Local Attractions

A small sample of the many local attractions within a short distance of The Good Life in France glamping lodges

 Local Attractions

A small sample of the many local attractions within a short distance of The Good Life in France glamping lodges

Activities

The glamping  lodges are set in about 4 acres of parkland with a lake. You are welcome to fish the lake which is stocked with various coarse fish including carp, but no keep nets or barbed hooks please. Alternatively relax in a hammock with a good book.  

For energetic nature lovers there are extensive marked walks in forests, fields or by water with diverse wildlife for you to enjoy. The area is also good for cycling with marked routes of different lengths and difficulty. We have maps for both and if you don't want to bring your own bike there is an excellent local hire service - BikeHireDirect.

Food and Wine. With selfless devotion to duty your hosts have sampled the local cuisine and can provide you with all the information you need. If you don't feel like going out but don't want to cook why not eat 'en famille' with your hosts. A weekly menu is available on request.

Culture and History. The Vendeé has these aplenty. Too numerous to mention here so if you want to know more, email or give us a call to chat about the area.

Sun, Sand and Seafood.  For those that want to venture further afield, the beautiful Atlantic coast is less than an hour away. With numerous and varied resorts and islands for you to explore.

There are just too many things to do in the area to list them all so if you have a particular interest just ask.

St Gemme La Plaine Woods
Snakeshead Fritillaries at Thiré
Night Sky from the terrace

Other Activities

The glamping  lodges are set in about 4 acres of parkland with a lake. You are welcome to fish the lake which is stocked with various coarse fish including carp, but no keep nets or barbed hooks please. Alternatively relax in a hammock with a good book.  The night sky here is stunning with so little light pollution and provides an alternative use for the sun loungers.  Ask us about satellite and shooting star spotting.

For energetic nature lovers there are extensive marked walks in forests, fields or by water with diverse wildlife for you to enjoy. The area is also good for cycling with marked routes of different lengths and difficulty. We have maps for both and if you don't want to bring your own bike there is an excellent local hire service - BikeHireDirect.

Food and Wine. With selfless devotion to duty your hosts have sampled the local cuisine and can provide you with all the information you need. If you don't feel like going out but don't want to cook why not eat 'en famille' with your hosts. A weekly menu is available on request.

Culture and History.  The Vendeé has these aplenty. Too numerous to mention here so if you want to know more, email or give us a call to chat about the area.

Sun, Sand and Seafood. For those that want to venture further afield, the beautiful Atlantic coast is less than an hour away. With numerous and varied resorts and islands for you to explore.

There are just too many things to do in the area to list them all so if you have a particular interest just ask.

St Gemme La Plaine Woods
Snakeshead Fritillaries at Thiré
Night Sky from the terrace

Puy du Fou.

The premier attraction in the Vendée is about 40 minutes drive away. It combines a daytime historical theme park which manages to be both tasteful and great fun for all ages. We have yet to meet someone who has been and didn't enjoy it!

Local Attractions: A scene from the Vikings at the Puy du Fou

Puy du Fou.

The premier attraction in the Vendée is about 40 minutes drive away. It combines a daytime historical theme park which manages to be both tasteful and great fun for all ages. We have yet to meet someone who has been and didn't enjoy it!

Local Attractions: A scene from the Vikings at the Puy du Fou
Local Attractions. Aerial view of Les Sables d'Olonne

Les Sables d'Olonne.

This is a major port and seaside resort and hosts the Vendee Globe round the world yacht race. - (Remember Ellen McArthur?). The food halls are well worth a visit and there is a long promenade with many restaurants and cafes to watch the world go by whilst soaking up the sun. It has some of the best restaurants on the west coast as well as a fantastic beach. About 50 minutes drive.

Local Attractions. Aerial view of Les Sables d'Olonne

Les Sables d'Olonne.

This is a major port and seaside resort and hosts the Vendee Globe round the world yacht race. - (Remember Ellen McArthur?). The food halls are well worth a visit and there is a long promenade with many restaurants and cafes to watch the world go by whilst soaking up the sun. It has some of the best restaurants on the west coast as well as a fantastic beach. About 50 minutes drive.

Fontenay le Comte

A charming country town that used to be the centre of the area.  The river Vendée runs through its medieval centre, a Saturday market full of local delicacies and a variety of restaurants including Morrocan and Chinese.  Approximately 20 minutes drive away.

Local Attractions. Fontenay le Comte viewed from the Vendée river

Fontenay le Comte

A charming country town that used to be the centre of the area.  The river Vendée runs through its medieval centre, a Saturday market full of local delicacies and a variety of restaurants including Morrocan and Chinese.  Approximately 20 minutes drive away.

Local Attractions. Fontenay le Comte viewed from the Vendée river
Local Attractions. The Marais Poitevin (Green Venice)

Marais Poitevin (Green Venice).

Paddle or punt (or hire a boatman) through a maze of tree-lined canals from Coulon, Maillezais, Damvix, Maille or Le Mazeau. Now, this is the life. Don't forget the picnic and a bottle or two to cool in the lazy water. Approximately 40 minutes drive.

Local Attractions. The Marais Poitevin (Green Venice)

Marais Poitevin (Green Venice).

Paddle or punt (or hire a boatman) through a maze of tree-lined canals from Coulon, Maillezais, Damvix, Maille or Le Mazeau. Now, this is the life. Don't forget the picnic and a bottle or two to cool in the lazy water. Approximately 40 minutes drive.

La Rochelle.

Superbly picturesque old fishing port with a large selection of bars and restaurants, museums and a wonderful waterfront. Described as "the most attractive and unspoilt seaside town in France" due mainly to its charming old town. It also has the largest marina on the Atlantic coast, and an extremely impressive aquarium. Approximately 1 hours drive.

Local Attractions. View of La Rochelle from one of the Quatre Sergents

La Rochelle.

Superbly picturesque old fishing port with a large selection of bars and restaurants, museums and a wonderful waterfront. Described as "the most attractive and unspoilt seaside town in France" due mainly to its charming old town. It also has the largest marina on the Atlantic coast, and an extremely impressive aquarium. Approximately 1 hours drive.

Local Attractions. View of La Rochelle from one of the Quatre Sergents
ile_de_re

Ile de Ré.

Beautiful small island just off the La Rochelle peninsula, this isle is reached by toll bridge and boasts calm seas ideal for bathing on the eastern side with more boisterous waters to the west, reputedly good for surfing. A selection of bars and restaurants to enjoy in the sun as well as many stylish boutiques - so be prepared for a shopping spree! The whole area is famous for its oysters and you can see how they are harvested as well as sampling the local produce. Remarkable too are the donkeys in their gingham pyjamas, which protect them from mosquitoes in the summer. Approximately 1 hours drive.

ile_de_re

Ile de Ré.

Beautiful small island just off the La Rochelle peninsula, this isle is reached by toll bridge and boasts calm seas ideal for bathing on the eastern side with more boisterous waters to the west, reputedly good for surfing. A selection of bars and restaurants to enjoy in the sun as well as many stylish boutiques - so be prepared for a shopping spree! The whole area is famous for its oysters and you can see how they are harvested as well as sampling the local produce. Remarkable too are the donkeys in their gingham pyjamas, which protect them from mosquitoes in the summer. Approximately 1 hours drive.

The Gardens of William Christie, Thiré

William Christie, harpsichordist, conductor and pioneer of Baroque music has his home in the nearby village of Thiré.  Each year there are a series of concerts (24th – 31st August) , tickets available from www.billetterie.vendee.fr) in the gardens of his French home, in addition the magnificent gardens are open to the public several times throughout the summer (27th March -2nd June Wed - Sun 10:30 - 5:30, 3rd - 13th July Wed - Fri 10:30 - 5:30 and 11th-29th September Wed - Sun 10:30 - 5:30, tickets available on the gate 5€).

The Gardens of William Christie, Thiré

William Christie, harpsichordist, conductor and pioneer of Baroque music has his home in the nearby village of Thiré.  Each year there are a series of concerts (24th – 31st August) , tickets available from www.billetterie.vendee.fr) in the gardens of his French home, in addition the magnificent gardens are open to the public several times throughout the summer (27th March -2nd June Wed - Sun 10:30 - 5:30, 3rd - 13th July Wed - Fri 10:30 - 5:30 and 11th-29th September Wed - Sun 10:30 - 5:30, tickets available on the gate 5€).