Dream holiday not far from home (Vendee)

Member Name: karenroach

Product:	Vendee
Date:	03/06/09 (62 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Usually sunny, white beaches friendly people good food loads to do...

Disadvantages: Can't think of any

We usually stay in, or around St Jean de Monts on the West coast about 60 kilometres South West of Nantes. We make a trip of it by driving down from Calais or Cherbourg stopping for one or two overnight stops on the way down. The local French hotel chains are extremely good value for money -Ibis, Premier Classe, Etap or Campanile all charge per room not per person. The Auto routes are straight from city to city and we have never encountered a traffic jam. It really does help if you can speak even a little French.

We love the Vendee so much we will be going back there for about the sixth time this year in July. Situated on the West Coast of France, it is a popular holiday destination for French people, so it must be good. There are numerous holiday parks used by all the usual companies-Haven/Siblu, Keycamp, Allez France etc

Where do I start, miles of beautiful white beaches. When the sun is up, you can walk along the promenade and watch the beach sports going on. When you have had enough of that you can ride on a sort of cross between a tricycle and a ricshaw, it takes the whole family.

For food we go to the local market where you can buy fresh food at amazing give away prices. The building which houses the market is something to behold almost like a Monument to good eating. If you like sea food you are in for a rare treat. As for the wine, learn to ask for your wine in French by asking "what wine do French people drink with...?" They will love it and you will be directed to beautiful wines at the most amazing prices.

Visit Le Petit St Jean for a traditional French meal. Forget everything you ever heard about French people not liking the English, make up your own mind about it.

There are lots of local Places of Interest to visit The Chateau, Water Park and salt fields at Noir Moutier. Go on the wally trolley and see the Strawberry Trees (I kid you not). Go down to the Old fishing St Gilles Croix Vie. Visit the fabulous wild life park Planete Sauvage at Port Saint Pere. The list goes on and on.

Have I whetted your appetite? See it for yourself on this website http://uk.saint-jean-de-monts.com

Summary: fabulous holiday destination