Remembering Vendéans On 11 June

The Vendée has a history all its own. One of the most notable and tragic periods in its history, of course, was the Wars Of The Vendée. There are, however, other less well known periods in Vendéen history with their own, unique story and today we remember one of them.

On 11 June 1916, in the middle of World War I, something happened that has become known as “La Tranchée des Baionnettes". French infantry soldiers encamped in a trench close to Douaumont were preparing for a bayonet assault on the enemy but before they could launch their attack the ground all around them suddenly caved in. It was the result of a massive explosion nearby. No less than 57 of the soldiers including 33 Vendéans were buried alive. Many of these men were from the 93rd RI of La Roche-sur-Yon, capital of the Vendée. 

 This photograph (courtesy of Wikipedia) shows the memorial at the site 

The First World War claimed many more Vendéen casualties as is evidenced by the numerous war memorials in villages all over the Vendée, including one in Sainte Hermine which depicts Georges Clemenceau standing resolute with French trench soldiers in support behind. 

 This photograph we took ourselves on a recent visit to Sainte Hermine

Clemenceau himself unveiled this memorial in October 1921, such was his pride of association with its symbolism. He was of course the man responsible for the drawing up of the peace treaty that ended World War I. What's more, he was born in the Vendée.

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

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 :)

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.

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.

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!

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:

Moules et frites - Mussels & Fries

Galette - Savoury Pancake
(cheese, fried egg, spicy sausage - delicious!)

More on Vendée cuisine

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.