This region boasts a wealth of recreational activities; a beach on the river bend just 5 minutes with numerous facilities. Sailing on the lakes, Walks throughout the forest, cycling on and off road, horse riding, fishing and tennis.                               

Fontenay-le-Comte

A Thousand years of history, the central town of the South Vendee, the town with the richest architectural heritage in the Vendee. The capital of the lower Poitou . The 1996 prize for the art of living. It was in the beautiful city of Fontenay baptized” Fountain of noble minds”, by Francois 1^st, that Rabelais opened his mind to humanism. In the foot steps of the creator of Pantagruel, the walker will discover rich mansions, shady parks and elegant squares, witnesses of a prestigious past.

The Renaissance was an age of splendour for Fontenay-le-Comte. The finest buildings date from this era: the mansions, the bell-tower of the Church of Notre Dame, the Chateau of Terre Neuve, The Fountain of the 4 Tias, emblem of the city, the hotel Grimouard, the Seneshal,s Court to name but a few.

A multitude of large shops and supermarkets                                                            

An indoor swimming pool for all the family (with sauna end solarium for relaxation)         

Carting Fontenay Le Comte-85,Circuit de la Michetterie,Route de Niort, 85200 Fontenay-le-Comte.Dév.: 1083x7 m

Tél: 02.51.69.34.34

Play Golf      http://www.formule-golf.com/en/

Many beautiful parks

The Forest

On the NORTH side of Fontenay where we are is the forest of Mervent-Vouvant which is both publicly and privately owned, and combines both a natural beauty and an important biological function, and this is one of the last-wooded departments of France spreading over 5,000 hectares of mainly oak trees.

The site’s judicious development offers several sporting and leisure activities:

Rambling

Equestrian Riding School Farm (www.ripaud-equitation.com)

This is ideal for the kids as it is only 5 minutes away.

Equestrian Farm - riding and discovery school

Béatrice et Bruno RIPAUD
24 rue de la Forêt
85120 Saint Maurice des Noues                                             

Tel. 02.51.00.81.55 - Fax. 02.51.00.81.55                                          
Email : ripaud_equitation@caramail.com

Tennis Mountain-bike paths Rock-climbing Sailing Adventure Parks (one for the older children and adults the other for the kids) River side beaches one with a bar Canoe and Kayaking River swimming Zoo

The massif forest spreads over five communes and its charm is due as much to its countryside as to the two rivers crossing it: the Mere and the Vendee (angler’s paradise)

An Hour North and you reach Puy du Fou A Grand Park with spectacular relived scenes of the past and must not be missed by any visitor to this region

The water ways

On the SOUTH side of Fontenay is the local airdrome for light aircraft flying, beyond witch is the Poitou Marshes now called the Marais Poitevin (the Green Venice) extending over 9,600 hectares

Discover the secret waterways and marshlands by punt. The calm and sheer beauty will bewitch you! Only the boatmen know the ins and out of this green labyrinth of little canals, vaulted over with ash trees.

A Biological reserve A multitude of embarkation points for the “Venise-Verte” Fishing Bicycle tours and the renting of bikes Punting and canoeing Motor boat rental River cruising

The sea

On the WEST side of Fontenay just 40 minuet drive is the Atlantic Ocean and the Historic city of La Rochelle and a coast with so many facilities it would be impossible  to name them all so I have listed just a few:

In the western Loire are well priced, quality courses some twenty six clubs welcome any one from beginners to veterans Want to play a different course each day? No problem.

Inland

To the EAST side of Fontenay is a go cart track and at Poitiers there is Futuroscope

A few other places to Visit

Ile de Noirmoutier
The island, accessible from the mainland by a bridge from Fromentine or at low tide by a causeway, boasts some lovely unspoilt beaches. For a taste of the old Vendée, visit the château and 7th century monastery ruins. Océanile is an excellent waterpark on the island, making an ideal family day out with huge swimming pools, chutes, picnic areas and sunbathing beaches.

St Jean-de-Monts
A modern resort ideal for a lively family holiday with a bustling promenade and wide, sandy beach. On Saturday mornings there is an excellent local market in the town square.

Ile d’Yeu
Reached by ferry from Fromentine or St Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. An island of granite cliffs and rocky creeks, its capital is a lively fishing port where you can sample fresh lobster.

Apremont Lake
As an alternative to the coast, travel inland to the freshwater lake at Apremont where you can visit the castle ruins, laze on the grassy banks and enjoy a picnic, windsurf or swim.

St Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
A colourful little fishing port with many wonderful restaurants where you can try the local seafood, lining the promenade and sea fishing trips available.

La Roche-sur-Yon
The capital of the region with a wide range of excellent shops and an impressive bronze statue of Napoleon I in the main town square.

Les Sables d’Olonne
A modern seaside resort with a magnificent sandy beach and narrow cobbled streets packed with colourful restaurants and shops. The evening life here is particularly lively.

Talmont St-Hilaire
A small resort with a medieval ruined castle, and an interesting motor museum with over one hundred vintage and classic cars on display.

Jard-sur-Mer
A picturesque little town, clustered around the abbey of Notre-Dame de Lieu-Dieu, founded by Richard the Lionheart. There is a traditional market and a modern yacht marina.

La Tranche-sur-Mer
An attractive holiday resort boasting the longest south-facing beach in the Vendée. Ideal for windsurfing and sailing enthusiasts or those wanting to try their hand at water sports for the first time.

Court d’Aron
A magnificent Renaissance château near Luçon with a splendid museum housing antiques and tapestries, surrounded by superb gardens.

Luçon
This ancient port is one of the largest towns in the Vendée. Visit the 17th century cathedral and Bishop’s Palace.

Marais Poitevin
A National Park with a network of canals through marshlands, otherwise known as ‘Green Venice’. Flat-bottomed boats can be hired to explore the canals.

Ile de Ré
An interesting island with long, sandy beaches and a nature reserve. The fortified port of St Martin-de-Ré has ancient, narrow streets, lined with restaurants where you can sample the local oysters.
 

Eating out

http://www.tourisme-sudvendee.com/savourezan/

 Family Attractions

Atlantic Toboggan Water park
An exciting water park with chutes and slides at St Hilaire-de-Riez, and a great day out.

Zoo Des Sables
The zoo at Les Sables d’Olonne is a popular family excursion.

Horse riding
You can learn to horse ride at the stables at St Jean-de-Monts, or enjoy a guided excursion.

Water sports
For sailing or windsurfing, there are excellent sailing centres at St Jean-de-Monts and Les Sables d’Olonne.