The island of Noirmoutier is connected to the mainland at low tide by the 'Gois', a causeway where cockles are gathered. With its white flower bedecked houses and elegant villas dating from the 19th century, in February the island bursts into a sea of fragrant mimosa. The 12th-century chateau is now a museum. The saltmarshes in the north west of the island produce the famous 'Fleur de sel' scented with violets and harvested in the traditional manner. Another local delicacy is the 'samphire' which grows on the edges of the saltmarshes and is pan cooked or served as a condiment. The Ile d'Yeu is a popular venue with tourists with its unspoilt coastline and numerous rambling and cycling paths. Port de la Meule is popular with fishermen with its Chapel of Notre Dame de Bonne Nouvelle and the Chateau du Connetable de Clisson.
To the North of the department, the Breton Marshes, reclaimed from the sea is home to waders, redshanks and marsh-owls amongst other flora and fauna. Take a 'vole' or small boat to explore the marshes. The coastline of the Vendée stretches for 250 kms, 140 km of which are fine sandy beaches offering 18 resorts and a variety of activities from sand yachting to surfing, sailing, diving, canoeing and kayaking and other beach activities. Les Sables d'Olonne has colourful villas, beach huts and deckchairs and bistros and restaurants looking out to sea. Saint Jan de Monts with 8 kms of beaches is a functional and season resort which caters for children whilst La Tranche sur Mer is a walkers paradise with its numerous trails over dunes and through forests.
Much of the Vendée is farmland from Lucon, once the home of Richelieu to the Renaissance town of Fontenay-le-Comte, originally the capital of the Bas-Poitou. A land of legends and tales there are still reminders to be found of Bluebeard, Gargantua and the fairy Melusine with the Pays de Melusine lying to the north of Fonenay le Comte. The pantile roofs of the farmhouses are known as 'tiges de bottes'. One of the most noteworthy crops are the delicious 'bonnottes' potatoes which taste of hazelnuts and have a short but keenly awaited season. Mogettes are beans grown in the bocage and eaten with ham, duck or lamb. Another local speciality is Brioche, flavoured with orange flower water, eau de vie, or both and a feature of weddings and communions or any other celebration.
At Saint Sulpice Le Verdon is the Logis de la Chabotterie with an insight into 18th-century life in the Vendée and a plethora of activities year round whilst at Tiffauges the Chateau de Barbe Bleue offers medieval thrills in the form of firing long-bows and cross-bows and taking part in firing cannonballs. At Avrille at the Chateau de la Guignardiere you can indulge in the 'Aventure Historique' a trail of games and riddles, visit the furnished Renaissance Chateau or tour the 86 hectare grounds. At Espesse, the 'Puy du Fou' is France's leading historical and ecological theme park with 20 hectares of stage and a cast of 1000 actors for its Cincscenie production.
Finally, the Poitevin Marshes to the south were reclaimed by monks in medieval times who dug the canals to drain the marshes. With a wealth of landscapes from paths to waterways and a haven of wildlife and flora this area is a veritable Green Venice.
The architecture in Vendée is a blend of traditional and modern influences. From charming 19th-century villas on the island of Noirmoutier to rustic farmhouses in the agricultural regions, the department offers a variety of styles. The coastal areas feature beach huts and colourful villas, while the historical towns like Fontenay-le-Comte boast Renaissance and medieval structures. The chateaux scattered across the region, such as the 12th-century chateau on Noirmoutier, add a touch of grandeur and historical depth.
The property landscape in Vendée is diverse, catering to different tastes and budgets. Whether you're looking for a luxury villa by the sea, a rustic farmhouse surrounded by fertile lands, or a historic chateau steeped in legend and lore, Vendée has something to offer. Modern apartments and townhouses are also available in the bustling coastal resorts and historical towns.
Vendée is well-connected and easily accessible by various means of transport. The department is within driving distance from major airports like Nantes and La Rochelle. The TGV train services also make it convenient to reach Vendée from other parts of France. The well-maintained roads and local transport services make it easy to explore the region, whether you're heading to the islands, the beaches, or the inland towns.
For more information on luxury chateaux in Vendée or other French property listings, please contact us.
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