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    Selection of quality gites in Vendée and throughout France 

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If you own a holiday property in France, a gite or a complex of gites, then you can advertise FREE on this website. Your advert is "spam protected" as we use blind email.  You do not need a website to advertise on this site. The Gites Directory is now indexed by all search engines, including Google, Yahoo and MSN. 

Looking for a gîte for this summer ?

If you are looking for a holiday gîte for you and your family, then look no further. On this site you will find a good selection of privately owned gites across France. Included within many advertisements, is a link to the owner's website. You can contact the owner directly from each advert.

Gites in Vendée

Each area of the Vendee has its own style and its own charm. Gites also come in very different styles and character, from very old converted barns, sea view apartments, to very modern bungalows with all mod cons. There are small rural cottages hidden away in the countryside miles from anywhere, modern purpose built houses on estates, beach view gites, small apartments and many small gite complexes with a choice of cottages of different sizes located in the same grounds. Today, gites in France and especially in the Vendée, are very well equipped, although standards do vary. In the past, gites were of a very basic standard, almost rudimentary with the most basic facilities. Today, the vast majority of gites represent good quality accommodation and very good value for money. In the case of the gite complex which often comprises of 3 or 4 cottages located in close proximity, there is often a shared swimming pool and children's play area. Before booking a gite, if the advert has a link to the owner's website, it is always well worth reading guest comments and testimonials carefully. 

If you have found the perfect gite for you, you may want to inquire as to whether they offer timeshares for sale. By owning a piece of your favorite timeshare, you and your family will be able to return year after year for a fraction of what it might cost to rent long-term.

The Vendée

The Vendee is a large department (or county) about the size of Devon or Cumbria, located on the French Atlantic coast, just South of Brittany and Nantes, and North of La Rochelle. Its position, within 2 to 5 hours of the various western ferry ports, makes the area an easy day's journey from Britain and Ireland. There are literally hundreds of gites and chambre d'hote throughtout the Vendee. 

The name "Vendee" is taken from that of a river that runs through the south-east of the department. After crossing the forest of Mervent it flows through the town of Fontenay-le-Comte, which used to be the capital of Bas-Poitou - the county's name was changed to Vendee after the French Revolution of 1789. The river meanders through the marshes to meet the Sevre Niortaise, and turns West to meet the sea in the bay known as the Anse de l'Aiguillon.

Places to visit in Vendée

Discovering the Vendee region is a revelation for the uninitiated, as it boasts some of the finest sandy beaches in Europe and a sunshine record equal to the South of France. With its beautiful coastline and beautiful "bocage" countryside, it’s no wonder that the Vendée is often described as one of the best-kept secrets in France.

St. Jean-de-Monts is the second largest resort on the Vendeen Coast and, like its neighbour the resort of  Les Sables d'Olonne, has a wide magnificent bow shaped beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. A holiday in the Vendee is perfect for families and the region has so much to offer for children and parents alike. For location, facilities and services, a gîte holiday is the perfect option for a family driving from the UK. Holiday gites are numerous throughout the Vendee, and generally provide accommodation to a very good standard providing excellent value for money.

Situated on the West coast of France, the Vendee is becoming one of France’s most sought-after holiday destinations. Its unique combination of glorious coastline and diverse countryside make it perfect for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. It offers a taste of 'real France', with picturesque villages, historic towns, true French culture and some of the best beaches in France - all this easily accessible from the channel ports, yet far enough South to enjoy reliable summers and a warm, sunny spring and autumn.

Further South in the Vendée, are the dramatic expanses of the limestone plateau, with fields of sunflowers and corn, sleepy villages and only the occasional tractor to break the calm, peaceful ambiance.

Nearing the coast, the plateau gives way to the reclaimed lands of the 'Marais Desséché', criss-crossed with drainage canals and abounding with bird life. Hundreds of years ago, many of the villages here were the only islands standing out in the shallow waters of the 'Golfe des Pictons', now replaced by fields of corn and sunflowers and offering spectacular skies and a light all it's own.

The coastline is characterised by miles of Pine forest, leading to sand dunes and to safe, sandy beaches. From the point at L'Aiguillon-sur-Mer in the south, round to St Vincent-sur-Jard, the sandy beach extends, virtually uninterrupted, for over 12 miles. Further North-West there are delightful coves, rocky points and traditional ports. For hours of sunshine and activities, you can’t beat the Vendée. 

Gastronomy in the Vendée

As with other regions of France, the Vendee is proud of its local produce. In the markets you will find a superb choice of fish and seafood, as well as wholesome vegetables with real flavour. Other local specialities include goat's cheeses, tasty hams, patés, honey and mead, and 'mogettes' (white beans). There are many local wine producers, centred on several main areas, including Mareuil-sur-Lay, Brem-sur-Mer and Pissotte. You can visit the producers for wine-tasting, and in particular we recommend a visit to the newly restored 'cave' Marie du Fou, next to the river bridge at Mareuil-sur-Lay - some of the most refined wines in the area. There is a wide selection of restaurants throughout the Vendee, offering an excellent choice of classic French cuisine or regional specialities. Take a tour round the local town, or through neigbouring villages and you will stumble across many excellent value restaurants, full of local character. Lovers of fish and seafood will find superb choice at the coast - the local mussels, served in dozens of different ways, are some of the best in France. Many restaurants also offer basic children's menus.

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