What to visit in Vendée?

You want to make a stay in Vendée and you are wondering which tourist sites to visit? Between its coast and its islands, its Breton or Poitevin marshes and its groves, the Vendée offers very specific universes to discover during visits or tourist activities.

Whether you are interested in history, whether you are a culture lover, or whether you prefer fun activities to do with the family, in Vendée, there is really something for everyone. The Guide of the Vendée takes you on a discovery of this little-known and yet so interesting department to explore. To get an overview of the region, we have selected for you the must-see sites of the Vendée in each of its territories. Let's go for a guided tour of the best tourist sites in Vendée!

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

The Haut Bocage Vendéen and the Puy du Fou

The Puy du Fou is the most visited site in the Vendée. And for good reason, it is recognized "Best French attraction site" in 2020 and was twice voted "Best amusement park in the world", not to mention its many other distinctions! It must be said that it has all the assets to seduce you. It is located in the heart of the Vendée countryside and benefits from a privileged environment. It offers you exceptional shows to tell you the history of France. It takes you into magical, playful and funny worlds to make you live real adventures with your family.

If you like the Middle Ages, it is at the Château de Tiffauges, in the north of the Vendée, that you will find what you are looking for. It is a real hub of discovery of life in the Middle Ages, very playful and suitable for children, thanks to reconstructions and shows. In the ruins of this medieval fortress, you can see war machines and participate in seasonal activities.

The southern coast and the Marais Poitevin

The Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park is called the “Green Venice”. This immense network of canals crosses pasture meadows and groves of trees, at the water's edge. It allows bucolic and refreshing walks, through rural landscapes. You embark aboard a "flat", a traditional boat with a flat bottom, pushed with a "pigouille". It's an exotic and authentic trip!

By boat on the Marais Poitevin

To better understand this very strong link between respect for this ecosystem and human development for hundreds of years, come to the Maison du Maître des Digues, in Chaillé-les-Marais. It is a playful and instructive space at the same time, on the dry marshes and the wet marshes.

To radically change the atmosphere, the Sables d'Olonne Zoo takes you on a tour of the animal world. You will see animals from Africa, Asia, birds from Oceania… Nearly 500 animals await you there, in a wooded park. And if you prefer more aquatic species, in Saint-Talmont-sur-Hilaire, the Aquarium de la Vendée reveals marine mysteries to you through its 60 aquariums housing more than 5,000 fish and shellfish.

The northern coast and the Breton Vendée Marsh

The Marais Breton Vendéen (fr), nicknamed the “ Marô ”, is another unique environment, along the Vendée coast, with characteristic flora and fauna. Composed of salt marshes, wet meadows and foreshore, economic activity is important there. You will be able to satisfy your curiosity about the profession of salt worker, those who collect salt, the breeding of a specific bovine breed, the Maraichine, or fishing on foot on the foreshore, this area which lives to the rhythm of the tides... Within the marsh, various spaces are accessible:

• To appreciate this preserved and original natural site, Daviaud organizes outdoor tours and activities.
• The Bourrine Wood Juquaud (fr) presents the daily life of maraîchins in the 20th century.
• The Moulin du Rairé (fr) is a windmill still in operation which shows you this extraordinary working tool and the traditional flour mill.

On Noirmoutier Island, the Sealand takes you to the depths of the oceans. An immersion in the cold and tropical seas of the world to admire more than 300 species of marine animals. Children will love the continuous spectacle of the sea lions and will be able to witness their daily life: feeding, care and play sessions...

Are you looking for an unusual family outing? The Vendée Miniature of Bretignolles-sur-Mer reveals life during the 1900s in a Vendée village. The originality lies in the reconstruction of the village. The buildings were modeled in miniature by enthusiasts. Despite its size, it is a very lively village thanks to the scenes of life that it allows you to observe.

The heart of Vendée, between bocage and marshes

We took a tour of our favorite tourist sites. We hope that this selection has inspired you with activities and visits for your next vacation in Vendée.

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