Of course, holiday itineraries are very
much a personal choice, but we’d like to give you an idea of how we would pass
a week :
Saturday Afternoon Arrival
If you’ve taken advantage
of the first shop service and ordered dinner for your first evening, all there
is to do after arriving is to jump in the pool. Bed-making has already been
taken care of and we will be on hand to welcome you and answer any questions
you might have.
Sunday
Should be an easy day!
Maybe a walk down to the boulangerie for some breakfast croissants. Then
let the children take advantage of the play area and trampoline whilst you
relax by the poolside. If cooking Sunday lunch doesn’t appeal, then a
short drive up to the Forest of Mervent to one of our recommended restaurants
– The Mangostan or the crêperie at La Citardière would provide a good nearby
alternative, perhaps followed by a stroll through the summertime woods.
Monday
A good beach day. Our
personal favourite is at Les Conches in the Forest of Longeville, just a
little to the north of La Tranche sur Mer. Aim to arrive at about midday for
easy parking and a picnic table. The beach here is surveyed by lifeguards
during the summer and has safe bathing areas marked out. A beautiful sandy
beach.
Tuesday
The market at nearby
Coulonges sur l'Autize takes place on Tuesday morning. Coulonges is a pretty
little town just over the boarder in the neighbouring Deux Sèvres and the
market is just what a French market should be, with some wonderful fresh,
local produce. The Deux Sèvres is particularly known for production of goats’
cheeses, but there’s plenty else to choose from.
Afterwards, lunch at the
Récre in Damvix followed by boating on the canals of La Venise Verte would
make for a very pleasant day.
Wednesday
The Puy du Fou. If there
is one “not-to-be-missed” attraction in the Vendée then it is the Puy du Fou.
An historical theme park based around spectacular re-enactments of factual and
mythical events. This is worth getting up just a little early for – the park
has so much to see that arriving for the 10 o’clock opening is strongly
recommended. Eat in one of the parks several themed restaurants or take a
picnic. Organisation at the Puy du Fou is a model of efficiency, but, if you
prefer, tickets can be purchased online in advance to make getting into the
park even easier.
Thursday
La Rochelle. Visit the
aquarium – Europe’s largest – or just stroll around the beautiful old town.
The market is on each week day morning and features some of the finest fresh
produce available anywhere. The portside restaurants are generally good:
competition keeps quality high and prices reasonable. We can provide
recommendations and make bookings if you wish.
Friday
Back to the forest of
Mervent, but this time for a little activity. The forest is host to an
adventure park (Mervent Aventure) based on trails through the trees that is
excellent for both adults and children alike. There are trails suitable for
children aged 3 years and up.
If cavorting around,
dangling from a rope is not your cup of tea (though it is rather fun), then
there is an amusement park in the forest – Parc Pierre Brun – full of bouncy
castles, giant slides and playground rides, again suitable for both adults and
children.
Also in the forest is a
rather good little zoo, home to a selection of big cats, bears, wolves,
monkeys, lemurs and many other animals.
Of course, this is just
one possible itinerary. Some people spend more days at the various beautiful
beaches, or visit more of the local adventure and theme parks, such as the
Indian Forest, La Château des Aventuriers or the excellent Futuroscope. There
and historic sites to visit too, if the mood takes you – châteaux and abbeys
and pretty villages to discover, and peaceful country in which to walk and
cycle.
Whatever your tastes, the
South Vendée has much to offer visitors of all ages.
