The «culture and heritage» experience in Vendée
The Vendée is bursting with cultural treasures and boasts a rich and varied heritage.
Castles - Back to the Middle Ages
Many of the Vendée's castles have stood the test of time, bearing witness to a rich past. In our previous pages, we told you about Talmont-Saint-Hilaire Castle, positioned on a rocky promontory with panoramic views over the commune. From many events are scheduled throughout the year, which you can do on your own or with others. But there are other equally remarkable châteaux to visit, such as Château d'Apremont which dominates the Vallée de la Vie. Its 2 towers, built in the 16th century, are a reminder of the Renaissance period. Guided tours are available every day.
In Tiffauges, visit the famous Gilles de Rais Castle, (companion in arms of Joan of Arc who inspired the character « Bluebeard »from Charles Perrault's fairy tales). The largest medieval fortress in the West still houses an impressive collection of working war machines.
Museums to keep learning fun
Opened in 1976 by Gaston Giron, car enthusiast from an early age, Le Vendée Automobile Museum is located just 10 minutes from your La Baie de Cayola campsite. No fewer than 150 vehicles are on display (cars, motorcycles, etc.) dating from the late 19th century to the present day. The walls are decorated with period posters and signs to get you in the mood straight away.
For painting enthusiasts, you can visit the Musée de l'Abbaye Sainte Croix. Housed in a former priory in Les Sables d'Olonne, the museum is home to modern and contemporary works of art. Paintings by such great names as Victor Bruner, Jean Dubuffer, Alberto Magnelli and Albert Marquet are on display.
Less than half an hour from your vacation destination, discover the Museum du Coquillage. Nearly 45,000 shells unique in Europe with extraordinary shapes and shimmering colors.
You learn something new every day!
For those interested in learning more about the history of the Vendée, we recommend a visit to the Historial de la Vendée. There, about 7,000 years of history in an architecture as surprising as it is incredible!
Architecture and History - Abbeys
Between Abbeys and Priories, plunge into another era near the Bay of Cayola. Just 900 metres from the campsite is the’Saint Jean d'Orbestier Abbey, built in the 12th century by the Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Poitou.
Located in Nieul-sur-l'Autise, the’Abbey of Eleanor is a magnificent example of architecture, which has benefited from a unique restoration. The Abbey is one of the rare monastic complexes in Poitou to have survived virtually intact, and boasts the only Romanesque cloister in the West to have been preserved in its entirety.
Vendée and its heritage: a whole history!
If you like priories, then you'll be under the spell of the Grammont Priory. Founded at the end of the 12th century under Richard the Lionheart, it is now one of the best preserved in France. You'll see some remarkable features, such as the chapel and chapter house.
