Things to do around the cottage
The lake on foot from the garden, La Roche-sur-Yon 7 km away, the Puy du Fou and the beaches at 45 minutes, the Marais poitevin and Noirmoutier for a day trip. It all fits into one stay.
From the cottage, on foot
Here, one of the main pleasures of a stay is simply enjoying the setting. The cottage overlooks Moulin Papon lake, in the heart of open countryside, in a particularly peaceful little hamlet.
The lake loop (9 km) starts at the cottage: walking trails, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and the watersports of the local sailing centre (rowing, sailing, paddleboarding). Mist on the water at dawn; in August, the shooting stars guests write about.
La Roche-sur-Yon, 7 km away
Place Napoléon and its astonishing mechanical animals, an original free attraction families love; the Napoleonic “Pentagon” and its façades; the covered market (Les Halles) on Saturday mornings; the Vendée stud farm; cinemas, the swimming pool, and restaurants for the evenings you don’t feel like cooking.
The big days out
With the family
O’Fun Park and O’Gliss Park
Treetop courses, zip lines, water slides — Le Bernard, 35 min away. The water park opens in summer.
Les Folies de Finfarine
A woodland leisure park for little ones: games, bees, walks — Poiroux, 30 min away.
Le Potager extraordinaire
Gardens, giant gourds and workshops — La Mothe-Achard, 20 min away.
Le Château des aventuriers
Treasure hunts and puzzles in a castle — Avrillé, 35 min away.
The beach, quite simply
Sandcastles at La Guittière, shellfish gathering at low tide at Talmont, ice cream on the promenade at Les Sables.
The lake, no car needed
Picnics at the water’s edge, cycling around the lake, the neighbours’ horses, ducks to feed.
Heritage and culture
The Historial de la Vendée at Les Lucs-sur-Boulogne (25 min [distance to be checked]), the Logis de la Chabotterie at Saint-Sulpice-le-Verdon (20 min [distance to be checked]) and its restaurant, the castle of Tiffauges, known as Bluebeard’s castle (50 min [distance to be checked]), the windmills of Mouilleron and Clemenceau’s house (40 min [distance to be checked]).
Markets and good tables
The market in La Ferrière on Thursday mornings, Les Halles in La Roche-sur-Yon on Saturdays. For dinner: Les Reflets and L’Abissiou in La Roche-sur-Yon, La Chabotterie for a special occasion. And local produce to take home: brioche vendéenne, préfou garlic bread, mogette beans, Noirmoutier salt. [DRAFT — to be reviewed by Paul]
Through the seasons
Spring: the lake in bloom, the first hikes, Easter at the Puy du Fou. Summer: beaches, the Cinéscénie, nights of shooting stars on the terrace. Autumn: morning mists, the grape harvest at Clisson, markets. Winter: absolute calm, an open fire in town, and the Puy du Fou at Christmas. [DRAFT — to be reviewed by Paul]