The major tourist sites of Vendée

The Vendée is a very tourist destination! There is never a shortage of things to do with family or friends. For holidays in Vendée, you can decide to tighten the budget by taking advantage of the beaches and free walks (there are plenty of free things to do!) Or you can devote part of the holiday budget to fun, cultural, artistic or heritage, there is plenty of fun for all budgets! Here are the major tourist sites of Vendée to discover in the sandstone of the territories.

Photos of the article: © Guide de la Vendée, unless otherwise stated

The Puy du Fou

We are not going to deprive ourselves of visiting one of the best amusement parks in the world. But a visit to Puy du Fou is something to be prepared and organized, because it is preferable to book in advance, especially in high season! A journey through time through grandiose, majestic shows, in large numbers, to learn more about the history of the Vendée. Costumes, hundreds of protagonists, animals… No rides but a festival of scripted scenes to discover, to impress everyone.

Le Puy du Fou: La Cinéscénie, the Bal des Oiseaux Phantômes show and the Knights of the Round Table show. Photos courtesy of © Puy du Fou

Tiffauges Castle

It is said to be the Castle at the origin of the legend of Bluebeard... One of the largest medieval sites in the region, with shows and entertainment in season. Children love to see the collection of medieval war machines...

Talmont Castle

Between Les Sables d'Olonne and Jard-sur-Mer, the 11th century Château de Talmont is a very old medieval fortress to discover, to immerse yourself in the region's past. Nice view at the top, guided tour recommended or taking advantage of the audio guide.

Vendée Miniature

In Bretignolles-sur-Mer, we love it, it feels like a child's room (a very careful child…)! A magnificent museum featuring in miniature, scenes from Vendée life and emblematic monuments: Vendée Miniature (fr). To visit with family, and even between adults, for a magical journey!

Vendée Miniature © Vendée Miniature Facebook page

Stroll on the canals of Green Venice

A must, get on board a "flat" and go sailing in the marshes, with the explanations of a guide, on this environment at first sight hostile, but mastered brilliantly by man for centuries.

Visit of the salt marshes

In Saint-Hilaire de Riez, Noirmoutier, but also in other localities across the Vendée, visit the Salt Marshes with a guide or salt workers (salt workers), it is an absolutely amazing and specific ecosystem. A way of life crossed with breathtaking landscape entities. It's time to stock up on good salt!

Maillezais Abbey

In the heart of the Marais Poitevin, romantic ruins, as if placed there to bear witness to the past. A great visit to do with a guide to better get a better idea of and appreciate the remains of this ensemble built by monks.

The House of the Master of the Dikes

Still in the Marais Poitevin, in Chaillé-les-Marais, you will understand and learn about the dried-up marshes or how man has been organized since the 17th century, to cultivate on these submerged and a priori hostile plots. Ingenuity, perseverance, a tribute paid to the Master of the Dikes, the one who made all the decisions, a highly important function!

The Sables d'Olonne Zoo

An animal park to discover in one of the largest seaside resorts in Vendée and France. 350 animals for the enjoyment of children, a human-sized zoo in a beautiful wooded environment.

Sealand, Noirmoutier Aquarium

We stay in the animal world, to go to the bottom of the sea, in this marine aquarium with pretty colors, with more than 300 species. Sea lions make their show at the end of the visit to the pools.

O'Gliss Park

For thrill seekers, a park where they can have fun in the water all day long and with the family because there are spaces suitable for all ages. Wave pool, slides, rivers, jacuzzi, pretty scenery!

Logis de la Chabotterie

A charming residence, with a beautiful French garden to visit. It is a site managed by the department.

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