in the Vendée, in English

The Vendee Photo Gallery

A selection of photographs from around the Vendee, France

Click on a photograph to enlarge

Jard sur Mer

Le Foret de Sevres

Vendee river valley

Auzay

Mervant Forest

Mervant Forest

Lucon

St Mesmin

The Atlantic

Vouvant

La Tranche sur Mer

Mervant Forest

Faute sur Mer

Vouvant Church

Maillezais

(near) Pouille

Nieul sur l'Autise

Bazoges-en-Pareds

Bazoges-en-Pareds

near L'Hermenault

Fontenay-le-Comte

Fontenay-le-Comte

Fontenay-le-Comte

Fontenay-le-Comte

Fontenay-le-Comte

Angles

Petosse

Curzon

Le Langon

Moricq

St Michel Mont Mecure

Hidden bridge at Mervent

Photographs by Jo Wilds and Alf Stradling

La Vendée

Situated on the west coast of France, the Vendee is becoming one of France’s most sought-after destinations, perfect for photographers.

Its unique combination of coastline and diverse countryside make it a perfect location for living as well as repeated visits.

It offers a taste of 'real France', with picturesque villages, historic towns, French culture and some of the best beaches in France - all this easily accessible from the channel ports, yet far enough south to enjoy reliable summers and a warm, sunny spring and autumn.

Each part of the Vendee has its own style and its own charm.

In north-east, there is the rolling countryside of the 'Bocage' with its undulating pastures and woods, offering an authentic rural setting. Futher south are the dramatic expanses of the limestone plateau, with fields of sunflowers and corn, sleepy villages and only the occasional tractor to break the calm, peaceful ambiance.

At the south, the plateau gives way to the reclaimed lands of the 'Marais' ('venise verte' or Green Venise), cris-crossed with drainage canals and abounding with birdlife. Hundreds of years ago, many of the villages here were the only islands standing out in the shallow waters of the 'Golfe des Pictons', offering spectacular skies and a light all it's own.

The coast is characterised by miles of pine forest, leading to sand dunes and to safe, sandy beaches. From the point at L'Aiguillon-sur-Mer in the south, round to St Vincent-sur-Jard, the sandy beach extends, virtually uninterrupted, for over 12 miles. Further north-west there are delightful coves, rocky points and traditional ports.