Take for example the medieval castles in the Vendée. There are several notable ones well worth a visit - such as Tiffauges Castle.
If you're interested in history and plan to visit the Vendée, be sure to read up on the Wars Of The Vendée
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Castles & Vendée History
Vendée history is fascinating. It's one of the things that makes visiting the Vendée so enjoyable.
Take for example the medieval castles in the Vendée. There are several notable ones well worth a visit - such as Tiffauges Castle.
If you're interested in history and plan to visit the Vendée, be sure to read up on the Wars Of The Vendée
Take for example the medieval castles in the Vendée. There are several notable ones well worth a visit - such as Tiffauges Castle.
If you're interested in history and plan to visit the Vendée, be sure to read up on the Wars Of The Vendée
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Chateau de Chinon
The Chateau de Chinon - Chinon Castle - is not in the Vendée, so why write about it?
Well, it merits a mention in my Vendée blog simply because it played a part in the Wars Of The Vendée. In 1793 , during the Wars of the Vendée, Chinon Castle was actually occupied by Vendéens for a time. The castle had pretty much been abandoned prior to this period and it, sadly, went back to that state after the Vendéens left. It was Emperor Napoleon III of France who later stepped in and began a partial restoration.
Read more about Chinon Castle and other medieval castles in France. If you've not been to Chinon then this great slideshow of Chinon Castle will give you a flavour of the place.
We were blessed with the opportunity of visiting Chinon Castle and I have the most colourful memories of that day :)
Well, it merits a mention in my Vendée blog simply because it played a part in the Wars Of The Vendée. In 1793 , during the Wars of the Vendée, Chinon Castle was actually occupied by Vendéens for a time. The castle had pretty much been abandoned prior to this period and it, sadly, went back to that state after the Vendéens left. It was Emperor Napoleon III of France who later stepped in and began a partial restoration.
Read more about Chinon Castle and other medieval castles in France. If you've not been to Chinon then this great slideshow of Chinon Castle will give you a flavour of the place.
We were blessed with the opportunity of visiting Chinon Castle and I have the most colourful memories of that day :)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Vendée Beaches, Vendée Waves
Vendée waves - a wonderful sight!
Vendée beaches are in my opinion amongst the best in France. This photograph is of the wide expanse of beach that stretches for miles from La Tranche Sur Mer northwards up and past La Terriere.
Many Vendée beaches hold the blue flag award for cleanliness of both the sea and the beach itself. On warm Sundays during Spring and Summer a common site on Vendée beaches is that of families sat in happy groups enjoying a picnic.
On some Vendée beaches, usually where there are long stretches of coastline where overcrowding is never an issue, there are sections where naturism is allowed - what the French call plages naturistes. These stretches of beach are signposted. With 250km of beaches in the Vendée and over 2,500 hours of sunshine each year, it's not surprising that many French naturists are attracted to the area with its soft sandy beaches and natural sand dunes.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Vendée Medieval Garden Flower
Flowers in bloom in the sunshine are always a joy to see and in the Vendée there are plenty of opportunities for this.Sunflowers are the most common of flowers in the Vendée I suppose but in a quiet corner of Bazoges-en-Pareds there is the most beautiful medieval garden.
This photograph was taken on a delightful summer's day in that very garden - you can see the historic pigeonniere in the background.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Artificial Grass In The Vendée
Grass is nothing new in the Vendée but artificial grass? Don't worry it's not taking over from the fields of sunflowers but it's clear that the French recognise its value as a practical form of carpet in outdoor, public areas.
This was a bar/restaurant in La Roche Sur Yon where they clearly liked the idea of putting a little colour and comfort under the feet of their customers whilst having something that's easy to clean. So out comes l'herbe artificielle!
This was a bar/restaurant in La Roche Sur Yon where they clearly liked the idea of putting a little colour and comfort under the feet of their customers whilst having something that's easy to clean. So out comes l'herbe artificielle!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Vendée food is a great subject to take an interest in. Not only do you learn what the best local produce is but you acquire the excuse to visit lots of Vendéen restaurants :)
Here are two great examples of popular Vendéen food, commonly served in restaurants in the Vendée:
Here are two great examples of popular Vendéen food, commonly served in restaurants in the Vendée:
Moules et frites - Mussels & Fries
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Vendée countryside .... a typical scene in the bas bocage. Cattle feeding lazily in the sunshine, blue skies above.
As this photograph shows, the inland Vendée is a tranquil place and quite different to the coastal Vendée frequented by so many people from all over France and indeed Europe.
As this photograph shows, the inland Vendée is a tranquil place and quite different to the coastal Vendée frequented by so many people from all over France and indeed Europe.
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