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Now a French regional park, Marais Poitevin, known locally as La Venise Verte, is a system of canals, dykes and slow flowing rivers amongst meadows and poplar trees through which farmers are often seen travelling in flat bottomed punts. Visitors can explore the canals by punt (with or without a boatman to guide you) on the peaceful waterways, or via the many miles of well marked cycling tracks. |
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The fabulous resort of La Rochelle is able to offer a wide range of exclusive shops. It is firmly established as one of the countrys foremost yachting centres as well as having a rich history that is most visible at the Old Port, which with its 3 medieval towers, is the main focus of the town. Opposite La Rochelle and also worth exploring is the fashionable island of Re. To the French, the Ile De Re is a chic destination. It has vineyards, farms and whitewashed villages, which all add to its undoubted charm. Although a bridge now links it to the mainland, it retains most of its insular character and its famous salt-marshes. Numerous blazed cycle-tracks allow visitors to crisscross the island in peace and quiet. |
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A few miles north of Poitiers is Le Puy-du-Fou and Cinescenie. Justifiably regarded as the greatest sound-and-light show in Europe, this glorious summer open-air entertainment uses sophisticated special effects to tell the history of the Vendée. On summer evenings, the terrace below the rear façade of the chateau, together with the ornamental lake below it, makes an agreeable background for this dazzling show, in which the history of the Vendée region comes to life with the help of 800 actors and 50 horsemen, including an impressive array of special effects, fountains, fireworks, laser and other lighting displays. Performances throughout the day include falconry, jousting, magic and music, demonstrations of rural crafts and atmospheric reconstructions of a Norman fort, a medieval town and an 18th-century village. May to September. Also on the outskirts of Poiteirs, Futuroscope is dedicated to film and the moving image. Mind-boggling special effects and some of the worlds largest screens make this fantastic fun for all the family. |
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For a rather more relaxing experience, make a point of visiting the Parc Floral de la Court dAron. This magnificent garden lies between Luçon and Les Sables-d'Olonne. Koi carp swim lazily in the ponds, and bamboos and banana palms rustle in the breeze. From late June till early August a vast lake is totally covered with thousands of exquisite pink-tinged lotus flowers - simply breath-taking. There is also an area with animals and a play area for the children all in all, a great, relaxing, family day out. There are markets in all towns and villages on different days of the week and numerous festivals throughout the year. The Angela Bird's Vendée Pages website offers useful information on the area, so too does the In the Vendée website. If your French reading abilities are up to it, you can also try the site of the Conseil General de la Vendée |
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For further information or to make a booking, please contact Nick and Justine at info@lasanssouci.com
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