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WITH POOLS
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Towns
and Villages of the Vendee
TOWNS and
Villages OF THE VENDEE
The Vendee has many
towns and villages that are worth the visitor exploring, below are the major
ones. There are no real cities in the Vendee which sets the overall theme of a
quiet rural community with a little more activity along the coast,especially
during the summer months.
The Vendee
has a population of 559,888 (2004) There are 282 communes.
The land surface is
6720km²
Where we
have more details and photos there is a link to a seperate page.
L,Aiguillon-sur Mer. This is the Mussel growing capital of the
Vendee, sitting at the mouth of the River Lay this seaside town has a lot to
offer. Along with the well kept harbour and its artifical lake and beach, there
are the countless pretty fishermen’s’ cottages in the narrow winding streets and
for nature lovers the area known as the 'point' is a haven of wild life
where....Read More...
Angles
This is a small town typical of those
found in the South Vendee, being just 7 kilometers from La Tranche sur Mer it
enjoys... Read more...
Aizenay This village is just north of La Roche sur
Yon on the road to Challon
Apremont. This is a picturesque village with a
lakeside beach and a ruined castle.
Aubigny. This is a village just 9k south of la Roche
sur Yon on the D747.
Avrille. This is just inland from the beautiful beaches of the
Vendee on the road (D949) from Lucon to Les Sables d'Olonne. It boasts the
Chateau Guignardiere and its Riddle trails and historic
trail.
La Barre-de-mont.This village is on the mainland just
opposite Noirmoutier on western end of the Marais Breton where it joins the
'Forest Domain des Pays de Mont'. It is joined to the beach resort of
Fromentine.
Bazoges-en-pareds.The Donjon or medieval keep dominates this
village and the surrounding countryside. It was built during the 100 years war
and there is a well preserved pigeon house and medieval gardens which are still
used by the chef of the adjacent auberge. Read More...
Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche. This village is
just south of Aizenay and is entirely devoted to art.
Beauvoir, This village is the
gateway to the Breton Marshes and the Goie, the causeway leading to the Ile de
Noirmoutier.
Benet.This is a town close to the border with the Deux Sevre and
bordering the Eastern end of the Pairie and the Northern end of the Green
Venice. The town is best known for its 15th century church.
Bouin. This picturesque
village situated in the middle of the Marais Breton was once an island. The
narrow streets around the church are... Read
More...
Le Boupere. The 13th century church which was fortified in the 15th
century is worthy of a second look. Read
More...
Brem-sur-Mer. Dolmens and Menhirs can be found all around
this former sea port and indicate that a civilisation has been present on this
site for more than 5000 years. The 11th century church is one of the oldest in
the Vendee. It is one of the Vendees wine growing regions and the wines are dry
and crisp.
Challans. This is the largest town in the north of the Vendee and
is second only to La Roche sur Yon in size in the entire Vendee. It is a modern
town however it has its roots in the history of the Vendee, and holds three
weekly markets.
Chaille-les-Marais. At one time this was an island and the
capital of the dry marshes; the cliffs are still visiable along part of the N137
and the D25. The 'Maison de Pitit Poitou' just south of the village is a living
museum about life on the marches.
Chaize-le-vicomte.This Town has an 11th
century fortified church which is the largest Romanesque church in the Vendee.
The town offers good shops and restaurants and pleasant walks. Read More...
Chantonnay.This town is situated where the Praire meets
the Bocage, on the crossroads D949 - D137. It has mainly agricultural based
industries and just outside of the town is the lake complex at
Rochereau.
Cheffois. This village has a fortified church, two good
restaurants and large and interesting garden centre which lines the road with
topiary trees.
Coex. This is an attractive village noted for its floral
decorations and its golf course.
Les Epesses. This village is in the North East corner of
the Vendee has been linked with the chateau and Lords of the Puy-du-Fou... Read
More..
La Faute-sur-mer. This village is just across the river Lay
from Aiguillon-sur-mer and boast one of best beaches in the Vendee, some good
restaurants and one of the largest mussel farms in France. Read
More...
Fontenay le Comte
Steeped in
history Fontenay-le-Comte is justifiably known as the prettiest town in the
Vendee and one of the prettiest in France being listed in the "Plus Beau detours
de France". Read more.
Foussais-Payre. This is classed as one of the 'Petites
Cites de Charactere'. Foussais joined with its neighbour Payre-sur-Vendee in
1968 to form Foussais -Payre but its history dates from Gallo Roman.... Read
More....
Fromentine.Lying almost under the bridge to Noirmoutier this seaside
resort has a sheltered beach to the north and the Forest of the Pays de Monts
wrapped around it to the East, South and West. Ferries to the Ile d'Yeu leave
from its pier.
La Garnache.This town is situated in the Bocage and is 6kms from
Challans. It is dominated by the ruins of a 13th century feudal castle, and is
noted for its goat's cheese 'le Garnachoix'.
Les Herbiers.
Situated in the
north east corner of the department les herbiers is well located for discovering
the Haut Bocage of the Vendee, other attractions are.... Read
More...
L'Hermenault. This village is 12km North of Fontenay le
Comte and is on the edge of the Praire. It is noted for the Bateau Barn in the
grounds of the Chateau de L'Hermenault and the 'Faire de l'Anciene which takes
place on the first Sunday in September.. Read
More...
Ile D'Yeu. This beautiful island off the coast of the Vendee has
been a favourite haunt for artist for years Read
More...
Jard sur Mer. The modern marina and the surrounding
tourist facilities including cafes, restaurants and gift shops makes this a
pleasant place all year round. The 11 century church has a statue of St.
Radegonde. Read More...
Longville-sur-mer.On the north-west
corner of the Marais Poitevin where the marshes meet the ocean. Within in this
commune lies the beaches of les Conches and Le Rocher.
Lucon
This
town is situated on the border of the Marais Poitevin and the Lucon-fontenay
Prairie , it was once a sea port and was on the Roman road from les Sable
d'Olonne to.. Read More...
Les Lucs-sur Boulogne. This town some 23
kms north of La Roche-sur yon is the centre for the memoirs of the Wars of the
Vendee, Read More...
Maille. This small town lies on a bend of the Deux
Serve river in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, 4 kilometers south of
Maillezais.
Maillezais
Built in 1003 its Benedictine abbey was once the
burial place of the Dukes of Aquitaine. Resting on...... Read
More..
Mallievre.The Fortress village of Mallievre overlooks the Serve
Nantais in the Haut Bocage... Read
More...
Mareuil-sur-Lay. Picturesque town on
the river Lay,it is home to the best wine growing area in the Vendee, a must for
any wine lover ,the wine route is well marked... Read
More....
Mervent. A pretty village within the Mervent-Vouvant
forest this village has some great attractions....Read
More...
Montaigu. A market town in the north of the Vendee noted as the
home of "the magic roundabout".
Mortagne-sur-Sevre. Small town in the
north east corner of the Vendee bordering the Loire-et-Maine
department..
Moutiers les Mauxfaits.Ancient village with 18th century market
hall on the La Tranche-sur Mer to La Roche sur Yon road. Read More....
Nallier. Attractive town on the border of the Praire
and Marais Poitevin.
Nesmy. Known for its pottery, golf and waterside
walks.
Nieul-sur-l'Autise.This very attractive village just 12
kilometers from Fontenay-le-Comte in the south of the Vendee is where Alienor
d'Aquitaine was born in her... Read More...
Noirmoutier-en-Ile. The main town on
the island of Noirmoutier, a really charming port with fortified castle,
glorious beaches and many attractions.
Olonne-sur
Mer.
From the Celtic, 'olona' High above water.4000BC there was a neotilhic
civilization presence here and Menhirs have been found together
with.... Read
More...
Petosse. 10km north of Fontenay-le-Comte, noted for its
underground passages and stories of witches who are supposed to passby on their
way to their Sabbaths. Read more....
Pommeraie-sur-Sevre. 9 kms from Pouzauges
on the Eastern border of the Vendee and Deux Sevres is the attractive village of
La Pommeraie-sur-Sevre... Read More...
Port Bourgenay.A delightful modern
marina, a golf course and the great beach of Vellion are just some of the
delights. Read More...
Port de Courdault. This ancient port
just east of Fontenay-le-Comte is a hidden gem on the Marais
Poitevin. Read More...
Port Joinville, The main town on
the Ile d'Yeu. Read More...
Pouzauges. Nestling in the Haut bocage this town is
most noted for its ruined castle. Read
More...
Reaumur. In the Haut bocage lies a pretty village
where time almost past it by. It was the home of Rene-Antoine Ferchaud who
worked with Louis Pastier and is renowned for inventing the
Thermometer.
La Roche sur Yon
This is the Prefecture (capital) of the
Vendee, it is the administrive centre for industry, tourism, the courts and
all.... Read More..
Rocheserviere. This pretty little
village on the banks of the River Boulogne has been inhabited since Neolithic
times. The Romans had a river crossing here and the old five arched
bridge... Read
More...
Les Sables d'Olonne
Les Sables d'Olonne (lay sab do lon)
situated about half way down the Vendees Atlantic coast is one of France's
original holiday... Read More...
Sallertaine. This interesting village in the Marais
Breton was once an island. Today it attracts artists and artisans to its craft
shops. One can also take a 'pinta' a guided tour around the former
island.
Soullans.This town is 6kms South West of Challans where the
marshes meet the Bocage and has its roots deeply embedded in a Neolithic
past.
St Gilles Croix de Vie
This lively and beautiful seaside resort
which spans the river Vie is attractive in all seasons with its bustling fishing
port and marina, harbour side restaurants and....Read More...
St Hilaire des loges.At the
point
where the
prairie rolls over into the bocage just east of Fontenay-le-Comte lies the
village of St Hilaire des Loges.
St Hilaire-de-Riez. This small town now
encompasses the seaside resort of Sion-sur-l'Ocean, the holiday village of
Merlin Plage and Notre-dame-de-Riez. Attractions include; Bourrine du
bois-Juquaud, Atlantic Toboggan and the Corniche Vendeen.
St.Jean de
Monts.Every year thousands of visitors flock to this modern
seaside resort with its 8 kilometres of beaches, its golf course and the massif
state forest.
St Laurent-sur-Sevre. In the Haut Bocage bordering both
Deux Sevre and the Loire-et-Maine departments.The Holy town of the Vendee... Read more...
St.Michel-en-l'Herm.Once an island in
the Gulf of Picton it is now squarely in the part of the Marais Poitevin known
as the Triaize Poulders.
St. Michel-Mont-Mercury. The highest point
in the Vendee offers panoramic views from atop the church.
St.
Hermine.This is a cross roads for the Plain (Lucon/Fontenay
Praire) and the Bocage. On the crossroad stands a Memorial to the great war
which was unveiled by Clemenceau.
Talmont-St-Hilaire. Once a sea port
this busy town is dominated by the ruined castle which was built by Richard the
Lionheart. The Musee de Automobile de Vendee is situated just outside of the
town. Read More..
La Trenche-sur-Mer.This very popular
seaside resort originally known as Carvor has been a active port over the
centuries due to the protection afforded by the Ile de Re. Read More...
Vouvant.
This is a small
village between La Chataigneraie and Fontenay-le-Compte, in the Vendée and
is a self appointed member of the prettiest village in France club. Wherever you
go in France you... Read
More...
Interesting towns close to the Vendee
Clisson Loire Atlantic.
Close to the border with the Vendee at
the confluence of the rivers the Sevre Nantais and its tributary the Moines lies
the picturesque town of Clisson with its roots in medieval history.
Read
more...
Ile de Re. (charente Maritime)
Though not in the Vendee this 30
kilometer island just off the coast of the Vendee is connected by a 2.9
kilometer bridge to La Rochelle and.. Read
More..
La Rochelle
(Charente Maritime.)
La Rochelle is not of course in the Vendee, but anyone
who is visiting this part of France should make the effort to visit this most
exquisite of towns. It is often referred to as the Jewel in the Bay of Biscay.
Read
more....
Marans. (charente Maritime) lying on the border with the Vendee
it is one of those places you pass through on your way south, but a closer look
reveals a very pleasant town on the Serve Niortaise river where the river Vendee
joins and the south end of the Marais Poitevin.
Coulon,(Deux Sevre) This
beautiful village in Deux Sevre is at the northern most end of the Green Venice.
It is a must on anyone’s list of must see attractions. Read
More....
Niort. Capital of the Deux-Sevre this Roman garrison town has a
beautiful restored Roman Keep which is today a Museum, old market hall, timber
framed buildings and much more
More attractions in
the Vendee