Luxury villa rentals in Vendee and Charentes (France)

Choose the Vendee Charente region for your holiday in France

Holiday at a luxury villa in France – go west for sun, surf and slow living!

Why choose been coast and countryside? Our luxury holiday rentals in the west of France give you the best of both worlds! ChicVillas has an extensive portfolio of beautiful high-end holiday homes in Vendee that come with premium facilities, a heated pool and plenty of outdoor space. Perfect for a family holiday in the heart of France. Go off grid at a cosy cottage or celebrate at a stunning chateau – whatever your idea of the perfect getaway, we’ve got you covered.

Why rent a villa in Vendee?

The west coast is one of France’s best kept secrets! Away from the bustle of Paris or the Riviera, the Vendée and Charentes region is a treasure trove of scenic countryside and coastline that will delight surfers and slow travellers. Spend a weekend by the sea, rent a villa with a pool for a week, or push the boat right out and privatize a chateau for a special occasion! Life here is slow and spacious – say bonjour to good food, great wine and having plenty of time to enjoy them. 

Where are the best places to visit in the Vendée Charentes region?

Situated just below Brittany on France’s west coast, the Vendée region is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Cue long sandy beaches with clear waters and great waves. Less glitzy than the Med and less rugged than Brittany, it strikes the perfect balance of untamed nature and a sunny climate. Rent a luxury villa with premium facilities and the only thing you’ll have to think about is whether to chill by the pool or venture out to explore the local sights.

Sandy beaches, clear waters and great waves

Choose from friendly-sized seaside towns or a rural retreat. Vendée’s most popular beach resorts include Saint-Jean-de-Monts, Les Sables d’Olonne and La Tranche sur Mer. A waymarked path runs the length of the coast, taking in salt marshes, sand dunes and oyster shacks along the way. Time your visit right, and you can attend the departure or return of the Vendée Globe round the world yacht race in Les Sables d’Olonne; the atmosphere is something else!

Continue down the coast and you come to the Charente region. Visit the capital, La Rochelle – a vibrant port with landmark harbour towers – before seeking out the endless stretches of sand at Fouras beach. For an extra-special stay, rent a castle with a heated pool that sleeps up to 24 people. Sprawling grounds, plenty of bedrooms and premium facilities ensure ease, space and luxuriously lazy days. The ultimate luxury property for your holiday with family and friends.

In contrast to the Mediterranean Sea in the South of France, the west is best for waves. Surfing is popular all year round, and as much fun to observe as to partake in. Many of the surf spots are on islands, with others such as Bud Bud and La Côte Sauvage on the mainland. A self-catering holiday property by the beach makes a great base and gives you options – stay home and swim or head out to catch the waves. 

Cycle, walk and swim on an island

The west coast of France is dotted with beautiful islands with surf spots, sea food and scenic landmarks. Starting south-west of Nantes, drive from the mainland over the Noirmoutier bridge to the island of the same. It’s a good sized island for cycling or walking with a length of 20 km. Take in the sand dunes and salt marshes before stopping for refreshments by the sea. Don’t leave without some fleur de sel – locally harvested salt in its purest form.

Further down the coast, head over to the Ile de Ré from La Rochelle. Hire a bike and tour the island’s ten villages. Visit the fort and the ramparts, take in the 360° view from top of the Baleines lighthouse and admire the migratory birds at the marshlands nature reserve. 

The Ile d’Oléron is the largest Atlantic coast island. Drive over the bridge or go by boat. With endless stretches of sandy beach and turquoise waters, you’re in for a treat. You can even book a few nights at a hotel or a holiday rental on Oléron island.

And for great food on the go, nothing could be easier than delicious and nutritious oysters – stop at a beachside oyster shack to feast on freshly harvested seafood. Simple and healthy yet oh so decadent! Add some fresh bread and a crisp white wine for full effect.

Boogie the night away at a summer festival

The seaside resorts along the coast attract French and international visitors all summer long and there’s always something happening. Summer nights see lively pop, rock and local music groups perform in various towns. Keep an eye out for Les Estivales de Caractère, a series of concerts held in picturesque villages.

Vendee has more than its fair share of Petites Cités de Caractère, a name awarded to pretty villages worth visiting. Take your pick from Apremont, Faymoreau, Mouchamps, Noirmoutier-en-l’Ile, Pouzauges, Rives d’Autise and Vouvant. 

Take a break in the French countryside

There’s plenty to experience inland, too. The Marais Poitevin natural park is criss-crossed with marshlands and canals lined by leafy boughs. Known as the Green Venice, it can be explored by boat, on foot or on a bicycle. It’s a nature lover’s paradise. Book a week at a property with a panoramic view and greenery galore for a to experience rural living at its finest. You have nowhere to go and no place to be – switch off your phone and remove your watch on arrival to enjoy days ruled by sunshine and appetite. 

Enjoy great food and wine: local, wholesome and delicious

Food and wine are important in France and can be as simple or sophisticated as you like. Start the day French style with freshly brewed coffee on your private terrace then spend the morning at a farmers’ markets. Pick up fresh local produce to be enjoyed over a leisurely outdoor lunch or treat yourself to a dinner to remember at a Michelin starred restaurant. Either way, you’ll find foie gras, walnuts, cep mushrooms and flavoursome cheese on the menu, to be paired with a rich Bordeaux red, sweet white Monbazillac or a dry Entre-Deux-Mers as appropriate.

Family days out in Vendee and Charentes

Keep the whole family happy on your holiday in France with these ideas for a great day out! 

The Puy du Fou theme park has been voted Best Show in the World. Enjoy jaw-dropping performances with spectacular special effects on a par with a global blockbuster.

Indian Forest is an action-packed treetop adventure park with a range of courses, outdoor laser games and pony rides.

O’Gliss life-size water park with slides, tubes, pools and inflatables galore. Splashes and smiles guaranteed!