Best things to do in Vendée and Charente-Maritime
The Vendée and the Charente-Maritime regions are situated about halfway down France’s west coast. While perhaps less well-known than their neighbours Brittany to the north and the Basque country to the south, both these French départements have lots to offer. With long stretches of sandy beaches, a spattering of delightful islands, sand dunes and salt marshes that gradually give way to swathes of inland countryside, they’re a great place to holiday. Each region has its own particularities, but the one thing they both have in common is the sea. Or, more precisely, the Atlantic Ocean.
Nature and the great outdoors are the watchwords here and they come in many forms, with rugged coastlines, wide open plains and forests steeped in legendary tales just waiting to be explored. And a combination of the local microclimate (warmer than Brittany but milder than the South) and an extensive network of cycle paths make it easy to do just that.
Vendée has a tumultuous past of wars and uprisings, and a strong regional identity to go with it. Everywhere you go, you’ll find yourself on the traces of rebellious populations and pivotal events with monuments and commemorative sites to attest to them.
The region’s 600 km of coastline attracts surfers and sailors, and houses oyster farms, salt flats and pine groves. There’s always something to visit in Vendée and Charente-Maritime. And did we mention that the weather is remarkably clement? This area gets so much sunshine that the palm trees and mimosa plants imported from the South flourish and thrive here as happily as the region’s holidaymakers.
About the Region
In an area so varied, there’s no shortage of towns worth exploring. Some earned their colours during the Vendée wars and many buildings of historical significance are still visible today.
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Food and Drink in Vendée and Charente Maritime
Two predominant elements of Vendée and the Charente Maritime are pastures and the coast, both of which are reflected in the local cuisine.
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Best things to do in Vendée and Charente Maritime
This region is brimming with natural and architectural treasures and there’s certainly lots to see and do.
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What's On in Vendée and Charente Maritime - Dates for the Diary
Some of the annual festivals and events you won't want to missLa Rochelle International Film Festival – This festival has hosted films from all over the world since it began in 1973.
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Good to know
endée and Charente-Maritime also have a great selection of thalassotherapy spa centres.
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Un Chateau Secret
Un Château Secret is a seaside luxury villa for rent in Charente-Maritime with a pool. This beautiful authentic property has been thoughtfully renovated and offers large either shared or private spaces indoors, a beautiful garden and a heated pool outdoors. Shops and restaurants are reachable on foot.
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Pure Vendee
Pure Vendée is a luxury rental with a swimming pool in the Vendée. It’s a former estate that has been superbly renovated with taste and sophistication. Here you will enjoy the benefits of the country and the luxury of the most modern fittings. Take time to completely relax in a luxurious and authentic setting. From the property you can travel around and discover the various famous tourist spots like Puy du Fou.
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Chateau Perle de Charente
Château Perle de Charente is a prestigious property for rent in France. This fairytale castle has its own special kind of magic. Towers and turrets on the outside give way to stylish sophistication on the inside, successfully combining stately grandeur with homely warmth. It is the perfect setting for an enchanting getaway that guests will remember for many years to come.
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Entre Loire et Vendee
Entre Loire et Vendée is a country manor that is ideal for a big family holiday. This large holiday rental has a private swimming pool and lies between the Loire Valley and the Vendée in northwest France. With plenty of space indoor and huge grounds, it makes the perfect setting for a group get-together or a special occasion.
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Domaine Terre et Mer
Domaine Terre et Mer is a family château for rent between Nantes and the sandy beaches of the Vendée region. It comprises a beautiful manor house and two annexe buildings for up to 20 guests. The heated swimming pool and huge secluded grounds provide the space and luxury for all your guests to relax in style. Escape to the château for an elegant French escapade!
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