The top 10 luxury holidays experiences in the Vendée region
Some of the best holiday experiences can be found in the Vendée region. From a nostalgic road trip in a Citroën 2CV to sleeping in a 17th century Cistercian Abbey... the Vendée will give you the ultimate holiday experience!
An immersive holiday experience in the heart of the Marais poitevin
Numerous holidays offer an immersive experience: by staying in the heart of the Marais poitevin, you will not be disappointed! The Auberge de la Riviere in Velluire is an attractive three-star property located near to the Green Venice. Among the diverse landscapes that make up the Vendée, the famous Regional Marais poitevin Natural Park is an exceptional place. Known widely for its rich fauna and flora, it is ideal for walking or cycling. An unusual experience in this area, is to go boating on one of the many canals. Ideally in a "flat bottomed" boat called a pigouille, which is typical of this region in the Vendée.
Stay in the Marais poitevin
Treat yourself to a night in a former Cistercian Abbey – a historical holiday experience
To combine a historic stay while relaxing in the Marais poitevin, the luxury hotel near to La Rochelle, the Portail en Marais poitevin is the perfect location. This exceptional residence offers luxurious rooms and suites with private Jacuzzi. Thanks to its top of the range services, this establishment is halfway between a charming guest house and a luxury hotel.
A coastal sunset - like an artist’s canvas full of beautiful colours
Thanks to its 250 kilometres of preserved coastline, the Vendée offers several outstanding natural spots to appreciate the setting sun. At any time of the year, marvel at the multitude of colours brushed across the sky. In winter, seaside walks are an excellent way to enjoy the fresh sea air, or during fine weather, an afternoon on the beach for a country style picnic, a pure luxury!
Boat trips in the Bay of Les Sables d’Olonne – an unusual holiday experience
Whether it’s on board a yacht or a speedboat, let’s set sail for the Atlantic coast!
Among the boat trips offered, the Green Shark provides a guided tour for 8 people to discover the coastline of Les Sables d’Olonne. On heading out to sea, you will discover the ports and the Bay of Les Sables d’Olonne. Then continuing on along the coast, towards the lighthouse, Le Phare des Barges.
A gastronomic holiday experience in a Michelin star rated restaurant
The Vendée stands out as an essential gastronomic destination on the French Atlantic coast. Numerous restaurants have received this prestigious award, with one 3-star and eight 1-star restaurants listed in the famous Michelin Guide.
In addition to Michelin rated restaurants, many gastronomic establishments have charismatic Chefs, allowing you to discover the flavours of the Vendée.
A candlelight dinner in a chateau: a luxury holiday experience
Nestled in the idyllic surroundings of the Vendean countryside, the Chateau de la Flocellière offers an original concept for their "table d'hôte". A candlelight dinner served on the Chateaus finest tableware. In such beautiful surroundings, it’s easy to float back through time and ponder on how we would have changed the world.
It’s hard to resist a seafood platter!
The ultimate holiday experience that will delight your taste buds, is trying a seafood platter! The "plateau de fruits de mer" is a selection of raw shellfish often dressed on chipped ice and seaweed. It brings together the vibrant colours, the delicate flavours and the fresh sea odours. Le Fleurs de Thym is one of the many restaurants on the port in Les Sables d’Olonne where you can order your platter. Alternatively, seafood platter are also available from: The Port de la Guittière near to Talmont Saint Hilaire or the Port du Bec at Beauvoir sur Mer.
Do you consider yourself as the lord or the lady of the chateau?
The Vendée has numerous chateaux and castles dating back through the ages. Many are tucked into the Vendean countryside, in the south or around La Roche sur Yon. So, do you consider yourself as the lord (châtelain) or the lady (chatelaine) of a chateau? It is possible, Vendée Tourisme offers several holiday experiences where you spend the night in one of these elegant places.
Relax, unwind and recharge your batteries with a Vendée Spa experience
If you prefer a more relaxing holiday experience, where you can really chill out and benefits of the sea air, so why not visit one of the two Spa & Well-being centres in the Vendée. The Hôtel Côte Ouest **** Thalasso and Spa MGallery by Sofitel offers short breaks in of the seaside resort Les Sables d'Olonne. The hotel has a beautiful sea view and a homely, refined atmosphere. There are 26 treatment rooms contained in an area of 1,500m², where various types of thalassotherapy are available to the hotel’s guests.
In the seaside resort of Saint Jean de Monts, Atlantic Hotel*** Thalasso and Spa Valdys sits in the heart of a pine forest, near the golf course. This hotel covers 3,000m² consisting of relaxation areas where algotherapy and hydrotherapy are available. It is even possible to have sea-mud wraps from the Bay of Bourgneuf. Your well-being is their priority.
