LES TAMARIS - in the south Vendee, France.

Situated on the west coast of France, the Vendee is becoming one of France's most sought-after holiday destinations. Its unique combination of glorious coastline and diverse countryside make it perfect for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. It offers a taste of 'real France', with picturesque villages, historic towns, true French culture and some of the best beaches in France - all this easily accessible from the channel ports, yet far enough south to enjoy reliable summers and a warm, sunny spring and autumn.
Each part of the Vendee has its own style and its own charm. In the northern half, there is the rolling countryside of the 'Bocage' with its undulating pastures and woods, offering an authentic rural setting. The valley of the river Sevre is particularly attractive, flowing through the towns of Tiffauges, Mortagne sur Sevre and Clisson. Futher south are the dramatic expanses of the limestone plateau, with fields of sunflowers and corn, sleepy villages and only the occasional tractor to break the calm, peaceful ambiance. Nearing the coast, the plateau gives way to the reclaimed lands of the 'Marais Desséché', cris-crossed with drainage canals and abounding with birdlife. Hundreds of years ago, many of the villages here were the only islands standing out in the shallow waters of the 'Golfe des Pictons', now replaced by fields of corn and sunflowers and offering spectacular skies and a light all it's own.

Places to visit near to Les Tamaris holiday cottages
Green Venice In the south-east, around the courses of the rivers Sevre and Vendee, extends the famous 'Marais Mouille' (Green Venice) where the network of canals and waterways densely bordered with trees can be explored by punt or canoe. Many villages in the south-east corner of the Vendee offer punt hire or guided trips; Le Mazeau, Velluire, Vix, Damvix, Maillezais offers a good restaurant next to the embarcation as well as the ruined abbey to visit.
Exotic gardens of Court d'Aron At St Cyr-en-Talmondais. Thousands of rare plants in a delightful setting of sumptuous gardens. Spectacular lotus flower lakes in bloom from June to September. See more details.
Chateau de la Guignardiere At Avrille. Furnished Renaissance chateau to visit, children's treasure trail, vast park with animals, picnic spots. See more details.
Also at Avrille; Ferme et Nature - 25 acre wildlife park on a farm theme with around 500 animals of 40 different breeds. Wildlife trail through the woods. See more details.
History theme park - Le Puy du Fou This famous history theme park is unique in Europe, offering a full day out, packed with fun for all ages, including a Roman amphitheatre with chariot races and gladiators, falconry displays and recreated villages from several different periods of history. The 'Grand Park' with its day-time attractions is open to visitors, without reservation, throughout the season and there is night-time 'son-et-lumiere' open air theatre for which you need to book months in advance (but well worth it!). See their web site for more details
Tree adventure park - Indian Forest Moutiers les Mauxfaits, Vendee 25 acre theme park in an oak forest. Has both harnessed activities high in the trees and more gentle activity areas and forest trails. 2km cable run, bungy jumps, paint ball, 18 hole mini-golf, plus pony rides, bouncy castles and other features for the young ones. Picnic area. Best to reserve in peak season. Minimum age limits on some activities. See more details.
Aquarium "The 7th Continent" Near Talmont St Hilaire. Various natural habitats from all over the world recreated in 12 vast pools. 400 species. Sharks' feeding time 15.30 See more details Chateau de Talmont St Hilaire Middle-Age fortified chateau which was Richard the Lionheart's hunting residence. Discovery trail through the chateau grounds. Demonstrations - knights on horseback. Crossbow shooting, costumes, calligraphy. Illuminated pageant in the summer evenings, early July to end of August, weekdays at nightfall. See more details.
Zoo at Les Sables d'Olonne 200 animals in natural settings amongst 7 acres of forests and gardens. Big cats, monkeys, giraffes, otters, pandas, penguins, vultures, wolves, reptiles as well as many little known species. Link to zoo
"Aunisceane" fun pool La Tranche sur Mer. Indoor and outdoor fun pool complex. Water slides, toddlers pools, river feature, water canon, etc. Water at 29°C. Relaxation area with sauna, hammam, jacuzzi. Open 12.00 to 20.00 in July and August. Link to Aunisceane

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Holiday activities near Les Tamaris

3 golf courses nearby:
La Domangere
Coex
Port Bourgenay

Water sports at
La Tranche sur Mer

Forest cycle trails at
Ste Gemme la Plaine

Horse riding at
Moutiers sur Lay

Wine tasting at
Mareuil Sur Lay

Tourist information links for the Vendee:
The Vendee Guide - Excellent Vendee information site.
Angela Bird's Vendee - One of the best Vendee sites.
Vendee tourism - The official web site of the Vendee tourist board.

Places to visit further afield
La Rochelle La Rochelle is one of the places that you must visit on the Atlantic coast. The fascinating old town has some buildings dating back to the 15th century and is a marvelous place to stroll around - cafe terraces, great restaurants, tempting boutiques. There is also the famous port, the huge aquarium and several museums. La Rochelle is just 45 minutes from Les Tamaris. More details.
Nantes and the Loire Valley The historic town of Nantes is just an hour away and the chateaux and vineyards of the Loire Valley are easily accessible for day trips (Angers 1½ hours). Loire Valley photos.
Poitiers As well as the well-known Futuroscope theme park, the town offers a delightful historic centre and is an ideal shopping venue. More details on Futuroscope.
The islands off the Altantic coast Island of Ré: Reached by bridge from La Rochelle, or by boat from some of the coastal resorts. Charming port of St Martin-sur-Re, beaches, lighthouse to visit, cycling in the salt-marshes. Island of Yeu: 1 hour by boat from St Gilles Croix de Vie or Fromentine. Really beautiful. You can go right round by bicycle in a day (hire available), passing sandy beaches, wild moor land and rocky coves. Noirmoutier: Linked to the mainland by bridge and by the famous causeway (Le Gois), exposed at low tide.

Self catering holiday cottage rentals in the Vendee:
Les Tamaris - Two holiday gites with heated swimming pool. Rural village location near the Vendee coast. Local activities include wine tasting, cycling and horse riding. 18 hole golf course within half an hour. Water sports at the coast within 40 minutes.