What To Do | Experiences and Culture in the Vendee Charente Region

Les Sables d'Olonne is home to the internationally legendary “Vendée Globe”, the world’s most prestigious single handed race around the world, which is held every 4 years, leaving in November and circumnavigating the globe without assistance before returning in January.

La Rochelle: A visit of the Old Town on foot (2 h), a guided tour of the town hall (1 h) , which houses many souvenirs from the past especially those concerning the Siege (1627–1628). Tour by night « Ronde de nuit » (2h), While the town goes to sleep, follow a watchman for tour of the town’s darkest secrets and unconventional places usually closed to the public, with dressed up characters playing little scenes. The old town by horse-drawn carriage (1h30). 1h by carriage and 30 minutes on foot. Everyday in July and August.

Marennes-Oléron is of course known worldwide for its oysters, being Europe's most prominent oyster production area with 40000 acres of parks and claires. The ultimate stage is the “affinage en Claire”, the refining process. At this stage they are placed in what were once marshes. Oysters remain in the “Claire” for one to three months, where fresh and sea water blend together). These produce 45 to 60000 tons every year for an international market.

Angouleme: The Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Pierre dates back 900 years but has been altered a great deal since. The ornately decorated facade has 70 carvings depicting the story of the Ascension and the Final Judgement and is definitely something the visitor should see.  Towards the west is the Chapel of the Cordeliers that was once an important monastic settlement and where you can still see traces of the ancient cloisters.