ATTRACTIONS
There are plenty of places to visit in the Vendee, below are just a few, for more information please visit
Maillezais Abbey
02 51 87 22 80
Maillezais Abbey is situated 11 kms from Vix. It is one of the important religious monuments that attract visitors to Maillezais, along with the unusual surroundings and setting provided by the marshes, known as the Venise Verte. The ruins of the benedictine abbey, that date, in part, from the 11th century, are an imposing site overlooking the limpid green waters of the marshes below.
During the summer months several animations and spectacles are held at the abbey, to try and give a feel for monastic life in the Middle Ages (and to entertain visting families).
Abbaye St Vincent
1 Allée du Cloître, 85240 Nieul-sur-l'Autise, 02 51 50 43 03
Just 19 kilometers from Vix, in the south of the Vendee is where Alienor d'Aquitaine was born in her fathers castle in 1122, her mother Aenor de Chatellerault is buried in the Royal Abbeye St.Vincent.
When Alienor became Queen of France by her first marriage to LoiuisV11 she granted the abbey royal status. She later became Queen of England by her marriage to Henry Plantagenet.
The front portal of the church has many stone carvings portraying the 7 deadly sins, geometric motifs and animal masks which are surmounted by interlacing and palmettes.
The triple nave with its 7 barrel vaulted bays borne on transverse arches rests on twin columns, the lateral arches are supported on single columns.
There is a discovery trail centered around monastic life; touch books and state of the art museum technology.
Now open the Maison d'Alienor: a virtual tour by leading characters from Nieul-sur-L'Autise's History
Vouvant
Vouvant, a small village between La Chataigneraie and Fontenay-le-Comte, in the Vendée is a self appointed member of the prettiest village in France club. Wherever you go in France you will find a village professing to be the prettiest in France, and Vouvant is the South Vendée’s representative. There is no doubt that it is a beautiful place, the centre of the village is dominated by the 11th Century church, the Melusine Tower and ramparts overlook a wide bend in the languorous river Mere and the charmingly narrow streets house a plethora of artists studios.
The fortified village of Vouvant nestles neatly into the rambling countryside at the north end of the Mervent-Vouvant forest.
This picturesque village is dominated on the skyline by the church of "Notre dame", in 1000ad William V, the great duke of Aquitaine commissioned the bishops of Maillezais to build him a church and monastery on this picturesque sight that he had come across while hunting, due to a lack of money the church was not finished until the 11th century. Built in the Norman style with a Romanesque portal.
Haras de Vendee
120 Boulevard des États Unis, 85000 La Roche-sur-Yon, 02 51 37 48 48
Situated in the heart of La Roche-sur-Yon, in a 12 acre park the Haras de la Vendee is your invitation into the world of Horses.
At the National Stud, in wonderful surroundings you will be entertained by fabulous equestrian shows.
The Nation stud founded by Napoleon in 1843 to breed horses for the army is one of the largest in France. With over 100 stallions of various breeds on show you will have explained to you how they are cared for, from being shod to the tackle needed, their exercise and much more from some of the finest experts in France.
This beautifully cared for city farm has something for all the family.
Indian Forest
http://www.indian-forest-atlantique.com/
Moutiers les Mauxfaits.
Tel. 02 51 34 35 99
The Indian Forest adventure playground near Moutiers-les Mauxfaits is set in 5 Acres of ancient Oak forest. Billed as the largest adventure park in France you will find something here to suit all ages and abilities.
With 310 events on 17 different courses you can discover endless fun and adventure with your family or friends. You will be given a briefing on the use of the different courses and the safety measures required, with guides on hand to help you get the best out of each course.
You move along each course at your own speed and rhythm, testing your agility, balance and daring.
Puy du Fou
85590 Les Epesses, 0 820 09 10 10
Puy du Fou is a historical theme park in Les Epesses in the heart of the Vendée region of Western France. The park brings in some 2 million visitors every year, making it the fourth most popular attraction in France after Disneyland Paris.
Puy du Fou features a multitude of spectacular shows and adventures for the whole family. In 2016, the journey through time continues with “Le Dernier Panache“, the biggest original creation in Puy du Fou’s history! This year, there’s no better time to come and enjoy your “Puy du Fou“ experience! History is just waiting for you!
Futuroscope
Avenue René Monory, 86360 Chasseneuil-du-Poitou,
05 49 49 30 00
Futuroscope, or Parc du Futuroscope is a French theme park based upon multimedia, cinematographic futuroscope and audio-visual techniques
