Vendée Getaway

Day 1: Vendée vineyards or La Roche sur Yon

Arrive in Vendée in late morning or early afternoon.
Visit to a “Fiefs Vendéens” winery with wine tasting.
In La Roche sur Yon, discover the Place Napoléon and its amazing animals that you can bring to life.
Dinner and accommodation in La Roche Sur Yon or nearby.

Day 2: Le Puy du Fou

Drive to the “Puy du Fou”. Discover the “World’s Best Theme Park” and travel back in time through 14 shows and 4 villages set in the heart of a centuries-old valley. With its unique artistic concept and innovative, original creations, Puy du Fou is a one-of-a-kind theme park and a major tourist destination in the Vendée.
Dinner and accommodation in La Roche Sur Yon or nearby.

Day 3: Historic Vendée

Visit the Historial de la Vendée and its six sections. The Historial retraces over 7,000 years of Vendée history.
Choice of visits:
– Visit the Logis de la Chabotterie. A visit to the 9 furnished rooms is like immersing yourself in the late 18th century. Then, explore the “Espace interactif Charrette” and its new scenography dedicated to the Vendée Wars.
– Guided tour of Château de Tiffauges, Gilles de Rais’ castle. Discover the region’s largest medieval fortress and its many attractions!
Dinner and overnight stay in La Roche Sur Yon or nearby.

Day 4: Vendée Maritime: Noirmoutier & Port du Bec

Arrival on the island of Noirmoutier. Choice of activities:
– Rent bicycles to explore the island at your leisure: the Passage du Gois, Noirmoutier-en-l’Île and its medieval castle, the Bois de la Chaize, the port of L’Herbaudière…
– Guided day trip including discovery of the famous Passage du Gois, visit to an oyster farm with tasting and a guided tour of the island by coach.
Return to the mainland mid-afternoon. Discover the picturesque Port du Bec, an oyster-farming and tourist site not to be missed! Nicknamed the “little Chinese port” for its wooden pontoons and intertwined poles.
Dinner and overnight stay in La Roche Sur Yon or nearby.

Day 5: Vendée Maritime: Les Sables d’Olonne & Saint Gilles Croix De Vie

Early departure for Les Sables d’Olonne.
Choice of activities:
– At 6:00 am, visit the fish auction. Go behind the scenes of the fishing port and discover the diversity of fish and shellfish caught on the Vendée coast. Continue with a tour on the little train along the Remblai, then the fishing port, the marina, the quays of La Chaume, the Côte Sauvage, the lighthouses…
– Departure at 6:30 am for a morning of sea fishing. Crew and skipper will be on hand to provide equipment and advice.
Choice of visits:
– In Saint Gilles Croix de Vie, visit the “La Perle des Dieux” canning factory, with tasting. Followed by a visit to the Maison du pêcheur, which tells the story of an early 20th-century fishing family.
– In Talmont Saint Hilaire, visit Les Viviers de la Mine, an original visit in a wild setting to discover the many species of fish and shellfish that delight the taste buds
Dinner and overnight stay in La Roche Sur Yon or nearby.

Day 6: Marais de Vendée

Luggage loading and return to your region. Depending on your direction, stop over in one of the two Vendée marshes:
– The “Marais Poitevin” to the south-east, also known as the “Venise Verte”: boat trip (with or without a guide).
– The “Marais Breton” to the north-west: canoe trip (with or without a guide).

• Transportation by coach or minivan according to the number of participants
• 5 nights in a hotel, youth hostel or accommodation center
• Half-board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 6
• Visits and excursions as described in the program
• Travel file for tour leader
• VOYEL assistance 24 hours a day

Program duration and activities can be modified

• Services of a VOYEL guide
• Lunches