Vendée: what to see and do
45 sites listed in the département. Between popular Atlantic beaches, the Puy du Fou, a world-famous historical theme park, and the Marais Poitevin, the Vendée cultivates a strong coastal and rural identity. Islands and characterful villages complete this outdoor-minded Pays de la Loire département.
Aquarium de Vendée
The Vendée aquarium is a human-sized aquarium at Talmont-Saint-Hilaire, offering a fantastic visit into the heart of marine life. 500 species await through 3 worlds representing the 4 corners of the marine world.
Atlantic Toboggan
Chemin de fer de la Vendée
The Vendée tourist railway is a tourist and heritage railway that has, since 1992, contributed to safeguarding the railway heritage of the Vendée.
Château de Noirmoutier
Château de Pouzauges
Overlooking the town, the château de Pouzauges is dominated by its majestic twelfth-century keep. Listed as a historic monument, it is notably marked by the presence of the wife of the famous Gilles de Rais: Catherine de Thouars.
Château de Sainte-Hermine
In the very heart of the town centre stands the château de Sainte-Hermine.
Château de Talmont
Set on a rock and originally surrounded by water, the feudal fortress of Talmont was raised in the eleventh century by William the Bald to defend the Poitou coasts against Norman invasions.
Château de Terre-Neuve
This private castle, inhabited all year round, is classified as a Historic Monument. It was built in 1580 by Nicolas Rapin, Grand Provost of the Constabulary of France and companion of King Henry IV.
Château de Tiffauges
The most imposing medieval ruin in the whole Vendée, listed as a Historic Monument since 1957.
Château de la Guignardière
Feeling Forest
Folie de Finfarine
As a family, step into the Giant Hive (an interactive museum on the life of bees). During the Honey and Bees activity, take part in opening a hive and making honey.
Historial de la Vendée
The Historial de la Vendée is a museum retracing the history of the Vendée, from Prehistory to the early twenty-first century.
Jardin des Olfacties
Kulmino
L' Ile d'Yeu
L'Île-d'Yeu is a French commune in the Vendée département and the Pays de la Loire region.
L'île aux papillons
LE Grand Parc du Puy du Fou
Voted "Best Park in the World" in Los Angeles, the Puy du Fou celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Grand Parc with a firework of novelties to discover exclusively in 2013!
La Cité des oiseaux
La Ferme Equilibre
La Maison de la Rivière
La Pierre tremblante
South-east of the Port de la Meule, you will discover the Pierre Tremblante: this enormous rock, which looks like a petrified giant rat, seems to taunt the precipice.
Le CAIRN, Centre de la préhistoire
In a wooded park of 3 hectares, take part with your family in workshops and demonstrations on Prehistory.
Le Château des Aventuriers
Le Daviaud, Ecomusée du marais vendéen
Le Moulin des Gourmands
Maison de Georges Clemenceau
Marais Poitevin
The ensemble formed by the Marais Poitevin and the Baie de l'Aiguillon (relic of an ancient marine gulf) extends over about 100,000 hectares, straddling three départements (Vendée, Deux-Sèvres and Charente-Maritime) and two regions (Pays de la Loire and Poitou-Charentes).
Museum du Coquillage
Dream, escape, emotion: tropical shells from all over the world displayed in showcases. Marvels and masterpieces of nature.
Musée Automobile de Vendée
Natur' Zoo de Mervent
O'Fun Park (ex-Indian Forest)
O'Gliss Park - Parc Aquatique en Vendée
Océanile
In the heart of the charming island of Noirmoutier lies the Océanile water park. Here you swim in transparent water heated to 28 degrees.
Parc Floral de la Court d’Aron
15 minutes from the most beautiful beaches of the Vendée, on the D949, between Luçon and Les Sables-d'Olonne, the Floral and Tropical Park invites you on a true World Tour of exotic botanical heritage.
Parc d'attractions Pierre Brune
Plage des Dames (Noirmoutier)
A small sand beach in the Bois de la Chaise, on Noirmoutier, with its coloured cabins and its jetty.
Potager Extraordinaire
The Potager Extraordinaire promises a journey to wonderland. Set off to discover the magic of cucurbits and unusual plants.
Sealand, l’Aquarium de Noirmoutier
Vieux-château de l'ile d'Yeu
In the heart of the wild coast, perched on a rocky islet, the Vieux Château stands at the centre of a chaotic and tormented landscape.
Vouvant
Standing on a promontory overlooking a meander of the Mère, about twenty kilometres north of Fontenay-le-Comte, this peaceful Vendée town keeps part of its old ramparts.
Zoo des Sables d’Olonne
A green oasis by the sea, the Zoo des Sables invites you to travel through the animal world.
Fontenay-le-Comte
Les Sables-d'Olonne
