Vendée and Charente

The Vendée is one of the best loved locations for family beach holidays to France while the serene Charente promises attractive riverside settings in peaceful countryside.

Sweeping down the Vendée coast, mile upon mile of soft sandy shores gently slope into the sea, frequently backed by dunes and pine forests. All kinds of watersports are available and children’s beach club activities are also on offer at resorts such as St. Jean de Monts and Le Tranche sur Mer throughout the summer months.

Bustling little harbours and picturesque seaside towns provide the perfect setting for seafood specialities and a string of islands are a pleasure to explore, especially following scenic cycleways. The ‘Vieux Port’ of La Rochelle is a vibrant city by the sea, with a rich heritage and fine walled town, packed with interesting shops and buzzing restaurants.

The tranquil countryside is a patchwork of arable plains, ancient woodlands and reedy wetlands, rich in birdlife. Around Maillezais, the emerald waterways of the Poitevin Marshes or ‘Venise Verte’ is an enchanting highlight while the languid Charente river glides serenely through sleepy villages and pretty scenery in the south of the region.

Highlights

• Puy du Fou – take the family back in time at the Vendée’s medieval theme park with jousting tournaments, falconry displays, costumed reenactments and spectacular Son et Lumière evenings throughout the summer.
• Les Sables d’Olonne – spend lazy, leisurely days on golden dune-backed beaches, try sailing, surfing or sand yachting and enjoy local grilled sardines in seafront restaurants.
• Poitevin Marshes – hire a rowing boat from Maillezais to navigate through the miles of narrow waterways and canopied canals of Venise Verte, keeping an eye out for birdlife.
• Île de Ré – cross the impressive road bridge from historic La Rochelle and explore the island following well marked cycle routes to fine sandy beaches, pretty harbour towns and sleepy, unspoilt villages.
• Cognac – venture deep into the Charente to the home of fine French brandy, with tours and tastings at the Martell, Otard and Hennessey distilleries.

Pons, Charente

Your nearest airports - Poitiers, La Rochelle.