Departement Vendée hotels - Book hotels in France at great rates

The Département Vendée is in western France in the Region Pays de la Loire. Often called the „Coast of Light“ the main town and port is La Rochelle with the two towers that guard the harbour entrance a well known landmark. The old harbour always offers a great deal of activity and is a favourite morning stroll as the fishing boats land their catch.

The main speciality here is mussels, freshly caught, and seved in many variations in the countless restaurants The suburb of Gabut has many houses build in the scandinavian style, witness to the close maritime links of coastal areas in Europe. Inland from La Rochelle is the marshy area known as the Marais Poitevin, often called „Green Venice“, through which peaceful boat trips can be taken to admire the abundance of wild life.

Many visitors make their way to Les Epesses as the renaissance castle of Puy du Fou forms the backdrop to a „son et lumiere“ performance of huge proportions during the summer months. 650 actors trace the history of the Maupillier family who lived here in medieval times.

Les Sables-d`Olonne is a popular seaside resort with a magnificant sandy beach and the promenade of Le Remblai. Here is said to be the narrowest street in the world, the rue de l`Enfer. The village of Vouvant is one of the prettiest in France with its romanesque church showing a massive north facade. The motorway A 83 Nantes-Montaigu-Fontenay-le-Comte brings you swiftly to the area.

Population: 593 000 (2006)

Main towns: La Rochelle, Fontenay-le-Comte, Les Epesses