Villa de la Camaraderie is set in a typical small French village close to the sea, just a 5-minute drive from the coast in the Vendée department of western France.
You can be in the heart of the village within around 300m where you will find a selection of small shops and good cafes/restaurants as well as a market on Friday mornings (and also Monday mornings in summer) which sells fresh regional produce including seafood. The village is especially atmospheric in the summer months – look out for festivities, fireworks and special events that may be taking place during your stay.
There is a tennis court to hire on the outskirts of the village and right next to the villa is a public park with play equipment (swing, slide, climbing frames etc), a picnic area, gazebo, pétanque, ping-pong and a green area which is ideal for ballgames.
It’s only a 4km drive down to the vast sandy beach, backed by nature and woodland. Pack a picnic and make the most of the beautiful surroundings on this wild stretch of beach which is also popular with surfers. Only slightly further, family-friendly Plage des Conches (5km) is home to surf schools whilst Plage de la Terrière (11km) is one of the many blue-flag beaches along the Vendée coastline.
La Tranche-sur-Mer (13km) is a much-loved beachside resort with its ‘Famille Plus’ designation, blue-flag sandy beaches and attractive promenade. Watersport activities in La Tranche-sur-Mer include surfing, pedal boats, sea kayaking, paddle boarding and banana rides as well as a separate body of the water, Le Circle Nautique Tranchais, where you can try out sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Nature lovers will adore the nearby Marais Poitevin, also known as the ‘Green Venice’, where activities include hiking, cycling, bird-watching, canoeing, kayaking, fishing and boat rides along its canals. There are also horse-riding opportunities within a short drive as well as go-karting, a huge tree-top activity centre, water parks and adventure parks. Further afield, for an absolutely fantastic family day out, the famous theme park Puy du Fou, known to be one of the best in the world, is around 90km by car.
From La Tranche-sur-Mer boats depart to the idyllic Île de Ré, an incredible island best explored by bike with its vast beaches, nature reserves, salt marshes and characterful market villages. Its capital, Saint-Martin-de-Re, is full of history as well as being home to several restaurants, a pretty harbour and a much-loved ice-cream parlour!
The elegant city of La Rochelle (74km) is another fine day out or head north towards Nantes (110km) and the Loire. Some of the gems of the Loire valley can also be reached within a couple of hours such as gorgeous Saumur, famed for its Cadre-Noir horse-riding school and sparkling white wine, and historic Angers, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Region
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.
