On the Atlantic coast, the southern part of France begins in the Vendée. Sunnier than the Mediterranean coast, annual sunshine ranges between 2,400 and 2,600 hours, a total which has earned the area the name "Sunshine Coast". Early and late visitors therefore, are well catered for by the long summer season to savour a less crowded taste of the countryside and seaside of this much loved area of France, while participating in the abundance of activities such as visiting vineyards, walking, cycling, horse-riding, surfing, fishing, golf, aquaparks, sand

Vendée are joined by a dedicated cycle way from Les Sables d`Olonne to Noirmoutier for cyclists to enjoy an unhindered journey along the coast. To the north of the area is St Jean de Monts a modern seaside resort backed by the Marais Breton, and Noirmoutier where sea salt

"fruits de mer". 4 miles south of St Gilles Croix de Vie is the small town of Brétignolles Sur Mer. This resort, along its 10 miles coast, offers a great diversity of Shores, from north to south the beaches are La Sauzaie, a quiet, family beach, which is located close to the "wild coast" where long walks may be enjoyed along picturesque shore; "La Paree“ beach offers a natural swimming pool at low tide, as well as clubs and swimming schools for children;

"Normandeliere" beach - offers a natural harbour sheltered by rocks for sailing boats and dinghies; "Les Dunes" beach continues southwards stretching its sandy shores over several miles towards Les Sables d'Olonne, with its long sweeping sandy bay and grand promenade. The town of Les Sables d'Olonne, seaside resort, fishing, yachting and commercial port and sub-prefecture of Vendée, offers a variety of attractions encompassing casinos, discos, horse-racing, golf, as well as zoological gardens and regional museums.

is evaporated by the heat of the suns rays. Further south is the port of St Gilles Croix de Vie, straddling the mouth of the river Vie, where sardine fishing boats and leisure boats intermingle. It is a town maintaining traditions, where fishing nets are spread on the quayside and open air markets offer local produce or the manylocally caught locally caught