Things to do:
Beaches:
The soft sandy beaches of the South West Vendée are magnificent. Both unspoilt and uncrowded they stretch for 13km along this part of the Vendee, 8km of them being south facing, and in one of the sunniest parts of France. Starting from the town of Aiguillon in the south of the Vendée (20 minutes from us ) you can follow the bay through to La Faute sur mer and then onto La Tranche sur mer.
Always in the lea of the Ile de Ré, the beaches are gently sloping and the waves are small making them ideal for families with young children. The photos are of our two boys digging at the Beach by Le Pavot, referred to as 'La Terriere Beach'. This is just a short walk along the cycle track at the bottom of the garden.
If you want more space on the beach, you can just walk along slightly further away from the facilities and snack bars and have acres to yourself. The main area shown has life guards on duty during the summer months, and has areas set aside for swimming and surfing.
The beach is superbly looked after and is perfectly clean. It's an ideal spot for both surfing (body boarding is great for even 4 or 5 year olds confident in the water) and swimming. You can walk into La Tranche along the beach but as the coast arches out, it is slightly longer walk than you might expect.
Sailing:
Its special position, its winds and its sun offer opportunities to beginners as well as enthusiasts to enjoy all forms and variations of sailing and water sports. So take to the sea, whether in an old fully-rigged ship or a small sailing boat.
Windsurfing:
La Tranche is protected from the Atlantic by the Ile de Re and the beach at La Terriere is ideal for windsurfers. The World Championships are frequently held in the area.
Surfing:
La Tranche has 5 excellent "spots" which attract more and more surfboarders (either beginners or experienced). We can organise discounted surfing lessons through one of the local schools that offer these on our La Terriere beach, series of 5 x 1.5 hour lessons. They provide boards and wet suits, great thing to do with the kids.
www.koasurfschool.com
All along the Vendée coast, the fine swells coming in from the open ocean offer excellent surfing conditions, our local beach is one of the best. Body boarding from age of four upwards is loads of fun.
Local Cafés and Restaurants:
A few restaurants we have tried in the area and would recommend are listed below, the furthest is 20 minute walk from Le Pavot, or 10 Euros in taxi (Taxis are slightly more expensive than in UK)
Le Nautile, 103 Rue Du Phare, La Phare, La Tranche (Tel - 0251303218). Traditional French. Superb food and service, small restaurant in exclusive Le Phare district. Three course set menus from18 Euros, highly recommended.
Equinoxe, 33 Avenue Maurice Samson, La Tranche. Right on the sea front, great view. Fish restaurant, great but don't bother if not fish fan. Moules starter 10 Euros, main fish courses 16 Euros.
Pizza Rico, 5 Avenue Victor Hugo, La Tranche town centre (Tel - 0251274140) Above market square. Great value Italian food, family restaurant with excellent service. Large excellent fresh made pizzas about 7 to 10 Euros. Recommended.
Le Milouin, 99 Avenue Maurice Samson (Quichenottes side of town), La Tranche. Traditional French. Three course set menus from17 Euros, recommended.
Cycling:
There are purpose built cycle tracks all round the area, one passes by the bottom of Le Pavot garden, leading in one direction through the woods to the beach, and the other direction to La Tranche town centre. Young people and adults can explore the countryside(beaches, forest and marshland) thanks to the cycle tracks and pedestrian paths. A network of cycle-trails was started by the Conseil Général de la Vendée in 1995 and today stretches for over 100 km.
Golf:
The Vendée is home to five golf courses whose individual characteristics are much-loved by those who play them: five 18-hole courses, four of them on the coast and one in the hinterland. All of them enjoy an exceptionally fine natural setting, with small clumps of trees, woodland, splendid water features and greenery. Each of the courses has its own special characteristics which give them their own charm and subtle playing features. At Saint Jean de Monts, a number of holes on the edge of the beach remind players of the links in Scotland. At Saint Gilles Croix de Vie, the Fontenelles course and its surrounding countryside is one of gentle undulations, maritime pines and green oaks. The Domangère course at La Roche sur Yon is in the Californian style. The course at Port Bourgenay is on an estate covering 85 hectares and is fringed by pine woodland and small lakes. And finally, at Olonne sur Mer, you will encounter the true nature of the Vendée’s bocage countryside, with its gently undulating landscapes and lovely lakes.
Port Bourgenay - "On the edge of the sea and bordering an enclosed forest, this golf course overlooks the marina of Port Bourgenay. Alternately hedgerows and pine forest, this course provides a two-in-one experience"
La Domangere - "The highest slope in France with a wealth of shots to be played. La Domangère is a delightful course that those in search of new challenges will want to experience"
Les Fontenelles - "Best known for its driving range, this golf course with its hedgerows provides an excellent succession of water features, maritime pine and oaks over more than 2 miles"
Fishing:
Its fishing is one of the Vendée’s undeniable assets. Sea-fishing, shellfish hunting on the beach, surf-casting by the sea and freshwater fishing are all pastimes you can enjoy. For the youngest in the family, there are camps focussing on the discovery of fishing and nature, while for practised anglers there are five reservoirs where you can fish from boats for zander and perch. Devotees of night-fishing can choose from among several stretches of carp streams, and you can also fish for eels.
Casino:
Perhaps not the first holiday activity that springs to mind for most of us, but there is casinos at La Faute-sur-Mer. Open to over 18s only. Casino de La Faute sur Mer is in La Faute sur Mer, Vendée, Pays de la Loire, France and is open 1:00pm - 2:00am, boule: 8:30pm - 2:00am. The casino features forty slots and three table games. Address: Avenue de la Plage La Faute sur Mer
Equestrian Riding School Farm:
Equestrian Farm – riding and discovery school - Béatrice et Bruno RIPAUD
24 rue de la Forêt
85120 Saint Maurice des Noues
Tel. 02.51.00.81.55 - Fax. 02.51.00.81.55
Email : ripaud_equitation@caramail.com
Les Floralies:
Just 10 minutes walk from Le Pavot - The Parc des Floralies is open from March to the beginning of may (depending on the flowering). - from Monday to Friday from 10 to 12:30 am and from 2 to 6 pm. – on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays from 10 am to 6 pm.
Since 1962, the Parc des Floralies has offered a multicoloured spectacle of flowers which according to the season form carpets of beautiful colours. Follow the pathways through 7 hectares of park and at each turn you will be surprised at the delightful perfume emanating from beds of tulips, hyacinths, narcissi and muscarus.
Chateau de Talmont Saint Hilaire:
The King's Ransom: Raise money to deliver the king by passing a number of ordeals. A day during the middle ages: put on medieval costume, discover the art of calligraphy, test your archery skills and relive the middle ages with actors. The knights of Richard the Lionheart: discover castle life during the evening. Whenever you turn, images, aromas and music take you back into the dark night of the time. Activities for children. Talmont Saint Hilaire is just a short drive away from Le Pavot. www.chateau-de-talmont.com/
Chateau de la Guignardiere:
Come and experience the 'Adventure Historique' in the setting of the grounds of the Chateau de la Guignardiere. On trails featuring historical conundrums fro all the family: new activities and new riddles for 2005: Lost civilisations, discover the mysteries of Egypt, the Mayas, imperial China, and Easter Island. Activities include: tours of the chateau, walks in the 86 hectares of grounds with ancient trees, and rows of menhirs. Gift shop, bar, tea room, catering, picnic facilites, and childrens play area. Situated at Avrille, just a short drive away from Le Pavot.
www.chateau-aventuriers.com/lg-en
La Rochelle:
La Rochelle is France's 2nd largest boat building port and the historic Vieux Port remains largely unchanged. A daily fish market can be found in the old town until 12:00 midday. The port is very attractive and waterside cafés and restaurants offer a relaxing break. The seafood platters are their speciality and are excellent especially for large groups, where a single huge dish of shellfish is produced. The new marina holds Europe's largest aquarium which is open 365 days a year and has a large selection of fish from highly coloured tropical types to eels and sharks. Well worth a visit at approximately £4 per person.
www.larochelle.fr/english/index.php
www.larochelle-tourisme.com/en
Futuroscope:
Futuroscope is situated near Poitiers, it combines latest cinematic developments with the entertainment and fun of a theme park. there are a dozen or so main attractions comprising some of the largest cinema screens in the world (seven storeys high), 3-d special effects, flight simulators, cinema seats on hydraulic pedestals, all around cinema with picture that extends underneath you, 360degree cinema screens, huge curved screens etc. These all show spectacular 20 minute films on various topics. There are also educational areas showing the history of cinema, and numerous restaurants and cafés. There are a number of smaller attractions also which include pedalos, fun mirrors, slides etc. Be warned though queues in peak holiday periods are massive, best to do this outside main French holiday periods. Costs approximately £18 per adult.
www.futuroscope.com/eng/index.php
Mervent:
Mervent is only a 40 minute drive from Le Pavot, it has a dam and a large reservoir. The area has been developed with tourism in mind. There are large wooded areas ideal for walking and particularly mountain biking. There are places where pedalos and wind surfers can be hired, and wind surfing lessons are offered at reasonable rates. There are also restaurants, a small zoo and a very extensive fun park known as 'Pierre Brune', which has dozens of rides from castles, crazy bikes, and slides to hamster wheels and see-saws. This is good value at approximately £4.
Venise Vert:
Venise Vert is the canal system the Vendée is famous for. There are numerous places (Maillezais is one of the best, 50 min drive from Le Pavot) where small rowing boats can be hired (with or without guides). Maps are provided and you can navigate round canal systems to set routes. The canals range from 20m wide to narrow stretches barely wide enough for the boat. All the canals are completely covered with a very distinctive weed giving them the appearance of flat green land, hence the 'Venise Vert' name. At Maillezais there is also a restaurant, souvenir shop and crazy golf course. A fun day out, though beware, boat hire is more expensive than you would expect.
www.la-venise-verte.com/english.htm
Puy de Fou:
Puy de Fou is well worth a visit, by day there is a theme park which includes mediaeval jousting, villages with traditional crafts and actors dressed in the period of the day. The highlight is a twice daily display of falconry. The display is held in an amphitheatre with hawks, falcons and eagles swooping over the crowd and collecting food from the falconers who are dressed in traditional costume. This includes every bird of prey you have ever imagined including some enormous vultures. Great fun and highly professional ! By night during the summer Puy de Fou is renowned for holding France's foremost Son et Lumière spectacle. This is a re-enactment of the dress history in full costume by night and includes battle scenes, village life and laser special effects set around a castle and lake. It includes a cast of hundreds of locals and is carried out on Friday and Saturday nights. Every show is sold out in the height of summer, but tickets can be booked in advance. There is also an English translation available on cassette. If you wish to go to the evening event and get the translation this can be booked in advance by credit card.
Île de Ré:
Île de Ré is a quiet island off La Rochelle, a new road bridge makes it accessible by car. It is picturesque and has numerous beaches, cafés, towns and parks. The cost for the toll bridge is approximately £10 but is free if you cycle or walk out to the island. There is also a very good value golf course on the island.
www.iledere.com/english/index.php
Cognac:
Cognac is approximately 1½ hours drive south and well worth a visit for the connoisseur. In the centre of the town the best tour is that of the Otard distilleries, where cognac has been made for hundreds of years. A sample session follows the tour, but drivers beware, new laws on drink driving are more strict than UK.
www.ville-cognac.fr/welcome.php3
Saumur:
Saumur is more for the wine buff, it is similar distance north and this town on the Loire also offers numerous caves (cellars) along with various historic buildings.
St Emilion:
St Emilion is ½ hour drive south of Cognac, this historic wine producing region is for the red wine enthusiasts and boasts excellent tours of vineyards and historic sites.
www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com
Vouvant:
Vouvant is a quiet historic town with a church overlooking a valley and river. There is a very good crêperie and pedalos can be hired out by the hour. This is 45 minutes away.
La Vallee des Singes, Primate Protection Reserve:
30 species to be discovered White-Bellied Spider Monkey Tufted Capuchins Yellow-breasted Capuchin White-throated Capuchin Chimpanzees Colobus Monkey Gorilla Gelada Baboon White-cheeked Gibbons Woolly Monkey Schmidt's White-Nosed Monkey Barbary Macaques The White-Fronted Lemur Ring-Tailed Lemur Ruffed Lemur Mandrills Common Marmoset White-Fronted Marmoset Pygmy Marmoset Squirrel monkey White-Faced Saki Siamang Emperor Tamarin Golden Headed Lion Tamarin Golden Lion Tamarin Cotton-Topped Tamarin Titi Monkeys. Monkey Valley’s shady paths, brooks and waterfalls invite you to explore the calm beauty of its natural countryside. A new sight appears at each turn in the path. Listen…Observe… Use all of your senses and you will be transported into the fascinating universe of the primates!- 110km, about a 90 minute drive.
La Vallée des Singes
Le Gureau
86700 ROMAGNE
Tél. (+33) 5 49 87 20 20, Fax (+33) 5 49 87 63 38 ,
Email : info@la-vallee-des-singes.fr