Vendée holiday cottages
Sunny shores and golden Gulf Stream weather
If you want to relax on a beachside holiday in France, Vendée is an idyllic region to rent holiday accommodation in.
Miles of sandy shores, backed by sand dunes and pine forests, and strung with seaside resorts, provide a breathtaking backdrop to your French country gite, while harbour towns and captivating islands offer a tranquil treat.
Things to see and do in Vendée
Step out of your French holiday gite to discover the golden sights of this holiday hotspot…
- Beach life: Vast sandy beaches gently sliding into the sea are glorious for family fun and provide a playground for watersports.
- Venise Verte: Hire a rowing boat from Maillezais to explore emerald canals canopied with dense foliage.
- Cités de Caractère: Throughout the countryside, discover 'small towns of character' including Vouvant, Faymoreau and Mallièvre.
- Seaside towns: Enjoy bustling little resorts strung along Vendée's crystalline coastline, including Les Sables d'Olonne and St Gilles Croix de Vie.
Tastes of Vendée
- Fish and seafood: Mussels and oysters are in abundance. Other specialities include sole sablaise with lemon, barbecued sardines from Saint Gilles Croix de Vie and baked white tuna.
- Brioche: Great for breakfast and a sweet snack, Vendée brioche is often deliciously flavoured with brandy and orange-flower water.
Don't miss...
- Island hopping: Discover pretty harbour villages and follow scenic cycling trails on the Île de Noirmoutier, Île d'Yeu, Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron.
Our regional team recommends
- Throughout the summer, audio-visual effects bring Richard the Lionheart's castle to life at Talmont-St-Hilaire.
Did you know...?
Les Nuits Musicales en Vendée Romane: This eclectic series of music concerts take place in the 'small towns of character' during July and August.
Cottages to rent in France
Nearest Airports
Poitiers and La Rochelle.
Travel Tip
For families, the Vendée region is a popular alternative to the Côte d'Azur, being much closer for self-drive holidays and bathed in plenty of warm sunshine.
