There is much to do and see in the Vendée. You may want to spend the day at one of the great beaches in Bretignolles, or visit the sea lake beach, which is ideal if you have young children. 

There are nice beaches and rock pools,  chateaux to visit, marvellous walks in the countryside, great cycle rides, beautiful villages and great shops and restaurants.

However, you may wish to stay on site and enjoy the swimming pool or just relax in the shade of your parasol enjoying a quiet read and a drink, or simply enjoy a pleasant walk in the gardens. There are picnic tables in the gardens. 

The Vendée is famous for local seafood specialities including mussels, oysters, crab and barbecued sardines. You may wish to try 'moules frites' (mussels and chips) in one of many local restaurants or simply cook Merguez and Chippolata sausages on your barbecue. 

Find below our choice of day trips and outings;

Sandy beaches and rocky coastline   

Great rock pools  

Les Sables d'Olonne, famous for its magnificent beach, shops and night life. 

Apremont, famous for its historic château. Take a boat trip along the river and past the castle, or picnic on the sandy river beach.

Puy du Fou is a very famous medieval attraction. Highly recommended!

Jaunay Lake, for delightful scenic walks, picnics and mountain biking around the lake. 

St Gilles-Croix de Vie, a famous fishing port with great restaurants, shops and beach.

Commequiers château, an old ruin worth a visit.

Potager Extraordinaire is a very large and interesting vegetable garden.

Vélo rail is a muscle powered train journey along a deserted railway track through unspoilt countryside.

Cycle paths along the coast and through the countryside.

Talmont St Hilaire château was the French home of Richard the Lion Heart, with a range of medieval  activities for children.

Restaurants  in abundance along the coast in St Gilles, Bretignolles and Les Sables. Enjoy the "Potence" in the St. Emilienne restaurant. Tender pieces of steak on a cast iron rack flambéed in cognac served with chips.

Car museum in Les Sables d'Olonne.

Moulin des Gourmands  which is an old stone built windmill with guided demonstration of the traditional way of making flour.

Bretignolles-sur-mer only 5 minutes away with great beaches and rocky coastline, as well as good restaurants and shops.

Famous attractive port of La Rochelle, well worth a visit. 

Ile d'Yeu is a famous beautiful island off the Vendée coast. Crossing to the island is possible by boat or helicopter from St Gilles.

Golf des Fontenelles and other local golf courses.

Noirmoutier island and causeway road. Exciting crossing across the causeway at low tide, good restaurants, châteaux and butterfly reserve.

Floral gardens in Coëx. 

Quads, Carting and Paint Ball available in the local area.

Water sports. Boating and wind-surfing are very popular activities.

Tennis.

Bird watching. Local bird sanctuary located in the salt marshes.

Océanile Water park with slides and wave machines.

Marais Poitevin, otherwise known as the Green Venice. Boat tours in the canals of the magnificent Marais Poitevin.

Zoo of Les Sables d'Olonne. 

Casino in St Gilles Croix de Vie

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