Great days out in the Vendée
1. Le Grand Parc Puy de Fou
Previous Canvas customers highly recommend a day out at this historic and ecological park set in 35 hectares of countryside – it is one of the most enjoyable things to do in the Vendée. Amongst other attractions there is an awesome falconry display and an excellent show of horsemanship and stunt riding which is staged close to the renaissance château. There is a medieval city with a Minstrel magicians show, a Viking fort with a spectacular show - 'Saint Philbert's Legend'. Traditional arts and crafts and demonstrations by traditional musicians make you feel part of the 18th century village. Watch out for the valley of flowers and the floating bridge too!
www.puydufou.com2. Océanile Waterpark
This large aquatic park is situated on the island of Noirmoutier and offers over 20 amusements. The water is warm, heated to 28°, and there are lots of slides, waterfalls, wave pools and toboggans to choose from. You can also relax on the sun-terrace, in the bar/restaurant and in the picnic area. This is a great way to cool off and have fun on a hot summer's day – the perfect family day out while camping in the Vendée.
3. Parc de Futuroscope
This amazing theme park is unique, and is one of the leading attractions in the Vendée. It focuses mainly on cinematic shows and tricks. There are over 30 different 3D shows ranging from the 'T-rex Show', the 'Superstition Show', the 'Race for Atlantis' and the 'Ocean Oasis'. The park is practical, educational and, above all, fun!
www.futuroscope.fr4. Atlantique Toboggan
This waterpark offers many different swimming pools and waterslides. Pedaloes are available for hire and when you have had enough of water (if that's possible under the hot Vendean sun!) there is a mini-golf course to test your putting skill. Bring your own picnic and sit and have lunch in the shade of the trees.
5. Ile de Noirmoutier
A visit to this beautiful island, which was first inhabited by monks in the 7th century, is a very popular thing to do in the Vendée. The most interesting route to the island is the Passage du Gois, a 4.5km long causeway which joins the island to the mainland. However this is only passable when the tide is out. There are distinct areas to the island; the north having beautiful pines and a rocky coastline and the south being more traditionally Vendean. There is plenty to do on the island, a great way to spend a day away from your Vendée campsite!
www.ile-noirmoutier.com6. Zoo des Sables d'Olonne
This amazing zoo aims to be a haven for endangered species. The emphasis is most definitely on conservation and, as such, you will see animals in spacious enclosures - emulating their own natural environments. There are specially laid out areas from where you can safely watch penguins, monkeys, otters, lions, tigers, jaguars and red pandas going about their business. This is a very popular family attraction in the Vendée.
Back to top7. La Rochelle Aquarium
La Rochelle's large aquarium has over 10,000 species of sea creatures and over 3 million litres of seawater! It has a tropical greenhouse and a room specifically for learning more about sea life. Popular with families camping in the Vendée, it is right in the centre of La Rochelle which makes it perfectly placed for combining a visit to the aquarium with a trip to the lovely port itself.
www.aquarium-larochelle.com8. Ile d'Yeu
In the 9th century monks christened this island Ile Dieu (God's Island). Nowadays it is a busy fishing area which only welcomes visitors during the summer months, when a visit here is one of the most memorable things to do in the Vendée. The Ile d'Yeu is a picture-book island with its old castle, its Chapelle de la Melve, its beaches of fine sand, Port Joinville and its moorland. Take the ferry from Fromentine to Port Joinville and when you are there you can hire a bike to explore the island. Don't miss the special attraction on the Ile d'Yeu - a rock that trembles when pushed in a specific place!
www.liledyeu.com9. Planète Sauvage
This amazing Safari Park is a fantastic Vendée attraction. At the 'Piste Safari' over 2000 animals from five continents roam free and you are able to drive around a 10km route around which tigers, zebras and giraffes (amongst others) walk freely. At the Marine Centre there is a spectacular show where the main actors are seals and dolphins. There is a reptile centre, a spice trail, a forest of monkeys and a miniature farm. The children can finish off their day by having their faces painted like their favourite animal.
www.planetesauvage.com10. Océarium du Croisic
This sea life centre is a great place to visit when camping in the Vendée, with marine life from every ocean. Learn about the fish, their Latin names, their habits and their food. Walk through the transparent tunnel and have sharks swimming above your head! See the penguins being fed and touch the rays! The centre will happily give you a stamp so you can go out to have lunch and come back to the Océarium later.
www.ocearium-croisic.fr