Local Markets, Terroir and Restaurants in Vendée

Local markets

around Martinet

To sample Vendée specialities (plaited brioche, préfou, Vendée ham, melons, fresh fish of the day), discover the local markets that come alive in the surrounding area throughout the week:

Monday: Le Château d’Olonne, L’Île d’Olonne, Olonne-sur-Mer, Les Sables d'Olonne Central Market & Arago.
Tuesday Brem-sur-Mer, Brétignolles-sur-Mer (Church Square), Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (Old Port), Challans, La Roche-sur-Yon.
Wednesday: Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (Kergoustin Square), La Roche-sur-Yon (Les Halles / Les Jaulnières).
Thursday: Brétignolles-sur-Mer, La Mothe-Achard (Large market under the Halles on the first Thursday of the month).
Friday La Mothe-Achard (the other Fridays of the month), Brem-sur-Mer, Les Sables d’Olonne.
Saturday: La Roche-sur-Yon (Halles and Garenne), Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Les Sables d’Olonne.
Sunday: Brétignolles-sur-Mer (Church Square), La Roche-sur-Yon, Les Sables d’Olonne.

Merchants and residents under the lively market halls of Les Achards.

Where to eat?

Our favourite restaurants nearby

Because holidays also mean indulging your taste buds, here's a selection of local restaurants that have been tried and tested:

In Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche: Make yourself comfortable at Café des Arts you will discover the generous cuisine of the restaurant 140.
Aux Achards (La Mothe): Do you offer a lunch break at The Brandois Canteen (Open weekdays for lunch), situated in a magnificent setting.
At La Chapelle-Hermier: Stop for a gourmet treat at The Angle Chapelois, ideal after a walk by the lake.
À Saint-Julien-des-Landes : Share a friendly meal at Rest'O Landes.

Ideas for outings

and unusual family outings

Nature, animals and art crafts

Donkey rides (La Chapelle-Hermier): With Hugs Ca-ânes, give your children an unforgettable and fun walk along the banks of Lake Jaunay (from April to September).
The World of Bees (Poiroux) Visit the Finfarine Folie and dive into the heart of a beehive's life as a family through educational workshops.
Village of Artists (Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche) Stroll and meet a dozen craftspeople who will open the doors of their workshops to you. In winter or summer, don't miss the famous Santons' Magic.

Amusement parks and theme parks

Vendée Miniature (Brétignolles-sur-Mer): Discover one of the most beautiful miniature villages in France, a magical recreation of a village from Vendée of yesteryear with its trades, its train and its entertainments.
The Park of the Dunes (Brétignolles-sur-Mer): An open-air family theme park, perfect for a full day of fun with the children (slides, pedal karts, mini-golf, etc.).
Escape to Île d'Yeu : Fancy getting away from it all? Embark on a day-long cycling trip on the magnificent Île d’Yeu, departing from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie or Fromentine.