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Medieval Festivals 2022

Reminiscent of the big Renaissance Fairs or the all-immersive Feasts of the Hunter’s Moon in other countries like the United Kingdom or the United States, our Vendéen Medieval Festivals take you right into the heart of life in the Middle Ages with authentic food, demonstrations, reenactments, entertainment, and artist markets. The Medieval Festivals are fun for the entire family, a feast for the senses!Medieval festivals and Nocturnal events in the Vendée 2022 – TO BE UPDATED AS NEW DATES ARE ANNOUNCEDCHÂTEAU de BOURNEAU Saturday 9 July 2022 – Sunday 10 July 2022 Zaterdag 9 juli 2022  14:00 – 22:30 Zondag 10 juli 2022   09:00 – 21:30 On Saturday afternoon and Sunday, there will be entertainment around medieval camps with archers, sword fights, candle making, exhibitions of coins, tools, crockery….. – On Saturday at 7pm, the town will host a free show “La brigade de dépollution” as part of the Ricochets …

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Best museums in the Vendée

Museums are not for everybody. We get that. Most would rather spend time outdoors while on holiday and perhaps museums invoke school trips more than family vacation. One of the coolest things about the Vendée is how well educational experiences while on vacation are disguised as super fun family activities. Many of the museums here have an interactive component in such a way that children learn while playing. As family time goes… they are opportunities not to be missed! Here are our recommendations (in no particular order). Enjoy!Chocolate Museum In La Roche-sur-Yon, very close to the big shopping center, is the beautiful chocolate museum of master chocolater Patrick Gelencser… … and that is something you should not miss, especially if you love chocolate. In this museum you go on a journey through the history and flavors of cocoa, from the Mayan civilization to modern times and everything in between. A …

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Best nature & wildlife spots in the Vendée

Ask any locals and returning tourists, and they’ll tell you the Vendée is so beloved because of its moderate ocean climate and because of its tranquility. Vendée is indeed an excellent place to relax with a good book and birdsong! It is also an excellent holiday choice if you enjoy hiking, or wish to practice hobbies such as photography and birding. It is an excellent choice for observing fauna and flora in natural environments, as well as to discover patrimony and old trading customs. Sometimes the two go hand-in-hand. In this article, we share the most excellent spots to discover nature’s joys in the Vendée. We hope you enjoy our (very random) selection!La Cité des Oiseaux – TOP CHOICE Don’t miss this incredible nature reserve located on one of the largest North-South migratory routes for birds, making it a major ornithological center. The Cité des Oiseaux (bird city) is one …

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Best amusement parks in the Vendée!

The Vendée is a perfect area for families to enjoy a holiday together! Through the amusement parks located in (and one just outside) this area, you will find there is something for everyone whether you’re interested in history, or pre-history, or adrenaline rushes, or just good old fashioned family fun that evokes nostalgia for one’s own childhood. In this article we list the best amusement parks the Vendée has to offer. We’ve included where you can bring a picnic and not forgetting about our four-legged friends, where you can bring them along as well. Enjoy!Château des Avonturiers This lovely XVIth century French Renaissance château dates back to 1555. It was built for Jean Girard, who, at the time was the royal breadmaster (panetier) to King Henri II. The person in charge of the King’s bread was an important role in the royal household and held a proper title (as a side …

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Journées Européennes du Patrimoine 2021 in the Vendée: exceptional openings!

The European Heritage Days are the most renowned cultural event in which European citizens participate together. Launched in 1985 in France, the Programme has been a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union since 1999. Make the most of the EUROPEAN HERITAGE DAYS on 18th and 19th SEPTEMBER. This year’s theme is HERITAGE FOR ALL. In this article we highlight interesting locations that are open exceptionally for the occasion, or uniquely provided with a guided tour. What are the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine or European Heritage days? – Created by the Ministry of Culture in 1984, national museums and historic monuments are opened to the public for free or at a reduced rate on the third weekend of September every year. All weekend long, well-organized guided tours, animated demonstrations of old techniques, concerts, theatrical performances, and more, shed a special light on French heritage. Route Planning and Preparation – …

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Medieval Festivals Vendée 2021

Reminiscent of the big Renaissance Fairs or the all-immersive Feasts of the Hunter’s Moon in other countries like the United Kingdom or the United States, our Vendéen Medieval Festivals take you right into the heart of life in the Middle Ages with authentic food, demonstrations, reenactments, entertainment, and artist markets. The Medieval Festivals are fun for the entire family, a feast for the senses!Medieval festivals and Nocturnal events in the Vendée 2021 – TO BE UPDATED AS INFO BECOMES AVAILABLECHÂTEAU DES ESSARTS   No medieval festival announced but expanded programming in 2021 features nocturnal events three nights per week in July and August 2021 (see our events calendar or visit their website) Directions Reservations here ** Nocturne du Dimanche « Les Scènes Ouvertes » Every Sunday evening in summer from 21h00 the Château des Essarts makes its stage space available for various talented artists. Some are singers or dancers, others are comedians, some …