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Vendee It’s commonly known throughout France that people go to Vendée for the sun. Windswept beaches that are depicted in impressionist or pointillist paintings – women in long white dresses carrying parasols – ameliorate the transition between land and the wild, blue Atlantic Ocean. But the beaches that inspired the great French artists also inspire water sports enthusiasts. All your paraphernalia for surfing, windsurfing, sailing and a whole lot more are served by equipment rental locations nearby any beach.
The coast also features picturesque fishing villages, where fine dining on the waterfront is a popular pursuit among foodies, as well as humble lovers of food. The seafood here is exquisite. Strolling along the harbor, looking at the fishing boats, seeing how far your French goes by chatting with the local fishermen – all this within the backdrop of the medieval architecture of the coast that characterizes the enchanting villages, and countryside, of Vendée.
Of course, the water’s edge isn’t the end of the story. Hire a ferry and launch out to one of the idyllic, highly romantic islands off the coast of Vendée. Discover a lost paradise even further from the throngs of tourists during the high season.
Back on the continent, land sports are a particular passion among those who visit this region. Golfing, for one, is huge; a large series of golf courses in the Vendée match the rolling green hills and floral abundance of the earthen landscape with the crashing waves and expansive beauty of the ocean. Fix your gaze upon the distant island you just got back from, then drive a hole in one. Or join a group of cyclists and tour up and down the coast – it’s splendid.
Beautiful chateaus, apartment rentals, camping grounds, hotels, and pensions are available throughout the towns and villages of Vendée, making lodging practically a non-issue – unless you forget to book in advance. Make reservations and avoid last-minute hang-ups. That way, you will be able to focus upon the finer things in life, which, after all, Vendée is all about. |
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