This region is brimming with natural and architectural treasures and there’s certainly lots to see and do. Two-wheeled transport is the way to go and the best way to get to places off the beaten track. The good news is that there are lots of purpose-designed cycle paths (and flat surfaces!).
Don’t miss:
Le Puy du Fou – The ultimate family day out that will have kids and adults filled with wonder. What started out as one village’s pie-in-the-sky dream has become an internationally acclaimed historical extravaganza. Le Puy du Fou is France’s second-biggest theme park and a wonderful antidote to its heavily commercial competitors. Visitors are thrust back to different periods of history through a host of impeccably-orchestrated shows that nail the wow factor. The pinnacle is the epic Cinéscénie night performance which is simply out of this world.
La Venise Verte – There’s a tendency to dub any waterlocked town as being some sort of Venice. In this case, it’s Green Venice, named after its delightful countryside setting. Patches of land formerly used as meadows and crop fields spring up among almost 4,000 km of canals, channels and troughs. This unique part of the Marais Poitevin landscape was initiated by monks. Hire a punt or a riverboat, take a guided boat tour, or stick to the paths on bike or horseback.
Marennes-Oléron basin – Oléron oysters are reputed throughout France, and this is one of the biggest production spots. All the paths lead to an oyster hut where you can taste the freshest oysters imaginable. Follow the canal towpaths to discover them.
Roche-Courbon castle – French novelist Pierre Loti called it Sleeping Beauty’s castle. Indeed, its fairytale turrets don’t go unnoticed. And the grounds ooze with a dreamy romanticism that’s worth going out of your way for.
Cordouan lighthouse – This is not only one of France’s oldest lighthouses, but also one of the last to be occupied by wardens. On top of that, the building itself is fantastic. You can reach it by boat, then climb the 311 steps up to the marble-clad King’s quarters and the stained-glass window chapel. Enjoy the impressive views over the estuary.
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Château Perle de Charente is a prestigious property for rent in France. This fairytale castle has its own special kind of magic. Towers and turrets on the outside give way to stylish sophistication on the inside, successfully combining stately grandeur with homely warmth. It is the perfect setting for an enchanting getaway that guests will remember for many years to come.
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Un Château Secret is a seaside luxury villa for rent in Charente-Maritime with a pool. This beautiful authentic property has been thoughtfully renovated and offers large either shared or private spaces indoors, a beautiful garden and a heated pool outdoors. Shops and restaurants are reachable on foot.
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Pure Vendée is a luxury rental with a swimming pool in the Vendée. It’s a former estate that has been superbly renovated with taste and sophistication. Here you will enjoy the benefits of the country and the luxury of the most modern fittings. Take time to completely relax in a luxurious and authentic setting. From the property you can travel around and discover the various famous tourist spots like Puy du Fou.
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Domaine Terre et Mer is a family château for rent between Nantes and the sandy beaches of the Vendée region. It comprises a beautiful manor house and two annexe buildings for up to 20 guests. The heated swimming pool and huge secluded grounds provide the space and luxury for all your guests to relax in style. Escape to the château for an elegant French escapade!
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Entre Loire et Vendée is a country manor that is ideal for a big family holiday. This large holiday rental has a private swimming pool and lies between the Loire Valley and the Vendée in northwest France. With plenty of space indoor and huge grounds, it makes the perfect setting for a group get-together or a special occasion.
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Escape to this welcoming 4-bedroom ile de Re holiday rentals beach house. In the heart of an authentic neighbourhood, this holiday villa in France on ile de Re, is perfect for a relaxing stay near the coast. With a bright, spacious interior and pleasant walled garden, it sleeps up to 8 adults and 4 children in four stylish double bedrooms and a dormitory for younger ones.
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Experience the essence of island living at this six-bedroom house just minutes from the beaches and the village. Inspired by the island's traditional architecture, this holiday villa on ile de Re features bright interiors, refined décor and carefully selected details in a serene and elegant atmosphere. Natural light and subtle touches of colour enhance the feeling of space, comfort and laid-back style. This seaside house is an elegant coastal retreat, perfect for a memorable getaway on the Ile de Ré.
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Bathed in light from morning to night, this spacious Ile de Ré holiday rental is perfect for enjoying simple island living in style. Owned by an interior designer, the décor is inspired by Japanese wabi-sabi, an aesthetic that celebrates the beauty of fleeting moments and imperfection. The bay windows of the bright living space open onto the terrace and private pool, creating easy movement between inside and out. An uplifting setting for leisurely times with special people.
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