Mile upon mile of safe sandy beach and 2,500 annual sunshine hours, combined with lively resorts and excellent watersports are all part of the never-ending appeal of the Vendée coastline. Inland, the scenery is of marshes, plains and wooded hills that are rich in legend and history.

La Rochelle – a historic city with wonderful seafood restaurants, interesting shops and cobbled streets clustered around the picturesque Vieux-Port. In the centre of town is an excellent aqaurium.

Les Sables d’Olonne – the largest seaside resort in the Vendée is a lively town and fishing port with a superb beach. The old town has a 17th century church, Benedictine abbey and museum.

Puy du Fou – a reconstructed 18th century village with a wide programme of events, including a dramatic falconry display and incredible evening show re-enacting the history of the Vendée.

Planète Sauvage – an African-themed Safari Park that is home to over 2000 animals from five continents. Also hosts a marine centre, a reptile centre, a monkey forest and a miniature farm.

Ile de Noirmoutier – a beautiful island, home to Océanile Waterpark and the Sealife Aquarium, popular with children of all ages. At low tide, cross at the Passage du Gois, a narrow causeway which joins the island to the mainland.

Marais Poitevin – the Marais Poitevin, is the inland marshland famed for salt production, oyster beds and mussel farms. The idyllic tree-lined waterways are best explored by flat bottomed boat.