Wherever you stay in the Vendee you must visit
"Le Puy du Fou" - one of the best theme parks in Europe.
Les Epesses, near Les Herbiers, Vendee.
A voyage through history from Roman times to the present day with some absolutely stunning displays: Roman chariot races and gladiators. A Viking long boat attacks a castle. Birds of prey in a unique falconry display. Medieval village life. A 1900 town. An unforgettable day out for all the family. Near Les Herbiers - less than an hour's drive from most of the Vendee.
Plan to get there early (10 am) - it's a full day out, no need to reserve.
Night-time pagent throughout the summer - for this you need to book in advance, around March- April - you can book on-line. See their site.

 

 

Opening :

Park
April to September See their site for full details

Steam train rides
From Mortagne sur Sevre, Vendee
A two and a half hour steam strain ride from Mortagne sur Sevre to Les Herbiers and back again. Through lovely countryside and over three viaducts.
June September - Sundays only at 15.30
July August - Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays at 15.30
Reserve in advance. Link to train rides

There is also the authentic "Orient Express" dining train (diesel) where you can reserve for a meal on the lunchtime or evening train ride.
Reserve in advance. See days and times for the restaurant train

 

 

Opening :

Early June to the end of September  

Blue Beard Chateau "Barbe Bleue"
Tiffauges, Vendee
Overlooking the river Sevre, this fortified chateau offers a fascinating trip back in time. Demonstrations of medieval warfare machines and a theatrical pagent during July and August (plus late night spactacle Wednesdays at 22.00). 3D video show of the historical evolution of the site. Gift shop.
April may September - Weekdays 10.00 to 12.30 and 14.00 to 18.00
June - Weekdays 10.00 to 18.00, Weekends 14.00 to 19.00
July August 11.00 to 19.00
Link to chateau (and videos)

See other Vendee chateaux to visit below.

 

 

Opening :

April to September  

Ornithology park "La Cite des Oiseaux"
Les Landes Genusson, Vendee
130 acre wild bird reserve with three lakes. Discovery Centre and exhibition area, plus two observation 'hides' in the park to watch birds in their natural habitat.
April May - 14.00 to 18.00, closed Saturdays
June September- 10.00 to 12.30 and 14.00 to 18.00, closed Saturdays,
14.00 to 18.00 on Sundays.
July August - 11.00 to 19.00
Link to ornithology park

 

 

Opening :

April to September  

Chateau "La Chabotterie"
Saint Sulpice Le Verdon, Vendee
An important site during the Revolution - General Charette was arrested here in 1796, ending the Vendee conflicts. A theme trail allows you to learn about the Vendee resistance during the Revolution.
There are numerous display rooms to visit, recreating 18th century life, as well as pleasant gardens and a restaurant. Various events throughout the summer season - period carriage rides, baroque music, temporary exhibitions, etc.
July August - 10.00 to 19.00
Other times - 9.30 to 18.00 and 10.00 to 19.00 Sundays.
Link to chateau

 

 

Opening :

All year except January  

Museum of Records (all listed in the Guinness Book of Records)
Aubigny, Vendee
An unusual collection of the biggest, best and most odd items on the theme of traditional crafts. 50 exhibits in cluding a 2 tonne coffee grinder and a size 200 clog....
espace-records.com  This link inactive at the time of publication

 

 

Opening :

April to mid November

Model villages "Feerie des Santons"
Beaulieu sous la Roche, Vendee
600 traditional Santon figurines in various village settings with sound and lighting effects and in magnificent detail.
Link to model villages  Site under construction at the time of publication

 

 

Opening :

July August
14.00 to 18.30  

Ornamental gardens " Les Jardins du Loriot"
Venansault, Vendee
A 12 acre park with over 1000 species of exotic plants in a calm and peaceful settingaround a lake. Specialising in bamboos from Japan, India and the american continent. Gift shop. Donkey paddock.
June September - 14.00 to 19.00 closed Mondays.
July August - as above and 13.30 to 19.00 weekends.
Link to gardens

 

 

Opening :

Mid May to Mid October  

Indoor pool and spa "Armonia"
La Roche sur Yon, Vendee
25 metre pool at 30°C , with water slides, etc. Childrens' pool.
Spa baths, massage pool, steam baths, sauna. Weight training gym.
Restaurant (open lunchtimes).
Closes Christmas and new year and two weeks in mid August.
Link to pool

 

 

Opening :

Most of
the year
See site
for times

More Chateaux to visit...

Chateau de Saint Mesmin - St Andre sur Sevre, Vendee
Dates from the XIV century. The 2 hour visit includes the keep, the ramparts, kitchens, chapel, lord's quarters, etc. Medieval fastivals in July and August. Open May to end of September.
Link to chateau

Chateau de la Greve - St Martin des Noyers, Vendee
Dates from the XII century. Visits with guide or without. Various animations throughout the season Open April and July to mid August.
Link to chateau

Chateau de Sigournais - Sigournais, Vendee
XV century listed monument. The unusual keep is surrounded by high walls and seven towers. Several furnished rooms. Exhibitions. Open May to October.
Link to chateau

Chateau des Essarts - Les Essarts, Vendee
This historic chateau has its feudal roots in the tenth century and was extended and modified right up to the Renaissance. During the XIX century the adjacent "new" chateau was built along with the landscaped grounds.
Open afternoons in July and August (except Mondays).
Link to chateau

Chateau de Pouzauges - Pouzauges, Vendee
Dates from XII century. Panoramic view over the town of Pouzauges. A tall keep (one of the oldest in the region) and 11 other towers. Discovery trails from the chateau and through the ancient streets of the medieval town. Open afternoons in July and August (closed Mondays), plus illuminated evening visits on Tuesdays (from 9pm).
Link to chateau

Donjon de Bazoges - Bazoges en Pareds, Vendee
XIV century keep and gardens to visit. Panoramic view from the top (6 foors up). Furnished rooms. Medieval gardens. Discovery trails from the chateau and through the ancient streets of the medieval town. Various exhibitions ans animations in the summer. Open afternoons Easter to September.
Link to chateau

 

 

Opening :

See each one for details