{"id":4263,"date":"2025-01-19T02:05:11","date_gmt":"2025-01-19T02:05:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/?p=4263"},"modified":"2025-01-19T02:05:11","modified_gmt":"2025-01-19T02:05:11","slug":"vendee-a-little-known-paradise-on-the-french-atlantic-coast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/?p=4263","title":{"rendered":"Vend\u00e9e: A little-known paradise on the French Atlantic coast"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

The coastline of France\u2019s Vend\u00e9e, known as the \u201cC\u00f4te de Lumi\u00e8re\u201d, stretches some 250 km and includes 140 km of sparkling sandy beaches. South of Nantes, north of Bourdeaux, Vend\u00e9e boasts every imaginable landscape: hills and dunes, forests and meadows, rivers, marshes, vineyards, and canals. And, of course, that endless expanse of pristine beaches!\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

From town to country, chateau to bed and breakfasts, there is a lot of luxury to soak up in Vend\u00e9e. Focusing (mainly) on Vend\u00e9e du Sud (the southern part of the region), here\u2019s a quick guide: must-see experiences, special dining spots, and unique accommodation options.<\/p>\n

Les Jardins de William Christie<\/h2>\n

William Christie is renowned throughout France and America as a highly respected baroque music scholar and conductor. His Les Arts Florissant ensembles give over 100 concerts annually in the world\u2019s most prestigious concert halls.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

While nurturing Les Arts Florissant, William Christie also accomplished another of his dreams, explaining: \u201c\u2026to creating a unique and original garden around my 17th-century manor house, which is now the setting each year for the festival Dan les Jardines de William Christie, where we welcome music lover from all over the world.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Every 15 minutes, five bells, which symbolize Christie\u2019s best friends, ring. They welcome visitors to the formal courtyard as if to say, \u201cCome in. This is just the beginning of your visit to an enchanted garden.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

To visit William Christie\u2019s gardens is a sublime experience for any traveler living out their manor house dream. Located in Thir\u00e9, the gardens are French traditional but have unique and unexpected plants and eclectic landscapes. From Alice In Wonderland\u2019s undulating hedges to classic French all\u00e9es, French American Christie has curated a delightful secret garden that is a must-see in the Vend\u00e9e du Sud.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mourat vineyards<\/h2>\n

Wine tasters, from amateurs to professionals, will enjoy the Vendean vineyards! In Mareuil sur Lay Dissais visit the Mourat vineyards. Enjoy a guided tour of the cellars, or consider making a day of it with a bike tour and picnic, accompanied by Mourat wines, of course! The setting for this romantic d\u00e9jeuner is a mill situated amongst the vineyards.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Mourat is also known for its afternoon-guided tastings of several of its vintages. Be sure to book in advance.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Vrignaud Distillery<\/h2>\n

The Vrignaud distillery is a brand shoot-off from the Mourat family. Several projects are in swing from this historic spirits producer. <\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Along with tours and tasting experiences, expect hotel accommodation in what was once the estates\u2019 stables and workrooms to open in 2025. Sit by the pool with a Negroni made from Vrignaud red vermouth this summer.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n

Everything you need to plan your trip in 2024<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Lu\u00e7on<\/h2>\n

Once you\u2019re tired of beaching and need a bit of culture or shopping, head to Lu\u00e7on. Developed in the Middle Ages for its proximity to the ocean, the town is anchored by its cathedral and port. Notre-Dame-de-l\u2019Assomption, has survived for centuries to become Vend\u00e9e\u2019s only cathedral listed as a historical monument. Make time to hear the Gothic spire bells and stroll through the 16th-century cloister; you\u2019ll appreciate the restorative effect of your visit.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Lu\u00e7on has some fun shopping avenues that aren\u2019t intimidating the way Paris can be. It\u2019s also known for its city park, the Jardin Dumaine. I can\u2019t speak personally about this park, as I arrived in Lu\u00e7on at dusk (the perils of a too-full itinerary), but it is listed as one of the most beautiful in France.<\/p>\n

Le Macis<\/h2>\n

Restaurant Le Macis is a beloved local restaurant in Sainte Hermine. The husband-and-wife team who founded and operate it (he\u2019s the chef, she\u2019s everything else) have created a homey, community-focused, restaurant, with a sophisticated flair that will make you want to go back the next night. The food is French-Mediterranean, and the wine selection is impressive. Le Macis is also an excellent value, and while very French, it doesn\u2019t fall back on the standard French fare. (No pomme frites here.) I was staying nearby, and this was an easy option, but go out of your way to experience this unassuming yet delightfully French restaurant.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

La Maison Desamy<\/h2>\n

La Maison Desamy has just three rooms, accommodating up to 35 people. It\u2019s small, has minimalist, creatively crisp, decor, and boasts Michelin-starred chef Simon Bessonnet. The gastronomy lunch surprises with each course. Simply delicious and a terrific accompaniment to a Mourat vineyard visit.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

La Marine<\/h2>\n

Take notice there are nine restaurants in Vend\u00e9e in the Michelin Guide. La Marine is the most recognized, with three stars in 2023-2024. Alexandre Coullon is the decorated chef behind La Marine, which borrows inspiration from where it is situated\u2013on the island of Noirmoutier. Chef Coullon says he has to thank the artisans and resources throughout the Vend\u00e9e that contribute to the success of his establishment. Chef also has his wife and business partner C\u00e9line to thank for La Marine\u2019s success. In 2024, Las Liste voted their \u201crestaurant baby\u201d the 3rd best restaurant in the world! (Noirmouter island is north of Les Sables d\u2019Olonne and not considered part of Vend\u00e9e du Sud.)<\/p>\n

Domaine de l\u2019Orfraie<\/h2>\n

Guest house, bed and breakfast, inn, and retreat, Domaine de l\u2019Orfraie is all these, rolled into one welcoming, luxurious barn turned country house. Accessed by roads between fields and farms Domain de l\u2019Orfraie offers guest rooms with vaulted ceilings, fluffy big beds, exposed wood beams, and all the amenities you need. A delicious family-style breakfast with fresh jams, fruit, yogurt, pastries, cheeses, charcuteries, and on and on\u2026 is served at your convenience in \u201cthe barn\u2019s\u201d main room. A vegetable garden and a pool are on property, along with the two spacious family-style rooms. <\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Domaine de l\u2019Orfraie is the dream child of another husband and wife team. (It seemed every establishment I visited in Vend\u00e9e was family-run!) Wife Sandrine, formerly a nurse, is the cook and responsible for the divine breakfast buffet, but she\u2019s also available to provide a picnic lunch or dinner with advanced reservations.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Vend\u00e9e\u2019s Luxury Accommodations<\/h2>\n

Director of En Vend\u00e9e Tourism El\u00e9onore Fourre also recommends H\u00f4tel Parc du Landreau and Ch\u00e2teau de la Barbini\u00e8re for the region\u2019s luxury accommodations. Shouldn\u2019t it be a rule that anyone visiting France should go, or better yet, stay at a chateau?!\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ch\u00e2teau de la Barbini\u00e8re is both traditional and chicly updated. It will fulfill your French romance novel fantasy, providing enough charm to stage a first kiss. Their restaurant, l\u2019Orangerie, is also considered top-tier in Vend\u00e9e, with beautifully plated food by chef Nicolas Pasquier that is served under a glass roof.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Les Sables d\u2019Olonne<\/h2>\n

France\u2019s Vend\u00e9e region also includes the beautiful, not-to-be-missed 19th-century seaside city of Les Sables d\u2019Olonne. As for where to stay there, check into Hotel Vertime. Across from the marina, Hotel Vertime is ideally located for access to the world-famous Vend\u00e9e Globe sailing race. Les Sables d\u2019Olonne\u2019s spectacular beaches and quaint neighborhoods deserve several days to explore. Sip local Vendean wine, rent city bikes to explore the salt marshes outside the city, or simply sit on the beach, watch the surfers, and read a book.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\"\"\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n

Cathie Arquilla<\/h3>\n

Cathie Arquilla is a travel writer from New York City. When she\u2019s not traveling, she helps women look their best as a NYC fashion stylist.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Did you enjoy this article?<\/h3>\n

Receive similar content direct to your inbox.<\/p>\n

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form<\/p>\n

<\/noscript><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

Source: https:\/\/www.aluxurytravelblog.com\/2025\/01\/18\/vendee-a-little-known-paradise-on-the-french-atlantic-coast\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The coastline of France\u2019s Vend\u00e9e, known as the \u201cC\u00f4te de Lumi\u00e8re\u201d, stretches some 250 km and includes 140 km of sparkling sandy beaches. South of Nantes, north of Bourdeaux, Vend\u00e9e boasts every imaginable landscape: hills and dunes, forests and meadows, rivers, marshes, vineyards, and canals. And, of course, that endless expanse of pristine beaches!\u00a0 From […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4264,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4263","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4263","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4263"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4263\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4264"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4263"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4263"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.theblyde.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4263"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}