cyclists, with over 5,000 km of signposted trails through diverse, unspoilt landscapes: coastline, marshes, forests, hedged farmland, villages and castles.
Choose from a wide range of circuits, suitable for all levels, including themed routes such as the Vélodyssée, the Sentier du Littoral, the Chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle or the Circuit des Abbayes.
Amusement and leisure parks
For families and friends looking for fun and unforgettable memories, the Vendée offers a fine selection of amusement and leisure parks.
With Puy du Fou at the top of the list, experience fascinating moments through history. Other parks, such as O'Gliss Park, Atlantic Toboggan, Château des Aventuriers, Dino's Park, or accrobranches parks like Le Grand Défi or Tepacap Vendée, also promise exciting adventures.
Traditional markets and Vendée gastronomy
A land of gastronomy, the Vendée invites you on a tasty journey through its colorful markets, offering a glimpse of its culinary riches: seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheeses, breads, wines, Noirmoutier salt, mussels, oysters, sardines and more.
Taste local specialties such as jambon-mogettes, préfou, farci poitevin, canard de Challans, and famous Vendée pastries like brioche and gâche.
Culture and heritage: Dive into the history of the Vendée
The Vendée is much more than a haven of nature and leisure; it's also a cultural and heritage showcase. This region invites you to explore its fascinating history and share in its rich treasures.
Lovers of history, art, traditions and know-how will find something to satisfy their curiosity among the myriad of museums, monuments, events and festivals scattered across the département. Here are a few suggestions to make your visit to the Vendée an enriching experience.
Not-to-be-missed museums
With over 40 museums, the Vendée invites you to discover a uniquely diverse heritage. Whether you're interested in prehistory, the Vendée War, automobiles, shells, chocolate or painting, there's sure to be a museum to interest you.
A must-see is the Musée Charles Milcendeau in Soullans, where you can immerse yourself in the work of the painter and traveller, a pupil of Gustave Moreau. The Musée Automobile de Vendée in Talmont Saint Hilaire boasts an impressive collection of over 150 historic vehicles. The Abbaye Sainte-Croix in Les Sables d'Olonne exhibits masterpieces of contemporary art, from Gaston Chaissac to Jean Dubuffet. Finally, the Musée du Blockhaus Hôpital in Sainte-Hermine offers a unique experience inside a former World War II underground hospital.
Architectural and historical heritage
With its exceptional architectural and historical heritage, the Vendée bears witness to a tumultuous past and rich cultural diversity. Castles, abbeys, churches, picturesque villages, megalithic sites and salt marshes are all on display. Don't miss the Château d'Apremont, the Prieuré d'Auzay, the Château de Terre Neuve in Fontenay le Comte, and the impressive menhirs of Avrillé.
Cultural events and festivals
The Vendée also celebrates festivities and entertainment with a host of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Whether you're a lover of music, theater, dance, circus or cinema, there's something for everyone. Don't miss: the Festival de Poupet for a wide range of concerts, the Festival A tout Vent dedicated to the art of kite flying, the Festival Les Feux de l'Été for fans of rock and contemporary music, and the Festival Les Improbables in Soullans, synonymous with creativity and discovery.
Conclusion
As you can see, the Vendée has to captivate for everyone. Whether you're looking for wilderness adventures, cultural discoveries, leisure activities or gastronomic delights, this region, rich in history and heritage, is sure to meet your expectations.
The Vendée offers a wide range of experiences for memorable vacations and original getaways. So let yourself be tempted and discover the treasures of the Vendée, its diverse activities, exciting events and delicious specialities.
You won't regret it!
FAQ
What's the most beautiful place in the Vendée?
Choosing the most beautiful place in the Vendée is subjective, depending on individual preferences. However, here are a few natural and historical places frequently praised for their beauty in the Vendée:
- The island of Noirmoutier The town of St. Moritz: famous for its captivating beaches, charming harbours and picturesque white houses with blue shutters.
- Visit Sables d'Olonne Ile Penotte: famous for its vast sandy beach, dynamic embankment and original shell decoration.
- Visit Marais Poitevin A popular destination for its navigable canals, boat trips and rich flora and fauna.
- Le Puy du Fou famous for its dazzling historical shows and authentically reconstructed period villages.
- Château d'Apremont Renaissance architecture and the enchanting scenery of its lake.
What are the main towns in the Vendée?
The Vendée is home to several major towns, including La Roche-sur-Yon, Challans, Les Herbiers, Les Sables-d'Olonne, and Fontenay-le-Comte. These urban centers are the most densely populated in the département and boast a rich historical, cultural and natural heritage.
Where to go for a walk in the Vendée?
The Vendée offers a wide choice of walks to suit all tastes. Whether you prefer the beauty of the coastline, with its extensive beaches, peaceful islands and wild coastlines, or the adventure of inland discovering marshes, forests and natural sites, you're sure to find hiking trails to suit your preferences and physical condition.
What makes the Vendée so special?
The Vendée is distinguished by its diverse geography, climate and culture. It boasts a variety of landscapes, from Atlantic coasts to peaceful bocages, wetlands and vast expanses of forest.
This French department also boasts a poignant historical heritage, marked by the Vendée Wars. It also boasts a strong identity, underpinned by lively traditions and a rich gastronomy.
