Vendée, our region of the month for April, is located in the south of the Pays de la Loire region, on the French Atlantic coast, just south of Brittany and Nantes, and north of La Rochelle. Located just two to five hours’ drive from the western ferry ports, it is a journey easy day trip from Great Britain and Ireland.
All year round, Vendée is one of the sunniest places on the west coast of France. In summer, the weather is generally hot. The capital is La Roche sur Yon, which was originally a stronghold for the Vendéens.
Attractions and places to visit:
- Beaches for swimming and water sports
- Picturesque villages and fishing ports
- Romantic offshore islands
- Historic towns
- Magnificent castles and gardens
- Wine producers
- Excellent golf courses
- Cycle paths and hiking trails
- The fascinating Marais Poitevin
For travel, the area is closest to the ferry ports of St Malo, Roscoff and Cherbourg, two to five hours away by car, and the journey from Calais takes around seven hours. The accommodations of vacation in Vendée are excellent value for money. We have many private holiday villas in the countryside and on the coast, with their own garden and many with a above ground pool, making them ideal for family vacations. You will be able find lodgings, farms and converted barns offering traditional charm.
Enjoy your holidays in Vendée with children
Vendée’s most famous attraction is Puy du Fou, a historic theme park which, after Disneyland, is second in number of annual visitors. Its popularity is easy to understand and explains the many family stays in Puy du Fou. The theme park features impressive shows designed to help visitors of all ages understand the story. Its seven main shows last around 30 minutes each and take place in eras such as the Roman era, the Viking era, the Eastern European era and the North American era.
Watching a show is quite enjoyable, but don’t forget that the Vendée also has a lot to offer active children. Young water enthusiasts will love the Atlantic Toboggan in Saint Hilaire de Riez with its popular slides. There is also a wave pool and you can rent pedal boats or go boating on the large lake. Those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land might like the Château des Aventuriers. This castle in Avrillé is the place for exciting treasure hunts, and with games and puzzles, you can find your way back to the exit!
Campsites in Vendée
Vendée campsites are very popular for their friendliness and the natural setting that surrounds them. Along the coast you can camp with the sand and sea within easy reach, while further inland the forests and meadows provide a perfect place for peaceful camping. Wherever you camp, the pleasures of water are never far away… Yelloh! Village Château La Forêt has a fantastic swimming pool, lakes within walking distance and the sea a fifteen minute drive away. Slip out of your tent and head into the water to cool off. After the breakfast, you should have enough energy to embark on a canoe on the lake. And if not, a relaxing day on the beach sounds like a good idea.