The Vendee : with Nantes & Pornic, plus La Rochelle & the Ile de Re
Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides
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The only English-language guidebook dedicated to this increasingly popular French region
Written by Angela Bird, who has owned a home in the Vendée for almost 50 years, and award-winning travel writer Murray Stewart, this thoroughly updated second edition offers comprehensive coverage of a beguiling area. Whether you're planning a family holiday, outdoor adventures, or culinary exploration, this guide details everything from scenic walks and cycling routes to local cuisine and rich history. The authors' deep personal connection to the region shines through, revealing the quirks and distinct character that make the Vendée special.
The Vendée offers something for every traveler: 140 km of sandy beaches, tree-lined canals, open marshland, and a sunny climate perfect for outdoor recreation. The guide includes suggestions for walks and the best birdwatching spots, aligned with the region's new focus on nature and wellbeing. Popular with campers and self-caterers, the area is easily accessible via UK ferries and offers short drive times. You'll also find details of local museums that provide insights into the area's fascinating and sometimes turbulent history—a region that has been central to the evolution of modern-day France.
This new edition expands coverage of France's most dazzling son-et-lumière show and includes updated restaurant listings showcasing the region's growing reputation for wine, Michelin-starred dining, and its celebrated seafood tradition. The guide also covers nearby Nantes, Pornic, La Rochelle, and the Île de Ré—perfect entry points for those arriving by air and ideal for urban exploration on rainy days.
