guide
An overview of the highlights of the Vendée: the island of Noirmoutier and its Polder de Sébastopol nature reserve, the Puy du Fou park, the Château de Tiffauges and the Historial de la Vendée. The article also covers family activities such as rail biking at the old Commequiers station and horse-drawn carriage rides through the Marais Poitevin, for planning a campsite stay in the Vendée.
The Vendée is a département where natural and historical riches come together. In this region, where nature offers captivating landscapes, you’ll find cheap campsites. So which places should you visit, and what activities are on offer?
During your stay, don’t miss the island of Noirmoutier. This visit includes a detour to Noirmoutier Castle and the Polder de Sébastopol nature reserve, not forgetting the salt marshes. You can discover the everyday life of local fishermen and the behind-the-scenes world of oyster farming. There are several routes for cycling around the island.
To travel back in time, don’t miss Puy du Fou. This theme park enjoys an international reputation thanks to its magnificent shows. Thousands of performers take part in staging shows featuring water jets, 3D projections and captivating music. You’ll be transported back to Antiquity. Roman games, Viking battles and chivalric quests, this leisure park promises a unique adventure.
History buffs will also want to head to Château de Tiffauges. Illustrious figures once stayed within this imposing building. Notably, we should mention Gilles de Rais, a famous Renaissance-era name. During the guided tour, you’ll discover the key moments of his tragic history. You can even test your archery skills by taking part in the various activities held there. At Christmas, be sure to visit the Tiffauges market, a must-see address in the region. Likewise, a stop at the Historial de la Vendée is essential. In this space, you’ll learn more about the history of the Vendée from prehistoric times onwards. Through a fun, interactive trail, you’ll gain insight into the evolution of this multi-faceted département. Your visit wouldn’t be complete without a detour to the Mémorial de la Vendée. This building honours the 564 villagers who fell victim to the 1794 massacre.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with the family, the Vendée has plenty of activities for you to discover. If you’re a fan of water sports, you’ll find various spots to practise them, as well as climbing, fishing and different types of hikes. The wild nature and biodiversity of the Vendée region reveal themselves along the coastline of Île d’Yeu. You can also venture onto the Sentier des Châtaigniers, where the scenery alternates between fields and lush green orchards.
To delight the kids, be sure to introduce them to rail biking. This activity is available at the old Commequiers station. On a railway line stretching around ten kilometres, they’ll pedal away while seated on a rail bike. If you’d like to discover the villages of the Marais poitevin, you can book a horse-drawn carriage ride. For a unique experience, opt for a hot-air balloon ride. Admiring the Vendée landscape from the sky is a breathtaking sight.
If you’re looking for unusual accommodation, choose a camping trip. This type of accommodation stands out for its relaxing setting at the heart of nature. You’ll find several campsites at the best prices in the Vendée.
The Château de Noirmoutier, the Polder de Sébastopol nature reserve and the salt marshes, with the chance to discover local oyster farming and cycle around the island.
An internationally renowned theme park where thousands of performers stage historical shows combining water fountains, projections and music, spanning antiquity to the medieval era.
A family activity at the old Commequiers station, where you pedal a handcar along several kilometres of railway track.
This monument honours the 564 villagers who died in the 1794 massacre, as part of the broader Historial de la Vendée, which traces the department's history from prehistoric times.