Travel journalist James March is captivated by the allure of France’s Côte d’Azur, often a go-to destination for beach holidays. However, he presents compelling reasons to consider the Vendée region instead.
Ah, the French Riviera. With its sparkling turquoise waters and golden beaches on one side, and breathtaking mountains on the other, this area has long been a haven for the world’s elite and artists.
Queen Victoria, F Scott Fitzgerald, and The Rolling Stones all found inspiration here. Today, the Côte d’Azur remains as popular as ever, yet France is vast, and the Vendée on the sun-soaked Atlantic coast offers a magical alternative to one of the country’s leading summer destinations.
The Glamour and Glitz of the Côte d’Azur
Extending from lemon-filled Menton to the historic port city of Toulon, this picturesque stretch of the Mediterranean coast is filled with iconic towns and cities.
From the blue and white parasols on Nice’s shores to the luxury resourced beaches of Cannes and Saint-Tropez, the allure of this region never fades, with sunshine bathing its 115 kilometers of coastline for approximately 330 days each year.
The Refreshing Alternative: The Vendée Region
Situated between the cities of Nantes and La Rochelle, the Vendée boasts a unique charm, nestled in a mild microclimate with over 2500 hours of sunshine annually.
The coastline features vast, sandy beaches at Les Sables d’Olonne and Demoiselles Beach, where secluded coves hide in the dramatic corniche at Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie.
The Corniche Vendéenne offers a delightful 3km walking trail that presents breathtaking views, particularly near the Grosse Terre lighthouse, surrounded by the aroma of maritime pine and the sight of fishing boats dancing on the shimmering waters.
Culinary Delights of the Vendée
The Vendée’s gastronomy is special, particularly showcasing the humble sardine. At Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie, the rich tradition of sardine fishing intertwines deeply with local culture. A must-visit is Le Banc de Sardines, a simple harborside seafood shack where fresh sardines are served with fluffy potatoes.
Additionally, visitors can explore the historical evolution of fishing in this region at the Escale Pêche Discovery Centre, or delve deeper into sardine fishing at L’Atelier de la Sardine.
How to Experience the Vendée
For travel enthusiasts, Nantes Atlantique Airport serves as the nearest international airport. Trains from Nantes city center to Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie take approximately 1 hour and 14 minutes, while Les Sables d’Olonne takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes.
If beginning your journey from Paris, direct trains run from Gare Montparnasse to Nantes in just two hours, linking you to the stunning coastal towns.
This charming corner of France draws many Parisians seeking a break from city life, therefore, early planning is advisable to secure accommodations.
