Travel to the heart of Vendée history as soon as you leave the campsite!
Animated castles and immersive experiences, Castles that are not just to be visited... but to be experienced.
Commequiers, medieval festivals
The ruins of the Château de Commequiers, an ancient fortress and undisputed showpiece of late medieval military art in the Vendée, boasts an octagonal enclosure built in the 15th century, flanked by eight towers and surrounded by a moat. The site, located 1 hour from the campsite, hosts a medieval festival every summer, with shows, a village, restaurants and crafts.
Our opinion: Suitable for walkers, heritage enthusiasts and visitors who enjoy open-air historic sites and medieval remains.
Tiffauges, shows, firing of war machines, costumes
Tiffauges castle, on the banks of the River Sèvre, reveals its impressive ruins over 3 hectares, with a well-preserved keep, chapel and Vidame tower. Discover a conservatory of medieval war machines, a scriptorium, an impressive trebuchet and an alchemy laboratory, along with shows and entertainment for all the family, just 1h15 from the campsite.
Our verdict: Perfect for families with children, fans of the Middle Ages and visitors looking for an immersive experience with entertainment and shows..
Saint-Mesmin, one-off medieval festivals
Saint-Mesmin castle, a medieval fortress dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, dominates the Loing valley from a rocky spur. Surrounded by ramparts, defensive towers and an impressive keep, it offers an immersion into the military architecture of the Middle Ages. Located around 1h30 from the campsite, take advantage of the medieval activities, guided tours and fun experiences to discover the life of the lords, soldiers and craftsmen of yesteryear.
Our verdict: Recommended for families and visitors curious to discover daily life in a lively medieval fortress.
Talmont, medieval fortress by the sea
Talmont Castle, a medieval fortress founded in the 11th century, dominates the Payré estuary from its ramparts, defensive towers and the remains of its keep. A former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, it is just 30 minutes from the campsite and offers animated tours, medieval shows and demonstrations of war machines, giving children and all the family a fun and immersive discovery of history.
Our verdict: A great cultural getaway to combine with a day at the beach or a stroll through the charming village of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire.
The castle of adventurers, the park where you are the hero
Just a stone's throw from our campsite, the whole family can set off on an adventure in an 86-hectare wooded leisure park. You can visit the Renaissance château, listed as a Historic Monument: the main courtyard, the library, the billiard room, the dining room, the grand staircase, the King's bedroom... 4 great worlds await young and old.
Our verdict: An exciting visit for families! Children love the puzzles and interactive tours. Adults love the castle's fun atmosphere.
Abbeys of Vendée, between spirituality, marshes and the Vendée countryside.
The Royal Abbey, a treasure to be explored
Stop off at Saint-Michel-en-l'Herm to discover the Royal Abbey and its 11 centuries of history. Accessible by guided tour only, the abbey invites you to take a trip back in time and discover the origins of the Marais Poitevin. A few steps away, enter the neoclassical church dating from 1899. Discover the island of La Dive, an island in the middle of an ocean of grain.
Our verdict: Our holidaymakers set off by bike for an afternoon rich in heritage, nature, discovery and relaxation.
The Royal Abbey of Notre-Dame de Lieu-Dieu, discreet and fascinating
Just 1 hour's cycle ride from the campsite, via the Domaniale forest, to Jard-sur-Mer, for a trip to the heart of the Middle Ages in the Royal Abbey. Founded in 1197 by Richard the Lionheart, it was a monastery for canons of the Prémontrés order.
Although partially destroyed, the abbey, a discreet and fascinating heritage site, retains a number of remarkable features that the new owners are restoring and allowing you to discover them on guided tours.
Nieul-sur-l'Autise Abbey, , Romanesque art
A jewel of Romanesque art in the Vendée, Nieul-sur-l'Autise Abbey, founded in the 11th century, has a rich cloister, sculpted capitals and well-tended gardens. This remarkable site provides a better understanding of medieval monastic life in a harmonious, well-preserved setting.
Romanesque art enthusiasts, heritage lovers and walkers will love the peaceful cultural visits.
The museums, a blend of expertise, history and unusual collections
Vendée miniature, the story in miniature
Take a trip back to the 1900s and get a glimpse into the lives of the men and women of that era, with animated villages and scenes, and take part in activities and workshops.
Our verdict: Families with children, model enthusiasts and visitors looking to visualise history and heritage on a small scale, you've come to the right place!
Car museum, Roll into history
Discover a fascinating family collection that began in 1939! Cars, bicycles, motorbikes, horse-drawn carriages, prototypes of the future, posters and advertising boards from the period are all on display.
Our verdict: Our holidaymakers enjoy this fascinating tour, which delights nostalgic visitors and younger generations alike.
Museum of antique utensils, daily life in the past
Admire superb collections dating back to the 18th century in six exhibition rooms with different themes: cooking, pastry-making, conservation....
Sale of old recipes, books, regional products and educational games.
Our verdict: Nostalgia for some and discovery for others! A visit that will surprise families.
Museum of traditions, trades and skills of yesterday
Discover traditional crafts, costumes, headdresses, a rural interior, the tools of the salt worker, the farmer, the wine grower, the still of the distillers, a classroom and souvenirs of the 14-18 war...
Our verdict: An original and convivial outing where the objects captivate young and old alike.
Milcendeau Museum
Let yourself be charmed by the artist's unusual house, listed as a Historic Monument, and discover more than 80 realistic works by the painter Charles Milcendeau.
Museum of yesteryear
Visit the «Terre d'Antan» museum at La Billerie, in a rural setting where more than 500 machines and a wide range of tools used in the day-to-day agricultural and craft work of our elders are on display.
Faymoreau Mining Centre Museum
The Faymoreau Mining Centre is a dynamic and unusual museum that bears witness to a not-so-distant past when coal was mined. The mining village, the miners' chapel and the Epagne headframe will brighten up your day.
Haras de la Vendée
In a 4.5-hectare park in the heart of La Roche-sur-Yon, the Haras de la Vendée, 40 minutes from the campsite, shares its passion for horses with you. Discover dressage and the different stages in creating an equestrian act, attend work sessions and equestrian shows, guided tours or interactive educational workshops.
