Le Logis Du General

Le Logis Du Général is a house set on a wonderful family estate which includes beautifully kept gardens, the estate’s own château and 100-hectares of parkland, ponds and grounds where guests may roam free.

Located in the Vendée department, the nearest village is a 2.5km drive where you will find two bakeries, a supermarket and restaurant whilst the delightful town of Challans (8km) is a little further with more facilities, larger hypermarkets and a lovely old covered market on a Tuesday, Friday and Saturday morning.

Drive to the Atlantic coast and discover broad sandy beaches at Saint-Jean-de-Monts (30km) and a lovely family-friendly beach with a promenade ideal for gentle walking and cycling. Alternatively feast on freshly grilled sardines in the charming town of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (35km), where there is also the opportunity to try sea-fishing.  Both places offer water-based activities such as sailing, surfing, water skiing or you can head to Fromentine (35km) for kite-surfing.

Further south, Les Sables-d’Olonne (63km) is a delightful seaside town with a bustling seafront promenade and La Tranche-sur-Mer (88km) has 13km of sandy beaches backed by dunes.

For a spectacular day out drive over to the island of Noirmoutier, attached to the mainland by a bridge or a causeway (when the tide is out!) and wonderful for its pine-backed beaches, traditional beach huts, rock pools and sampling fresh oysters in one of the beachside cafes. It’s an especially great area for cyclists with flat and beautiful trails across the island.

Alternatively take a boat trip to the lovely L’Ile d’Yeu from the port in Fromentine (35km) and discover this wild island with a fantastic coastal path for walking as well as watersports such as scuba-diving, surfing, kayaking and sailing.

Heading inland, explore the wetlands at Marais Poitevin which cover 45,000 hectares of canals and marshes with fascinating flora and fauna which can be discovered via the many walking and cycling trails across this region or by hiring a boat near the coast.

As well as hiking and cycling and a great variety of water-based activities, guests can find horse-riding within a ten-minute drive, golf courses across the region as well as bowling and karting in Challans. There is also a great activity centre in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez (33km), open from April to September, with tree-top activities for kids over 6 and a playground with mini-golf, paddle boats and mini-kart circuit for over 3s.

Not forgetting the fabulous city of Nantes (43km) on the Loire River with its rich history and artistic vibe. It’s a must for food-lovers too with some amazing markets, on-trend restaurants and wonderful vineyards just outside the city centre.

Read more about Atlantic Coast

From the Loire estuary to cosmopolitan La Rochelle and historic Saintes, this part of the Atlantic coast and its surroundings attract visitors who come for the region’s superb beaches, charming market towns, delicious oysters and rich history.

Starting just south of the fine city of Nantes, the Marais wetlands are a paradise for keen bird watchers and the perfect place for peaceful nature walks, cycle rides and canoeing through the marshes. Then there’s the blue-flag beaches, seaside resorts and fishing villages of the Côte de Jade alongside walking paths, cycling trails and horse-riding opportunities. The sunsets along this part of the coastline are especially idyllic.

The Atlantic island of Noirmoutier-en-l'Île is loved for its vast beaches, sand dunes and watersports. Admire its incredible landscapes, dig for shellfish, learn about the history of the island’s salt production and cycle to your hearts content passing historic sites, forests, salt marshes and coast – stop off for oysters en route for an authentic island experience.  

Back to the mainland, discover characterful markets in the likes of Machecoul, Challans and La Roche-sur-Yon with Vendée specialities including beef, pork, Challans poultry, oysters, mussels, sardines, salt, white beans and a great range seasonal fruit and vegetables.

The Atlantic beaches of the Vendée coastline are wonderful, ideal for surfing and other water-based adventures, many backed by endless nature and woodland. La Tranche-sur-Mer has earned its ‘Famille Plus’ designation with its blue-flag beach, attractive promenade and family-friendly activities. For a change of scene, explore Le Marais Poitevin by boat and appreciate it’s magnificent natural surroundings -it's known as the ‘Green Venice’,

Puy du Fou is another highlight of this region, often considered one of the best theme parks in the world with its immersive adventures, period villages and spectacular shows.   

Further south, passing La Rochelle and the wonderful islands of Île de Ré and Île d'Oléron, head inland in the Charente Maritime and spend time in the historic town of Saint-Jean-d'Angely with its Abbaye Royale, a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the Santiago de Compostela route.

Historians will also adore the 11th century Abbaye aux Dames in Saintes. The city’s old quarter is a joy to explore whilst the Roman amphitheatre and Basilique Saint Eutrope de Saintes, another UNESCO World Heritage site, are a must-see during your time. End your day with a cruise along the Charente, a picturesque river that continues east towards Cognac, Jarnac and the vibrant city of Angoulême.