Self Catering Holiday Homes, Vendee, Pays de la Loire, France
Gite Vendee is located in the south of the Vendee, a holiday region on the Atlantic coast of France, renowned for a unique micro-climate offering as many sunny days as the French Riviera.
Within quite a small area, the South Vendee (Sud Vendée) has a particular diversity of landscapes. The endless, golden sandy beaches of the coast (le littoral) giving way to mysterious and tranquil marshland (le Marais Poitevin). Slightly further inland we encounter the prairies and sunflower fields of the plain (la plaine) followed by the wooded farmland and gentle hills of the Bocage (le bocage Vendéen). Along the way, we should also not forget the immense forest of Mervent-Vouvant (la forêt).
There is a rich heritage within the South Vendee with magnificent examples of the Romanesque and gothic architectural styles apparent in the many abbeys, churches and chateaux that cover the region.
There appears to be an almost boundless choice of sporting and leisure activities to take part in. You can explore the region on foot, by bike and on horseback along the hundreds of kilometres of clearly marked paths and bridle ways. Fishing, swimming, sailing and other water sports are offered on the rivers and lakes and at the coast. For those with a little more adrenalin there are opportunities for paintball, go-karting and bungee jumping.
The cuisine of the region tends towards simple and rustic, the food of peasants, made with the wonderful local fruit, vegetables, dairy produce, meat and fish. Traditional dishes include ham with mojettes, stewed eels and mouclade. Fish and seafood reign supreme along the coast. There are a number of local restaurants who specialize in authentic Vendeen cuisine.
Although the Vendee is not known as a major wine region, there are a number of local vineyards producing enjoyable table wines. The aperitif "Troussepinette", a fortified wine flavoured with thorns is also very popular.
During the care-free months of the summer, speciality markets and fairs are organized where small local producers and craftsmen can exhibit and sell their products.
Outside the South Vendee region there is plenty more to explore and discover all within easy reach. The cosmopolitan cities of La Rochelle and Nantes offer extensive shopping and fine dining. The unique theme parks of Puy-du-Fou and Futuroscope are a wonderful day out. Along the coast there are numerous towns and villages, such as Les Sables d'Olonne, as well as the islands of Noirmoutier and Ré. The Loire Valley and Cognac regions are also close enough to warrant a day trip.
Right on the doorstep, our local commune of Thouarsais-Bouildroux provides three superb walks of between 10 and 15km and a mountain-bike circuit of 35km which takes you past notable features in the surrounding hills. In the village centre there is a church, originally built in the 14th century, and close by the church is a small, sometimes bustling, bar to which the "Vendee Chippy" pays a call most weekends.
Take a five minute drive to Bazoges-en-Pareds to visit the medieval keep and garden (le donjon et jardin médiéval). Fully restored and furnished, you can climb to the high ramparts and enjoy marvellous panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Afterwards, take a stroll in the medieval garden among the plants and flowers.
Take a ten minute drive to visit Vouvant, a medieval town, with national recognition as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Medieval ramparts, cobbled lanes and pretty houses all contribute to the picture postcard setting. Unravel the legend of the fairy Mélusine and climb to the summit of her tower for views over the town and River Mère. Admire the splendour of the carved stone portal gracing the entrance of the 11th century Romanesque church, "Notre-Dame de Vouvant". The town is well known as a village of painters and there are art and craft workshops scattered throughout the streets. Prestigious art exhibitions are regularly held in the large art gallery that adjoins the church.
In just fifteen minutes you can be in the heart of the magnificent Mervent-Vouvant forest, a paradise for nature lovers, with sporting activities to suit all tastes. You can explore the many marked and signposted paths on foot, by bike or on horseback. All the lakes in the forest are suitable for swimming and you can hire pedaloes, dinghies, canoes and kayaks for further exploration. The escarpment of "Pierre Blanche" is a popular spot for rock climbing and you can saunter through the tree tops on suspended walkways at the "Aventure Parc". The "Parc de Pierre-Brune" amusement park offers attractions for children of all ages and the "Parc Zoologique Paysager de Mervent" is a small zoo.
The Pays de La Châtaigneraie is a cluster of 19 communes, which includes Thouarsais-Bouildroux, around the small town of La Châtaigneraie. Each commune has superb signposted walks and for the serious rambler there is also "The Chestnut Path" (le chemin des châtaignes), a 42km stroll through 8 of the communes. Other attractions in the surrounding countryside include the museums, windmills, clock chimes and paintball at Mouilleron-en-Pareds, horse riding at St Maurice des Noues, bungee jumping and flying at Breuil Barret, hot air ballooning at Saint Pierre du Chemin, sailing at Lac de Rochereau and fishing at several of the communal lakes.
A twenty minute drive and you are in the Renaissance town of Fontenay-le-Comte. The town has a refined sense of elegance with delightful architecture, shady parks, elegant squares and a particularly relaxed pace of life. Visit the Museum of the Vendee (le Musée Vendéen) for an impression of the history of the town before following the "Thousand Years of History" circuit. The Church of Notre Dame dominates the landscape of this ancient town and provides a fine view of the town from its tower. The Château de Terre-Neuve is an elegant Renaissance château famous for its Alchemist's Fireplace. An excellent market is held each Saturday and numerous cultural events take place throughout the year.
An enchanting area of diverse natural habitats supporting a rich array of wildlife, the regional park of the Marais Poitevin stretches across the south of the Vendee. Of particular interest are the wet marshes (le Marais Mouillé) also known as "Green Venice" (la Venise Verte), where during the summer you can hire a flat-bottomed boat and punt along the tranquil canals under the shady canopy of the trees. Coulon is the most central village and is a good place to visit on market days for local produce and crafts. The Church of St-Nicolas and Abbaye St-Pierre at Maillezais and the Royal Abbey of St Vincent at Nieul-sur-l'Autise are the most notable architectural attractions in the area.
Drive for just under an hour to the west and you will be met by the fine sandy beaches of the flower coast (la Côte des Fleurs), home to the seaside villages of La Tranche-sur-Mer,La Faute-sur-Mer and L'Aiguillon-sur-Mer. This area of coast is also known as "little California" because of its exceptionally mild micro-climate. The beaches are particularly safe and sunbathing, swimming and surfing are the order of the day. The local seafood specialities are mussels and oysters which are cultivated in the bay.
A 45 minute drive to the North and you encounter the unique medieval theme park of Puy-Du-Fou. By day, 2000 years of French history are brought to life in le Grand Parc. You can see gladiators fighting in the coliseum, vikings attacking a peaceful village, an extraordinary falconry spectacle, a ferocious battle between the French and the English and recreated villages and towns from former times. By night, watch la Cinéscénie, an extravagant sound and light (son et lumière) spectacle on the biggest open-air stage in the world.
The chic and historic port of La Rochelle is within easy reach for anyone staying in the South Vendee. There are many fine shops amid the picturesque streets of the old town and pavement cafés and restaurants surround the elegant yachts in the marina. There is a quite wonderful aquarium, a beautiful park to stroll through and many interesting museums.
The inland area in the north of the Vendee.
Theme park of the moving image with extraordinary and unforgettable special effects.
Each commune seems to have a collection of signposted walks through the local countryside. There is a superb collection of walks here in our local commune of Thouarsais-Bouildroux itself.
The Vendee has a massive network of dedicated cycle paths allowing cycling to be undertaken in complete safety. The paths stretch along the coast and through the countryside and in time will eventually form a complete circuit of the Vendee. Bicycles and mountain bikes can be hired at various centres throughout the region.
Wind surfing, dinghy sailing, canoe and kayak hire are available at the Mervent Water Sports Centre.
Head for the Marais Poitevin and hire a barque or canoe from one of the many quaysides or sit back and relax and go with a guide.
Take a cruise from La Tranche-sur-Mer around the off-shore islands.
There are outdoor swimming pools in l'Hermenault, La Châtaigneraie and Mouilleron-en-Pareds which are open in July and August. Some swimming is allowed in the lakes and rivers. There are indoor swimming pools in Fontenay-le-Comte and Pouzauges.
Of course, there is always the Atlantic Ocean.
There is fishing in many of the streams, lakes and rivers of the region catering for all tastes from beginner to experienced angler. Daily, weekly and fortnightly permits are available.
Keen fishermen might like to visit the Pescalis fishing centre at Montournais in Deux-Sevres.
There are 5 golf courses in the Vendee itself and additional courses can be found in the neighbouring regions of Deux-Sèvres and Charente-Maritime.
The Ripaud riding school at St Maurice-des-Noues offers introductory courses, outings by horse-drawn carriage and pony trekking in and around Vouvant and the Mervent-Vouvant forest.
The village of La Caillere is a five minute drive away and has a good range of shops and services including :- bank, mini-market, boulangerie, bar/restaurant, pizzeria, doctors, pharmacy, post office, charcuterie and boucherie.
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