Top 15 Unusual Places in France to Discover in 2024
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Palais idéal du Facteur Cheval © Claire - stock.adobe.com Welcome to an extraordinary journey through France, a land of sometimes ...
The Vendée is both a department and the river that runs through it, a tributary of the Sèvre Niortaise. At the heart of the historic province of Poitou, Vendée borders the Atlantic Ocean. From fine sandy beaches to romantic marshes, it boasts an impressive array of landscapes. The jewels of the coastline, the islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier, remain the destination's beacons. Then there's the Breton marsh at the gateway to the islands, the best bathing spots, famous seaside resorts and the Poitevin marshes... Numerous historic sites evoke the great Vendée epic, from prehistory to the Vendée wars, via the Middle Ages and the Renaissance! Among the best-preserved remains arethe Prieuré de Grammont in Saint Prouant and thefeudal château of Sigournais, listed as a Monument Historique. The natural heritage is not to be outdone, with numerous parks and gardens, from Montaigu to Luçon and from La Mothe Achard to Les Essarts. Among the must-see events in the Vendée:the Puy du Fou Cinéscénie, the world's largest night-time show, the Fête de la Mogette, which pays tribute to the little Vendée bean, and the Vent des Globes, the biggest event of them all, as it only takes place every 4 years. Last but not least, this is an ideal family destination, where you'll be able to enjoy a cuisine that blends land and sea.
When should you go? The Vendée is one of the most popular tourist destinations in summer. Les Sables-d'Olonne, l'île de Noirmoutier, Saint-Jean-de-Mont, le Marais poitevin and l'île d'Yeu are the most visited, but you only need to go a little further afield to find quieter sites. The charm of the coast is year-round, and the mild climate means you can enjoy a pleasant stay in the Vendée, even in winter, when Christmas markets add to the charm. With little rain, no fog or snow, plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures, you can be sure of a pleasant stay.
The climate is oceanic. In winter, the coast has some storms and is particularly dry. Rainfall is higher inland and the climate is a bit harsher. The snowfall rate is one of the lowest in France even if it sometimes freezes in La Roche-sur-Yon. It is on the relief of the north-east of Vendée that the winter is the harshest. In summer, the coasts are relatively cool and dry, with higher temperatures beyond 5 km.
Recommended by Emmanuel IJJOU
Palais idéal du Facteur Cheval © Claire - stock.adobe.com Welcome to an extraordinary journey through France, a land of sometimes ...
Recommended by Tanguy REVAULT
2022 marks the 45th anniversary of the Puy du Fou adventure. This place inspired by history and legends accumulates prestigious awards for the ...
When should you go? The Vendée is one of the most popular tourist destinations in summer. Les Read more about it
The climate is oceanic. In winter, the coast has some storms and is particularly dry. Rainfall is higher inland and t...
Read more about it