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
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 4, 2025 19:00
Photo license: FAL
List of natural, cultural, and historical sites in Vendée, including the Noirmoutier and Yeu islands, Puy du Fou, medieval castles, marshes, museums, beaches, and nature reserves. The department offers a variety of heritage between the Atlantic coast, farmland, and marshlands, with historical monuments from the Middle Ages to contemporary times.
Vendée campsites offer traditional pitches and nature lodging, both indoor and outdoor pools, family services, and quick beach access. They feature aquatic facilities, children's activities, and leisure options. Some camps provide unique accommodations like treehouses, chalets, or mobile homes. These are located in various settings: seaside, in pine forests, or near shops.
Puy du Fou
45.2 km
Marais Poitevin
69.3 km
Passage du Gois
60.7 km
Cinescenie
45.3 km
Pont de Noirmoutier
60.4 km
Château de Tiffauges
45.3 km
Parc naturel régional du Marais poitevin
75.2 km
L'ile Penote
33.6 km
Parc Oriental de Maulévrier
63.5 km
O'Gliss Park
23.9 km
Parc zoologique des Sables d'Olonnes
32.6 km
Fort de Pierre-Levée
70.5 km
Maillezais Cathedral
61.7 km
Sépulture de Georges Clemenceau
34.1 km
Vieux-château de l'Île d'Yeu
72 km
Aquarium de Vendée - Le Septième Continent
32 km
Château de Talmont
27 km
Château de Noirmoutier
72.2 km
Trou du Diable
41.8 km
Mont des Alouettes
40.4 km
Château du Puy-du-Fou
45.2 km
Luçon Cathedral
31.2 km
Château de la Chabotterie
23.3 km
Maison de Georges Clemenceau
30.8 km
Château de Machecoul
46.3 km
Château des Aventuriers
22.7 km
Lac du Verdon
60.1 km
Abbatiale de Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu
44.1 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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