Vendée & Charente Travel Guide

With so much on offer, it’s a wonder the departments of Vendée and Charente aren’t bursting with tourists throughout the year. With Paris not too far off (so travel and a day trip to the City of Light are a breeze) you can still experience the quaint rhythm of the French countryside – especially if you’re thinking of staying in one of our French Chateaux closeby. To tempt you to visit and give you some inspiration, we’ve put together this handy Vendée & Charente Travel Guide so you can make the most of your trip.

Why Visit?

Neighbouring Vendée and Charente-Maritime share one key feature: the Atlantic. This sunny patch of France is prime beach territory. If you stay anywhere near the seductive shoreline, deciding what to do won’t be difficult; its ample coastline is virtually all beach and days are almost inevitably spent on the sand. The dilemma is, which beach? Vendée and Charente have all kinds of options, from powder-soft Blue-Flag specimens to blustery surf strands to rocky inlets – all interspersed by attractive port towns, chic seaside resorts and dinky harbour villages. Though few tourists venture beyond the beach, those that do will be amply rewarded. Behind the coast is an area of great variety, which encompasses lush marshland – criss-crossed by an extensive network of canals and waterways – as well as riverside towns and a stretch of the famous church-lined pilgrims’ route, the Way of St. James.

Typical Sights

La Rochelle – Climb to the top of the imposing towers for glorious harbour views.
Ile de Ré – Pedal along the rural cycle paths of this popular holiday island.
Fort Boyard – Circle this island fortress by boat.
Abbey of Maillezais – Discover the romantic ruins of this 11th-century abbey.
Germanicus Arch – Marvel at this mighty Roman monument.
Chateau de Talmont – Saint-Hilaire – Play medieval games among the castle ruins

When to Visit?

When it comes to sunshine and clear skies, the Vendée and Charente have just as copious amounts as the Mediterranean Côte d’Azur. The sea also benefits from the warming effect of the Gulf Stream.

Sunshine measures in at more than 2,200 hours a year, making this one of France’s sunniest regions. To give you an idea of context, it’s worth noting that the UK’s annual sunshine count normally comes in somewhere between 1,400 and 1,500.

Peak summer (between June and August) is the driest time of the year. Temperatures tendto hover around the comfortable mid-20s (Celsius) mark, occasionally hitting the 30s during a heatwave. All in all though, it’s rare that you’ll have to endure any heat that might be classed as uncomfortable. This period is also the busiest tourist-wise, but with so many beaches to choose from, you won’t have a problem finding your own little patch of paradise. Late spring and early autumn offer a chance to experience summer weather without the summer crowds.

Winters in Vendée and Charente are chilly, but the warming currents of the Gulf Stream keep things mild around the coast so you’ll have to head inland for scarf-and-hat weather. When dusted in snow, the inland parts of Vendée and Charente are nothing short of magical, and ideal for a winter escape.

Getting around

Airport: You can easily fly to Vendée & Charente. They have three close by airports Nantes Atlantique Airport, Poitiers Airport and La Rochelle Airport who have direct flights from the UK.

Public Transport: The larger towns and cities such as La Roche-sur-Yon, Les Sables d’Olonne and La Rochelle, are served by trains (see here for timetables), while regional bus companies such as Sovetours and Impulsyon also carry passengers around Vendée and Charente. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that public transport services are limited and most of the time, you’ll have to be willing to use bikes, taxis or your own two feet as an add-on to the trains and buses.

By Bike: Cycling is one of the best ways to explore here. Both regions have an extensive network of bike lanes. A particular highlight is the La Vélodyssée route, which runs along the Atlantic coast from Noirmoutier island all the way down to Royan and beyond into Aquitaine. The bike paths are generally safe and well signposted making them suitable for inexperienced groups and families.

Hiring a carCompanies like Europcar and Avis offer rentals direct from regional airports, including Nantes Atlantique Airport, Poitiers Airport and La Rochelle Airport.