Travel: The Vendée
For fresh seafood, sandy beaches and lots of things for the family to do, take a trip to the Vendée
TRAVEL SNAPSHOT
The coastline of the Vendée region in north-western France is lined with beautiful pine forests and 90 miles of rugged, golden beaches. There are campsites, kids’ clubs and waterparks galore, meaning there’s plenty for the whole family to do. For something more relaxed, there are dozens of fishing villages where you can watch boats bobbing in the harbour from the comfort of a waterside café. Inland, the unofficial capital of the region, Nantes, boasts a medieval castle and a stunning Gothic cathedral.
INSIDER’S GUIDE
Base yourself near one of the Vendée’s towns (such as Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez), and use it as a base for day trips. Short drives will take you to Saint- Gilles-Croixde-Vie, a pretty seaside resort that’s perfect for watersports. If you don’t want to be brushing sand from your towel at the end of the day, spend it at Atlantic Toboggan waterpark (atlantic-toboggan.com). In Nantes, check out Les Machines de L’ile (www.lesmachines-nantes.fr/en), a creative workshop that builds giant animals. You can even hitch a ride on an elephant made of steel!
DON’T MISS
Puy du Fou (puydufou.com) is a hugely popular historical theme park 90 minutes’ drive from Saint-Hilairede-Riez. There are dozens of impressive live shows portraying historic events, including an explosive Viking invasion, a thrilling chariot race and gladiator battle.
GETTING THERE
Easyjet.com flies direct to Nantes from Luton or Gatwick from £82 return. Airlines operating from other airports within the UK include British Airways (ba.com) and Air France (airfrance.co.uk).
STAYING THERE
Le Mas de Saint Hilaire features a complex of self-catering apartments set around an open-air swimming pool. A week’s stay for a family of four starts from £272 (£68pp) in May, or from £766 (£191pp) in July/August. Book via summerfrance.co.uk, or call 0203 475 4756.
FOOD AND DRINK
The region is famed for its seafood. Try some at La Houle in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez (restaurantlahoule.fr). Another local speciality is the galette, or savoury crêpe, which is filled with everything from cheese and ham to scallops with cream.