Vendée

For a relaxing break, opt for the Vendée. The diversity of landscapes will charm you. From coastline to plains, bocage and marshes, you'll be spoilt for choice! Experience authentic moments as you visit some of the Vendée's must-sees.

Top 5 Charmhotel

1 – The Poitevin Marsh

Choose one of the region's piers for a boat trip through the "Venise Verte". The silent rhythm of the "Pigouille" will let you observe the tranquillity of the area and the species of birds that nest in the Marais Poitevin. Along the way, a boatman will tell you all about the fascinating history of this restful place.

0 à 20 km - jusqu'à 20 min

2 - The Atlantic Ocean and coastline

Have you ever heard of Les Sables d'Olonne? Come and discover the salt marshes and the expertise of the salt workers on a relaxing boat trip. The town of the Vendée Globe has a rich history; stroll with a passionate guide through the narrow streets of the Chaume district to see the fishermen's houses and the fine sandy beaches.

For food lovers, our region's oysters are just waiting to be savoured! La Rochelle and the Ile de Ré have everything you could wish for: beautiful scenery, Pineau des Charentes tastings, Fort Boyard and plenty of surprises to discover alongside us.

100 km - 1h15

3 – Le Puy du Fou

Voted the "best park in the world", the Puy du Fou stages a wide range of shows and events: falconry, equestrian stunts, medieval battles... Immerse yourself in a variety of spectacular settings: medieval times, the 1900s, the year 1000... And at nightfall, the luckiest visitors will be able to attend the famous Cinescenie, an unforgettable life-size show. The lights, costumes and sets will take you on a journey through time.

60 km - 1h00

4 – Typical Renaissance villages: Vouvant, Foussais-Payré, Fontenay-le-Comte...

Do you love towns with character? Take a stroll through the narrow streets of picturesque villages like Vouvant in the South Vendée. Let yourself be told the secrets and legends that have been passed down over the years. On the edge of the Mervent forest, the town's ramparts offer an uninterrupted view of a hiker's paradise.

Ranked as one of the "Most Beautiful Detours in France", Fontenay-le-Comte is the former capital of Bas Poitou. This medieval town has played host to some of the greatest figures in French history, such as François Rabelais and François 1er, as well as Belgian figures like Georges Simenon. The heritage of this typical Renaissance village will be revealed to you through the charm of its squares, fountains, town houses...

12 à 30 km -15 à 30 min

5 – The flavours of the Vendée

What about making your own brioche vendéenne before you eat it? With butter, jam or spread, gâche can be eaten at any meal! In the Vendée, the delicious prefou, made with garlic and butter, is also an essential local delicacy. The farci poitevin, the kiki vendéen, the wines of our Fiefs, the poultry of Challans... Get your taste buds ready, our department has something for everyone! The history and crafting of our specialities will hold no secrets for you.

Frédéric Beuchillot

Frédéric Beuchillot

The hotel "Le Rabelais" has 54 air-conditioned rooms just a few steps from the Renaissance centre of Fontenay-le-Comte, in the south of Vendée. This peaceful setting is ideally situated at the gateway to the Marais Poitevin, between La Rochelle and the Puy du Fou. With its inventive cuisine, wellness area, wooded garden and warm welcome, Le Rabelais has everything you need to discover the treasures of the Vendée with peace of mind: the Mervent forest, the Château de Terre-Neuve, La Roche-sur-Yon and even the Île de Ré and Rochefort.

For a stay of several nights or a lunch stop, leave your bus in the dedicated car park. Le Rabelais has been welcoming coach operators and travel professionals for years and would be delighted if you were next. In this relaxing setting, you'll be greeted with a smile from all the staff. Le Rabelais will work with you to design a personalised discovery programme for a unique Vendée experience.

Whether you're a club, an association or a group of friends, Le Rabelais welcomes you with its contemporary decor, bright colours and designer spaces. With your vehicle secured in the closed garage, just step inside and all the conditions are in place for a 100% enjoyable stay. And for electric vehicles, there are several recharging points at your disposal!

To organise your meals with friends or club events, the Rabelais offers 3 quiet lounges. Prepare your itinerary or create your roadbook hand in hand with the hotel to drive your classic cars with amazed eyes.

For the next gathering of your group of friends or your club, the Rabelais is your ideal destination. Put your motorbikes in the closed garage for peace of mind. The hotel has everything in place to make your stay a relaxing one: security, a discovery programme in the Vendée, and quiet, winding roads ideal for the pleasure of riding. Put on your helmet and set off on the road to adventure!

Bikes will quickly find their place in the secure area dedicated to them: parking, locker, pump and tools for minor repairs. Whether you're off for a ride through the vineyards or a day on La Rochelle's cycle paths, the hotel can help you create your own itinerary. Our little extra: Le Rabelais has been awarded the "Accueil Vélo" label, guaranteeing you quality services to delight you.

From 5 to 25 kilometres depending on your level of fitness and inclination, Le Rabelais is ideally located for walks close to the coast, in the forest, with or without hills. For a 100% walking holiday, the Vendée is full of walking trails that will delight nature lovers. At the end of the day, you can book a massage for a fresh start the next day!