The name Vendée stems from the same name of the river (Vendée River) that runs throughout the south eastern part of this departèment in west central France on the Atlantic’s Bay of Biscay.
A brief history
The name Vendée stems from the same name of the river (Vendée River) that runs throughout the south eastern part of this departèment in west central France on the Atlantic’s Bay of Biscay.
Known before as the Bas-Poitou, the Vendée was a part of Eleanor of Aquitaine’s kingdom in 1122 until 1204. It was a common belief that Eleanor of Aquitaine was born on the Vendée’s southeast corner on the village of Nieul-sur-l’-Autise. Her son, Richard I of England, based himself frequently in Talmont. The Hundred Years’ Wars though, which began in 1337 and lasted all throughout 1453, converted much of the region into a theater of war.
Explore the countryside
The Vendée also beckons tourists inland with its Marais Poitevin. A chief attraction in its own right, Marais Poitevin is an area of marshlands that is famous for its wildlife. Other chief attractions in Vendée include the forested area around the village of Mervent, the undulating countryside of Bocage, and the historical theme park found at the Puy du Fou.
The Vendée relies much on agriculture as a significant source of employment. The region in fact has the second-highest level of revenue from agriculture in France. Maize, colza (oil seed rape), sunflowers, and wheat comprise the major crops grown in the region. Meat and dairy production are also popular and so is the offshore farming of shellfish such as oysters and mussels. Poultry from Challans and lamb made from the salt marshes in the North of the Vendée are highly esteemed throughout the nation.
The agricultural sector of the Vendée is backed by the support of the Conseil Generale of the Vendée as demonstrated by a stated policy to promote the erection of irrigation reservoirs to minimize Vendée’s dependence on ground water during key summer growing seasons.
Food and Drink
When it comes to food, the Vendée has its own specialties among which is the distinctive brioche (currently known by the “Label Rouge” designation) and a raw cured ham called the “Jambon de Vendée” that is quite similar to bacon in flavor.
Wine is also produced in the Vendée, particularly in the areas around the communes of Vix, Brem, Pissotte, and Mareuil-sur-Lay and is sold under the label of “Fiefs Vendéens.” Throughout the years, wine production in Vendée has improved remarkably in quality. Vendéen wines have already attained the appellation VDQS (Vins Délimité de Qualité Superieure) and are on their way toward reaching AOC status (Appellation d’Origine Controlée).
Beaches and Countryside
Aside from the miles of sandy beaches that are bounded by dunes and pine woods plus the mild climate that make Vendée a popular favourite destination among tourists, the Vendée also features plenty of churches, abbeys, and museums to visit.
Nature lovers would certainly delight in the region’s thousands of marked footpaths, a signposted bicycle route that runs along the coastal mudflats, and marshes that attract varied species of birds. One can even bask in the extensive nude beach located just south of La Faute sur Mer on the Pointe d’Arcay. Fishing is also a popular sport in the Vendée, whether in the ocean or at one of the departèment’s rivers and lakes.
At your own pace
The sights and sounds of Vendee can be experienced in a variety of ways. You could take a tour around the city with English and Swedish speaking Guide; or opt for the audio city tour with commentaries in 12 different languages.
These tours are available all year round on a daily basis. However, if you would like to discover Vendee on your own time and at your own pace – walking or biking are the best options.
The name Vendée stems from the same name of the river (Vendée River) that runs throughout the south eastern part of this departèment in west central France on the Atlantic’s Bay of Biscay.
Known before as the Bas-Poitou, the Vendée was a part of Eleanor of Aquitaine’s kingdom in 1122 until 1204. It was a common belief that Eleanor of Aquitaine was born on the Vendée’s southeast corner on the village of Nieul-sur-l’-Autise. Her son, Richard I of England, based himself frequently in Talmont. The Hundred Years’ Wars though, which began in 1337 and lasted all throughout 1453, converted much of the region into a theater of war.
Explore the countryside
The Vendée also beckons tourists inland with its Marais Poitevin. A chief attraction in its own right, Marais Poitevin is an area of marshlands that is famous for its wildlife. Other chief attractions in Vendée include the forested area around the village of Mervent, the undulating countryside of Bocage, and the historical theme park found at the Puy du Fou.
The Vendée relies much on agriculture as a significant source of employment. The region in fact has the second-highest level of revenue from agriculture in France. Maize, colza (oil seed rape), sunflowers, and wheat comprise the major crops grown in the region. Meat and dairy production are also popular and so is the offshore farming of shellfish such as oysters and mussels. Poultry from Challans and lamb made from the salt marshes in the North of the Vendée are highly esteemed throughout the nation.
The agricultural sector of the Vendée is backed by the support of the Conseil Generale of the Vendée as demonstrated by a stated policy to promote the erection of irrigation reservoirs to minimize Vendée’s dependence on ground water during key summer growing seasons.
Food and Drink
When it comes to food, the Vendée has its own specialties among which is the distinctive brioche (currently known by the “Label Rouge” designation) and a raw cured ham called the “Jambon de Vendée” that is quite similar to bacon in flavor.
Wine is also produced in the Vendée, particularly in the areas around the communes of Vix, Brem, Pissotte, and Mareuil-sur-Lay and is sold under the label of “Fiefs Vendéens.” Throughout the years, wine production in Vendée has improved remarkably in quality. Vendéen wines have already attained the appellation VDQS (Vins Délimité de Qualité Superieure) and are on their way toward reaching AOC status (Appellation d’Origine Controlée).
Beaches and Countryside
Aside from the miles of sandy beaches that are bounded by dunes and pine woods plus the mild climate that make Vendée a popular favourite destination among tourists, the Vendée also features plenty of churches, abbeys, and museums to visit.
Nature lovers would certainly delight in the region’s thousands of marked footpaths, a signposted bicycle route that runs along the coastal mudflats, and marshes that attract varied species of birds. One can even bask in the extensive nude beach located just south of La Faute sur Mer on the Pointe d’Arcay. Fishing is also a popular sport in the Vendée, whether in the ocean or at one of the departèment’s rivers and lakes.
At your own pace
The sights and sounds of Vendee can be experienced in a variety of ways. You could take a tour around the city with English and Swedish speaking Guide; or opt for the audio city tour with commentaries in 12 different languages.
These tours are available all year round on a daily basis. However, if you would like to discover Vendee on your own time and at your own pace – walking or biking are the best options.