Charente Vendee Attractions  This area of France has a rich variety of attractions for the holidaymaker.  Of course the miles of sandy beaches draw the crowds year after year, but there are some delightful towns and villages as well, plus vineyards aplenty with the added benefit of the home of Cognac and the local speciality Pineau. Also you will find splendid theme parks such as le Puy du Fou or Futuroscope, as well as idyllic islands, fascinating geographical features....

Le Puy du Fou  Definitely worth a detour.
Location: Heading south west on the A87 autoroute take exit 28 for Les Herbiers and follow the signposts.
General Info: Open from 18th April to the 23rd September (not daily) from 10AM to 7PM.  Tel. 33 2 51 64 11 11.  See the excellent website  for full details of opening times, discounts, special shows etc..
Description: This outstanding theme park has performances throughout the day of falconry, jousting, magic and music, and boasts atmospheric reconstructions of a Norman fort, a medieval town and an 18th-century village.  On some evenings you can enjoy a splendid Son et Luimère show, regarded as the best sound-and-light show in Europe in which literally 1,000 local actors take part dramatising the history of the Vendee province.
Our recommendations:  Book well in advance for the Son et Lumière show either on the web or at local tourist offices.
For children aged 5+: The whole place is made for them, especially if they like horses.  Definitely worth a detour to spend a day or even two here. New for 2007 is an on-site hotel – The Villa Gallo Romaine, worth booking if you wish to stay more than a day.  Or accommodation can be booked at Cholet nearby. We know families
who have been several times!

           - Aquarium at La Rochelle
           - Aqualand theme park
           - Atlantic Toboggan
           - Château des Enigmes
           - Futuroscope
           - Ile de Ré
           - Le Dune du Pilat
           - Le Marais Poitévin
           - Le Puy du Fou
           - Tepacap
           - Zoo de la Palmyre

If you're staying in the north of this region, consider a trip to the Loire or  Brittany, if you're in the Gironde area then the Dordogne is within reach.

External websites offering information on the Vendee and Charente Maritime:

- Poitou Charente Vacances
- Le Charente

- Angela Bird's website on the Vendée

     - Top Attractions in Charente / Vendee
     - Top ten Holiday destinations in France