Green Venice
Whilst there are various areas of contryside in the south Vendee and in Deux Sevres which have these characteristic canals, the popular spots to visit in the Vendee are:
Maillezais, Damvix, Maille, Le Mazeau, St Sigismond.
At each of these villages you will find "Embarcadaires" where you can hire a a barque (flat bottom boat or punt) or canoes to explore these fascinating canals under the shade of the trees. You can have a guided trip if you wish and the guide will punt you round.
Maillezais - open April to October - See details
Damvix - open April to October - See details
Maille - open mid April to mid September - Les Capucines 0251870752
Le Mazeau - open April to September - See details
St Sigismond - open April to September - See details
 
Museum of the Marais Poitevin (Green Venice) at Coulon.
Open April to October. Link to museum.
 
Full list of Green Venice visits in this area

 

 

Opening :

Generally
April to September  

Zoo
Mervent, Vendee
A 15 acre park amongst the Mervent forest, with a wide range of animals that are free to roam in their large enclosures. Includes lions, tigers, camels, kangeroos, ostriches, monkeys. Also children's playground, mini-farm, picnic area and various theme events during the high season.
May June July August - 10.00 to 19.00
April September - 14.00 to 18.00. October - weekends only.
Link to the zoo

 

 

Opening :

April to October  

Amusement park "Pierre Brun"
Mervent, Vendee
25 acre park in the heart of the Mervent forest. Something for children of all ages. The entry price (€ 11 adult or child in 2009) gives unlimited access to all the rides and attractions all day. Mini go-karts, bouncy castles, miniature golf, roundabout, unusual bicycles, bumper boats, giant slide, train ride, rodeo, hall of mirrors, nature trail, etc.
Snack bar. Picnic area.
July August - 10.30 to 19.30
Other times - 11.00 to 19.00
Link to park

 

 

Opening :

April to end September  

Chateau de Terre Neuve
Fontenay le Comte, Vendee
Renaissance chateau built in 1580 by Nicolas Rapin, a friend of Henry IV. Some interesting collections of paintings and historical clothing dating from the XVII century. Some of the wood panelling came from the chateau of Chambord and there are some magnificent fireplaces and carved ceilings. Gift shop. Outdoor theatre during the summer.
Link to chateau

You can also visit the Museum of Fontenay le Comte and the town itself is well worth strolling around - some exceptional architecture and historic buildings in the old quarter behind the church, down to the river banks and along the Rue de Loges.

 

 

Opening :

May to September
9.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 19.00  

Abbaye de Maillezais
Maillezais, Vendee
Dating from 1003, this former Benedictine abbey offer an interesting visit, with a spectacular view over the marshlands from the tower, but it is also well known as a back-drop for pagents during the summer season.
June to September - 10.00 to 19.00
Other times - 9.30 to 12.30 and 13.30 to 18.00
Link to abbey

 

 

Opening :

All year except January  

Abbaye de Neuil sur L'Autise
Neuil sur l'Autise, Vendee
One of the few abbeys in the area that is still relatively intact, particularly the cloisters, which are a marvelous example of the Romanesque arthitectural style. The impressive scenography displays use 3D techniques making it a fascinating visit for all the family. Also classical music recitals in May and June.
June to September - 10.00 to 19.00
Other times - 9.30 to 12.30 and 13.30 to 18.00
Link to abbey

 

 

Opening :

All year except January  

Watermill "Maison de la Meunerie"
Neuil sur L'Autise, Vendee
One of the few traditional water-powered flour mills still in operation. They specialise in buck-wheat flour and supply many bakeries and restaurants in the area. The visit reproduces 1920's life at the mill, with explications of the machinery and processes and recreated living quarters. There is also an exhibition showing wooden clog making and a shop selling regional produce.
Link to mill

 

 

Opening :

Mid June to mid September
13.00 to 19.00, closed Saturdays  

Coal mine museum
Faymoreau, Vendee
Coal was found in this area by chance in 1827 while digging a well. The coal mine thrived due to the need for fuel for a bottle making plant and later a power station was built to supply the south of the Vendee up until the end of the coal seam in the 1950's. This museum recreates the life of the miners, including work at the coal face. The village of Faymoreau has some traditional miners' housing and you can visit the miners' chapel which has some fabulous stained-glass windows.
July August - 10.00 to 19.00
April May June September - 14.00 to 19.00, closed Monday.
Link to the museum

 

 

Opening :

All year except January