The Vendee, on France’s sun-soaked west coast, is brimming with history, teeming with natural beauty, and packed with a diverse range of attractions. Here are 10 in and around the region that will spark the imaginations of both kids and adults alike.
Where to stay? Check out Siblu’s family-friendly holiday parks in the Vendee.
1/ Atlantic Toboggan
Nestled in Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, Atlantic Toboggan is a water park that offers joy and relaxation in equal measures. From fast and furious water slides for thrill-seekers to heated pools for relaxation and a dedicated water playground for kids, the park caters to every mood and age. It's a place of laughter, fun, and unforgettable water adventures, perfectly suited for a family day out in the sun.
We say: From the thrilling slides to the relaxing jacuzzi, there’s something for every member of the family.
Distance from Les Bois: 5km
2/ Vendee Miniature
Vendee Miniature in Bretignolles-sur-Mer is an impressive display of miniaturization that transports you back to the Vendee of the early 20th century. The exhibit showcases incredibly detailed scenes from the past, complete with over 650 figurines in traditional Vendee costumes, meticulously recreated houses, farms, and landscapes. It offers an unusual perspective of the Vendee's cultural heritage, making history tangible in a fun and captivating way.
We say: The attention to detail is amazing. Kids will be fascinated.
Distance from Les Bois: 25km
3/ Le Grand Défi
Le Grand Défi is an outdoor adventure park in the woods of Saint Julien des Landes offering activities that include tree-climbing routes with zip lines, paintball fields and laser tag arenas that ensure an adrenaline-fueled day out. It's the perfect location to test your agility, have a laugh, and make unforgettable memories.
We say: Kids will love the challenge and adults get to unleash their inner child.
Distance from Les Bois: 35km
4/ Château des Aventuriers
The Château des Aventuriers is not your typical chateau; it's an adventure park in Avrillé, hosting a blend of history, mystery, and exploration. It offers three intriguing trails - The Castle's Mystery, The Pirate's Treasure, and The Dino Adventure - filled with puzzles, riddles, and games. The mix of treasure hunts, escape games, and historical exhibitions offers a unique way to delve into history, making it an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.
We say: What child can resist a dinosaur trail?
Distance from Les Bois: 68km
5/ Le Cairn - Centre de la Préhistoire
Take a trip thousands of years back in time at Le Cairn, a prehistory centre in Saint-Hilaire-la-Forêt. It showcases a museum with a rich collection of prehistoric artifacts, a meticulously reconstructed prehistoric village, and authentic megalithic structures. This unique centre offers an immersive journey into the lives of our ancestors, combining education with entertainment and bringing prehistory to life.
We say: It's both educational and fun.
Distance from Les Bois: 70km
6/ Machine d'Iles, Nantes
Les Machines de l'île in Nantes is a fusion of the invented worlds of Jules Verne and the mechanical universe of Leonardo da Vinci. Here, industrial history meets the future, as fantastical creatures like a giant mechanical elephant or the marine-themed carrousel come to life. Every piece of machinery is a piece of art, moving and carrying passengers, rekindling the industrial history of the Nantes shipyards and showcasing the magic of a steampunk world.
We say: It's a truly unique experience, absolutely fascinating for children and adults alike.
Distance from Les Bois: 73km
7/ O'Gliss Water Park
An oasis in the heart of Vendee, O'Gliss Water Park is a refreshing haven on a hot summer day. This aquatic paradise in Moutiers-les-Mauxfaits boasts a multitude of attractions. You can feel the adrenaline rush on the numerous water slides, unwind in the lazy rivers, or let the kids enjoy the dedicated play areas.
We say: O'Gliss Water Park is the perfect spot to play on a hot summer day.
Distance from Les Bois: 76km
8/ O’Fun Park
O’Fun Park is a high-flying adventure park located in Moutiers-les-Mauxfaits. The park is loaded with outdoor activities, from high ropes courses through the trees to exhilarating water jumps and action-packed inflatable games. The sheer variety of games and challenges make it an adrenaline-pumping playground where fun, adventure, and nature all intermingle. It's a place where both kids and adults can test their courage and agility while having a blast.
We say: It's like an adrenaline-packed playground.
Distance from Les Bois: 87km
9. Marais Poitevin
Marais Poitevin, also known as 'Green Venice', is a serene haven away from the bustling crowd. It offers an enchanting network of canals surrounded by lush greenery, providing the perfect setting for a peaceful day out in nature. You can explore this labyrinthine marshland on foot, by bicycle, or on a traditional flat-bottomed boat, all while spotting various bird species and other wildlife.
We say: It’s the perfect peaceful day out, and the kids will love spotting different animals and birds.
Distance from Les Bois: 103km
10. Puy du Fou
Puy du Fou is more than just a theme park - it's an immersive journey through various periods of history. Spectacular historical shows, ranging from the Roman Empire to the Middle Ages, come to life in beautifully recreated landscapes. With grand shows and period villages, you can witness gladiatorial combat, viking raids, or even falconry display at the heart of an ancient forest. Every spectacle is a voyage, catapulting you through time and making history palpable for kids and adults alike.
We say: It's like living history. The kids will be captivated. And so will you!
Distance from Les Bois: 120km
