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France’s Vendee coastline, known as the “Côte de Lumiere”, stretches for about 250 km and includes 140 km of sparkling sandy beaches. South of Nantes, north of Bordeaux, the Vendée boasts every imaginable landscape: hills and dunes, forests and meadows, rivers, marshes, vineyards and canals. And, of course, that endless stretch of pristine beaches!

From city to country, château to bed and breakfast, the Vendée has plenty of luxury to eat. Here’s a quick guide, focusing (mainly) on the Vendée du Sud (the southern part of the region): must-see experiences, special dining spots and unique accommodation options.

Les Jardins de William Christie

William Christie is renowned throughout France and America as a highly respected Baroque music scholar and conductor. His Les Arts Florissant ensembles give more than 100 concerts annually in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls.

While nurturing Les Arts Florissant, William Christie also fulfilled another of his dreams, explaining: “…to create a unique and original garden around my 17th-century manor house, now the setting for the annual festival of Dan Les Jardins de William Christie. is Where we welcome music lovers from around the world.”

Every 15 minutes, five bells, symbolizing Christie’s best friends, ring. They welcome visitors into the formal courtyard as if to say, “Come on in. This is just the beginning of your visit to an enchanted garden.”

A visit to William Christie’s gardens is an outstanding experience for any traveler looking to live out their manor house dream. Located in Thierry, the gardens are traditional French but feature unique and unexpected plants and eclectic landscapes. From the undulating hedges of Alice in Wonderland to the classic French alley, French American Christie has created a delightful secret garden that is a must-see in the Vendée du Sud.

Mourat Vineyards

Wine tasters, from amateurs to professionals, will enjoy the Vendean vineyards! Visit the Mourat vineyards in Mareuil sur Lay Dissais. Enjoy a guided tour of the cellars, or consider making a day of it with a bike tour and picnic, accompanied, of course, by Mourat wine! The setting for this romantic déjeuner is a mill nestled among vineyards.

Mourat is also known for its afternoon guided tastings of some of its vintages. Make sure to book in advance.

Vigneaud Distillery

Vigneaud Distillery is a brand shoot-off of the Mourat family. Several projects are in swing from this historic spirit maker.

Expect hotel stays in what will once be the estate’s stables and workrooms to open in 2025, along with tours and tasting experiences. Sit by the pool this summer with a Negroni made from Vrignaud red vermouth.

Leukon

Once you tire of beaching and need some culture or shopping, head to Luon. Developed in the Middle Ages for its proximity to the sea, the city is anchored by its cathedral and harbor. Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption has survived the centuries to become the only cathedral in Vendée listed as a historical monument. Take time to listen to the Gothic spire bells and stroll through the 16th-century cloister; You will appreciate the restorative effect of your visit.

León has some fun shopping avenues that aren’t as intimidating as Paris. It is also known for its city park, the Jardin Dumaine. I can’t speak for this park personally, as I arrived in Luon in the evening (perils of a very full tour), but it is listed as one of the most beautiful in France.

Le Macy’s

Restaurant Le Macy’s is a favorite local restaurant in Sainte Hermine. The husband-and-wife team who founded and operate it (he’s the chef, she’s everything else) have created a homey, community-focused, restaurant with a sophisticated flair that will make you want to go back the next night. The food is French-Mediterranean, and the wine selection is impressive. Le Macy’s is also an excellent value, and while very French, it doesn’t fall back on standard French fare. (No pomme frites here.) I used to live nearby, and this was an easy option, but go out of your way to experience this unusual yet delightful French restaurant.

La Maison Desami

La Maison Desamy has only three rooms, which can accommodate up to 35 people. It’s small, has minimal, creatively crisp, decor and boasts Michelin-starred chef Simon Bessonet. The gastronomy lunch is surprising with every course. Simply delicious and a terrific accompaniment to a visit to the Mourat Vineyards.

La Marine

Note that Wendy’s has nine restaurants in the Michelin guide. La Marine is most recognized with three stars in 2023-2024. Alexandre Coulon is the decorated chef behind La Marine, which draws inspiration from where it is located on the island of Noirmoutier. Chef Colon says he has to thank the artisans and resources throughout the Wendy’s that contribute to the success of his establishment. The chef also has his wife and business partner Celine to thank for La Marine’s success. In 2024, Las List voted their “Restaurant Baby” as the 3rd best restaurant in the world! (Noirmouter Island is north of Les Sables d’Olonne and is not considered part of the Vendée du Sud.)

Domaine de l’Orfraie

A guest house, bed and breakfast, inn and retreat, Domaine de L’Orfre is all that, transformed into a welcoming, luxurious barn. Accessed by paths between fields and farms, Domaine de l’Orfre offers guest rooms with vaulted ceilings, large fluffy beds, exposed wooden beams and all the amenities you need. A delicious family-style breakfast with fresh jams, fruit, yogurt, pastries, cheeses, charcuterie and more is served at your convenience in the main room of “The Barn”. A vegetable garden and a pool are on the property, with two spacious family-style rooms.

Domaine de l’Orfraie is the dream child of another husband and wife team. (It seemed like every establishment I visited at Wendy’s was family-run!) Wife Sandrine, a former nurse, is the cook and responsible for the divine breakfast buffet, but is also available to serve picnic lunches or dinners with advanced reservations. is

Wendy’s Luxury Accommodation

Eléonore Fourre, director of En Vendée tourism, also recommends Hôtel Parc du Landreau and Château de la Barbinière for luxury accommodations in the region. Shouldn’t it be a rule that anyone visiting France must go to, or better yet, stay in a château?!

Château de la Barbinière is both traditional and chicly updated. It will fulfill your French romance novel fantasy, providing enough attraction for a first kiss. His restaurant, l’Orangerie, is also considered top-notch at Wendy’s, with beautifully plated food by chef Nicolas Pasquier served under a glass roof.

Les Sables d’Olon

France’s Vendée region also includes the beautiful, unmissable 19th-century seaside town of Les Sables d’Olonne. Where to stay there, check into Hotel Vertime. Across the marina, Hotel Vertime is ideally located for access to the world-famous Vendée Globe sailing race. Les Sables d’Olonne’s stunning beaches and quaint neighborhoods deserve several days to explore. Sip local Vendian wine, rent a city bike to explore the salt marshes outside the city, or just sit on the beach, watch the surfers and read a book.