Things to do in Vendée

A must-see in France: during your next holiday in France or on a short break, enjoy an experience full of intense emotions and grand shows at Puy du Fou, twice voted “Best Park in the World” Between the châteaux of the Loire Valley and the French Atlantic Coast, enter a legendary forest, explore centuries-old villages and by thrilled by 20 spectacular shows, designed as cinematic masterpieces brought to life and translated live into 4 languages. From the mythical Gallo-Roman Stadium where Rome’s greatest gladiators do battle, to the court of the Sun King, different eras and their heroes come together to relive great epics. Share an unforgettable adventure with family and friends, filled with intense emotions, stunts and special effects… One thing is sure, Puy du Fou’s creations, which have won awards all over the world, are sure to delight children and grown-ups alike. Extravagance, surprise and emotion will enhance each minute of your experience, whether you’re watching the shows from the immense stands, dining at one of the 28 timeless restaurants, or relaxing in the comfortable themed rooms of the 6 historic hotels. Moving through stunningly realistic sets, become the hero of your own story on a range of immersive adventures, in the trenches with the Poilus (French soldiers in the First World War), sailing the seven seas, or walking the corridors of the old Château du Puy du Fou. Between shows, stroll along the winding streets of the period villages, which are home to the workshops of talented craftspeople who keep France’s ancestral skills alive. Then take in the natural environment and admire the 2,200 animals living at Puy du Fou. After dark, “Les Noces de Feu”, voted “Best Live Entertainment” at the “Park World Excellence Awards” grand ceremony in 2020, offers a poetic way to round off your day. Attend the most romantic wedding imaginable, where dancers and giant sets emerge from the depths of the old lake in an amazing fantasy of water and fire – all included in the price of your Puy du Fou ticket (in the “Noces de Feu” period). Get ready to tremble before the marauding Vikings on their fearsome longships, be enchanted by the incredible aerial ballet of 300 birds of prey, or embark on a fervent quest for “King Arthur’s Sword”, Puy du Fou’s latest grand show – because in this unique place, emotions are eternal.

Get your 2 or 3 day pass and visit the legendary Puy du Fou theme park, where heroes live forever. A must-see in France: enjoy an experience full of intense emotions and grand shows at Puy du Fou, twice voted “Best Park in the World” (Los Angeles / Orlando). Between the châteaux of the Loire Valley and the French Atlantic Coast, enter a legendary forest, explore centuries-old villages and by thrilled by 20 spectacular shows, designed as cinematic masterpieces brought to life and translated live into 4 languages. From the mythical Gallo-Roman Stadium where Rome’s greatest gladiators do battle, to the court of the Sun King, different eras and their heroes come together to relive great epics. Moving through stunningly realistic sets, become the hero of your own story on a range of immersive adventures, in the trenches with the Poilus (French soldiers in the First World War), sailing the seven seas, or walking the corridors of the old Château du Puy du Fou. Between shows, stroll along the winding streets of the period villages, which are home to the workshops of talented craftspeople who keep France’s ancestral skills alive. Then take in the natural environment and admire the 2,200 animals living at Puy du Fou. After dark, “Les Noces de Feu”, voted “Best Live Entertainment”(2), offers a poetic way to round off your day. Attend the most romantic wedding imaginable, where dancers and giant sets emerge from the depths of the old lake in an amazing fantasy of water and fire – all included in the price of your Puy du Fou ticket (in the “Noces de Feu” period). During your next holiday in France, or on a short break, get ready to tremble before the marauding Vikings on their fearsome longships, be enchanted by the incredible aerial ballet of 300 birds of prey, or embark on a fervent quest for “King Arthur’s Sword”, Puy du Fou’s latest grand show – because in this unique place, emotions are eternal.

Discover the Marais Poitevin, often called the French Green Venice, on a private guided tour by car from La Rochelle. Explore the largest human-made marsh in Western France, and visit the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park. Start your tour with pickup from your hotel in La Rochelle and head to the Marais Poitevin, located along the Atlantic coast between La Rochelle to the south and Luçon to the north. Enjoy a cultural and natural tour in this region rich in history and typical products. In company of your private guide, you will visit the following points : -Brasserie la Cibulle, -The Abbey of Maillezais, -La Cabane Maillezais, -1 hour traditional boat trip in the marsh in company of an expert guide, -Lunch break at the Restaurant L’échauguette (45 mn), -VIsit local food productions and typical shops such as La Crèmerie de la Venise Verte, La Maison de la Meuneries, Maison du Marais Poitevin, Parc Du Coq à l'Âne - Donkey Farm, Organic Market gardening Did you know it ? Learn about the area's history, which dates back to two million years ago when it was a flat Jurassic plain made of soft clay and limestone. During the Quaternary period, it was easily flooded by the sea due to climate changes. Since the 12th century, humans have shaped and managed the entire marsh. All the waterways were either constructed or modified. The two main goals of this work were to control water by preventing floods and preserving resources during dry periods, and to make the area accessible for trade. Established in 1979, The Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park aims to protect its natural and cultural heritage, balancing economic development with environmental conservation. The park is labeled a Grand Site de France, honoring exceptional natural and heritage sites in France, and promoting sustainable tourism. The Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park encompasses over 100,000 hectares of marshes, canals, rivers, meadows, and forests. There are 3 types of marsh: the wet marsh, the drained marsh, and the maritime marsh. The second largest wetland in France after the Camargue, the Marais Poitevin is a true haven of peace for nature lovers with its green landscapes, canals, and its flora and fauna. The area has been shaped by human activity since the Middle Ages and offers unique navigation experiences by boat, canoe, or barge, as well as trails for walking and biking. It integrates the city of Niort, the only French city located within a Regional Natural Park, into its green vision. The park has also been recognized for its ecological value and has awarded the “Regional Natural Park Values” brand to over 80 local professionals, promoting sustainable practices and supporting the local economy.

Welcome at the take-off site You arrive early in the morning at the rendezvous site, where the team warmly welcomes you with a safety briefing. You'll discover the hot-air balloon being prepared, an impressive moment as the balloon gradually inflates. Boarding and take-off After the safety briefing, you take your place in the basket. The pilot adjusts the final details, then the balloon rises gently into the air, offering a magical spectacle as the sun rises. Flight over the Marais Poitevin For around an hour, you'll fly over the winding canals, flooded meadows and typical villages of the "Green Venice". The colors change with the morning light, and the calm of the flight is punctuated by the sound of the burners. Your pilot shares anecdotes about the region and its landscapes. Soft landing As the flight draws to a close, the pilot chooses a suitable spot to land. The ground crew joins you to help you descend safely. The aeronaut's drink After landing, a convivial moment awaits you, with coffee and a snack to celebrate this unique experience. Pilots also hand out a flight certificate as a souvenir. Return to departure point You'll be taken back to the departure point by vehicle, with plenty of memories and photos to share. This adventure offers a blend of serenity, discovery and wonder, perfect for exploring the Marais Poitevin from another angle.

Morning: immerse yourself in nature and meet local producers 10:15 am: Meet Nathalie in front of the Parc ornithologique des Oiseaux du Marais poitevin, 10:30 am: Board a traditional boat for a peaceful, guided tour of the waterways of the Marais sauvage. 12:15pm: Lunch in the park, savoring fresh, tasty local produce. The typical Marais Poitevin picnic is prepared by Stéphane, the Damvix caterer (aperitif and wine extra). Be sure to check the number of participants at the bottom of your booking form). My picnic of regional produce: Starter: farci maraichin Main course: Vendée cured ham with mogette salad Cheese: Tendre Vache from the Marais Poitevin's last dairy cooperative Dessert: homemade briochette with coffee/tea including water and "tradition du marais" baguette Optional extras: aperitif: Kiki vendéen (wine-based aperitif with black thorns from southern Vendée) from Vignobles Mercier de Vix - AOC Fiefs Vendéens - 75cl at €9.00 wines: red or rosé from Domaine Coirier de Pissotte - AOC Fiefs Vendéens - 37.5cl at €6.50 or 75cl at €9.50 méthode traditionnelle (the only champagne in Vendée): la Lys from Vignobles Mercier de Vix - AOC Fiefs Vendéens - 75cl at €10 Afternoon: discover the Du Coq à l'Âne asinerie/savonnerie and meet the animals 1:45pm: Guided bike ride to the land of donkeys, to meet Quentin, son of the owners of the Du Coq à l'Âne asinerie/savonnerie. 3:15 pm: Meet the Baudets du Poitou, a breed of donkey emblematic of the region, in the heart of their plot. 4:15pm: Visit the soap factory with Christelle, the manager and soap-maker, and discover her handcrafted creations based on natural products.