GREAT DESTINATIONS ❘ THE VENDÉE
7 UNMISSABLE VENDÉE EVENTS
LE VENDÉE GLOBE (every four years; next departure November 10, 2024) Legendary solo, unassisted, round- the-world sailing race departing from Les Sables d’Olonne.
LES FOULÉES DU GOIS (June 10, 2023) Sporting race taking place along the Passage du Gois.
LES FLORALIES INTERNATIONALES (May, 17-26, 2024) Acclaimed international flower festival previously held in Nantes and now hosted at Domaine de la Chabotterie at Saint Sulpice le Verdon.
LA CINÉSCÉNIE & LES NOCES FEU (select nights mid-April through early Nov) The Puy du Fou’s multi- award-winning evening extravaganzas.
POUPET FESTIVAL ANNUAL (June 29 – July 22) One-month music festival held in Saint-Malô-du-Bois.
AUTREFOIS CHALLANS (select days in July and August) Traditional folk festival celebrating Challandaise culture.
À TOUT VENT (July 7-10, 2023) International kite festival held at Notre Dame de Monts.
Clockwise from top left: Boats jostle prettily at the Port du Bec; the stunning Estuaire du Veillon as seen from the sky; explore the salt marshes on the island of Noirmoutier; the pier off the beach on the island of Noirmoutier; relaxing in the sunshine at Port de la Meule on L’Île d’Yeu; be sure to pick up some fresh seafood at the market in Bretignolles-sur-Mer
taking the time to uncover the Vendée’s rich maritime heritage and the fiercely independent spirit that underpins its natural wonders and time-honoured traditions.
COASTAL ESCAPES
Nicknamed the ‘Côte de Lumière’ for its sun-kissed hues, the Vendée’s 155-mile coastline is nothing if not varied. Handsome blonde sands, rocky coves, and built-up resorts are hemmed in by rugged sand dunes, patchwork marshlands, and vast swathes of protected pine forests.
Eighteen seaside resorts, each with its own character, afford plenty of options for seaside camping and beach getaways, and just about every strip of sand has a water sports centre offering sailing, surf classes, windsurfing, and all manner of aquatic activities. Coastal hiking, biking, and horse riding are equally popular, with both the long- distance GR8 national hiking trail and Vélodyssée bike route following the entire length of the coast. In the north, the flagship beach resort of Saint Jean de Monts (see p.116) and the buzzing fishing port of Saint Gilles Croix de Vie (see p.118) each have their own distinct charms, while to the south, the booming maritime city of Les Sables d’Olonne (see p.122) stands in stark contrast to the small- town appeal and wild beaches of La Tranche sur Mer (see p.124).
It’s easy to get around with a car, so choose a base that meets your needs and explore the rest on day trips. The Vendée’s two islands top the list of day excursions; better yet, spend the weekend. The aforementioned Île de Noirmoutier is best discovered by bike: tour the pretty villages, admire the elegant Belle Epoque villas, and visit the idyllic Plage des Dames and Plage des Sableaux with their traditional beach huts and rocky coves. Foodies take note: not only is the island famous for its oysters (you can sample them at any of the roadside huts) and potatoes, but it’s also home to one of the Vendée’s top restaurants, the two- Michelin-starred La Marine. South of Noirmoutier, the rugged shores and hidden beaches of the Île d’Yeu are a natural paradise where you can escape the crowds, even in the height of summer. ❯❯
Feb/Mar 2023 FRANCE TODAY ❘ 113
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