Vendée, Coastal department in Pays de la Loire, France.
The Vendée is an administrative division in western France stretching between the inland and the Atlantic coast. The territory links wetlands and forests in the east with sandy beaches and two inhabited islands along the shore.
In 1793, an uprising against the revolutionary government broke out here, leading to fierce fighting. The following months brought deep changes to villages and towns that remain in memory today.
The name comes from a Celtic river that crosses the territory and has been known since ancient times. The cuisine shows itself mainly in the white beans served with almost every main dish, shaping local eating habits.
The main town La Roche-sur-Yon sits centrally and makes a good starting point for trips to the countryside or the coast. Summer months bring many visitors to the beaches, while spring and autumn offer quieter conditions.
The two islands off the coast can be reached by bridges or boats and attract cyclists and walkers in summer. Each island keeps its own rhythm that differs from the mainland and makes staying there special.
Location: Pays de la Loire
Inception: March 4, 1790
Capital city: La Roche-sur-Yon
Reference: 85
Shares border with: Charente-Maritime, Deux-Sèvres, Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire
Website: http://vendee.pref.gouv.fr
GPS coordinates: 46.67056,-1.42667
Latest update: December 14, 2025 23:32
Vendée is a place where water, history, and nature meet in simple ways. The area stretches from the Atlantic coast through farmland and large marshes with water channels winding between grassy banks. As you cross Vendée, you move from one kind of world to another; from a beach or island to the...
Vendée has campgrounds that offer everything for a family getaway. You will find simple spots for tents and caravans, as well as unique places like hanging treehouses or cozy mobile homes. All have pools, some heated all year, and they have regular activities for children. Play areas and recreation...
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