Discover Vendée: must-see attractions for your stay

A highly popular seaside resort, Les Sables-d’Olonne owes its success to the arrival of the railway in the 1860s. Vacationers flocked from Paris to discover what was called “Europe’s most beautiful beach.” Even today, this long stretch of fine sand is packed as soon as the weather turns nice. Locals and vacationers meet at La Pendule to stroll along the promenade or dive into the waves with their surfboards.

Les Sables is also home to the Vendée Globe, the solo round-the-world sailing race without stops or assistance. Every 4 years since 1989, each skipper leaves the town with the same goal: to be the first to return and complete their round-the-world journey in record time.

Let’s head north along the Côte de Lumière through Les Salines, the Olonne marshes. All types of salt are harvested here, including the finest of all, fleur de sel. In the western part of the marshes, the salt workers’ huts have been in place for over 1,000 years. These salt “harvesters” take shelter there throughout the day to rest from their physically demanding work in the salt pans.

The marsh extends across the municipalities of Les Sables-d’Olonne, L’Île-d’Olonne, Brem-sur-Mer, and Vairé. It’s separated from the ocean by the Olonne state forest.

Continue your vacation to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a truly charming destination. Like a jewel in its case, the marina appears right in the heart of town. The fishermen’s houses in the Maroc quarter, with their ballast stone walls, bear witness to Saint-Gilles’ maritime history.

Its fishing port is now the only one in France labeled Remarkable Taste Site. This ministerial distinction recognizes the quality of its sardines, sold by the La Perle des Dieux (Gendreau) cannery.

Less than 10 minutes from Damona Lodges, Le Grand Défi is much more than a simple treetop adventure course: it’s the world’s largest outdoor adventure park. At this exceptional site in the heart of the Vendée forest, adventure takes every form: 44 treetop courses suited to all levels, over 30 zip lines crossing the ponds, an inflatable aquapark, 5 themed paintball fields, outdoor laser tag, and Explor’Games for playing detective in nature.

Accessible from age 2, Le Grand Défi delights young adventurers and adults seeking thrills alike. An essential family outing to add to your Vendée itinerary. A promo code is available at the estate reception for 10% off your activity! To extend the day, return to your lodge for an unusual night with private jacuzzi in Vendée, just 10 minutes away.

A haven of calm and greenery, Lac du Jaunay, just 10 minutes from the estate by car, is perfect for a long walk. It’s actually a drinking water reservoir, created when a nearby dam was built in the 1970s. A village was therefore submerged at the bottom of the lake.

The shores are developed and many activities take place there. On the left bank, at La Baudrière, you can rent a canoe to paddle on the water. A geocaching trail starts from Châteaulong to discover the fauna and flora of Les Achards. On the right bank, you can stop at La Grignotte or L’Auberge du Jaunay for a meal. Local art enthusiasts? Le Grenier du Pré hosts exhibitions in summer.

How could we not mention the “world’s best park” according to the 2012 TEA Awards! Puy du Fou constantly reinvents itself to present spectacular shows inspired by French history. In a single day, you’ll walk through a medieval fortress, witness Roman circus games, and be swept up in the turmoil of the French Revolution.

When evening comes, settle in outdoors for the world’s greatest nighttime show: Cinéscénie. Four thousand two hundred volunteer actors retrace 7 centuries of history in monumental sets. Let yourself be carried away by the epic sweep of this tale, enjoyed each year by over 360,000 people. The highlight of your Vendée vacation!

Remember to book your tickets.