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.
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