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Surrounding Area: The cottage is situated on the edge of the picturesque small town of Angles with its 11th century church, old streets and local shops including several bars and restaurants. There are also banking, medical and dental facilities available.
La Tranche-sur-Mer is the nearest big town and is just a 5 minute drive by car. The large central car parks give easy access to the local commerce as well as the many bars, restaurants, pizzerias etc. There are hire facilities for bikes. There is a large supermarket. The long sandy beaches are host to national and international wind surfing events, and it is possible to walk along them for miles in both directions.
La Roche sur Yon is the principal town in the Vendée and is 30 km away. Parking in the Place Napoleon in the town centre gives access to the large number of shops and stores. "Les Flanneries" is the largest commercial centre in the Vendée and is all-undercover. Ideal for a rainy day.
You will find a local market in virtually any of the local towns within 15 to 20km including Talmont St Hilaire which is home to the castle of Richard the Lionheart, a vintage car museum and a small pottery.
The seaside town of Les Sables D'Olonne, originally a fishing port is 30 km away. It possesses many narrow side roads where you will find the local shops. There is also a large pedestrianised shopping precinct and an indoor morning market. There are hypermarkets and other large stores just outside the town in Chateau d'Olonne.
The old fishing port of La Rochelle is 50 minutes away by car. There are boat trips to Fort Boyard and the île de Ré amongst others. The harbour is surrounded by restaurants catering for all tastes - especially seafood. The narrow cobbled streets house many shopping arcades and lead to an indoor market and a busy commercial area. The île de Ré can also be reached by toll bridge and should not be missed. Apart from the many small sandy beaches, there are several small towns including the capital of St Martin with its 17th century ramparts. The best way to see the island is to hire a bicycle - there are excellent bike lanes everywhere.
There are plenty of things to see and do in the area. Indeed, the cottages location makes it ideal for going to the beach one day and sightseeing the next.
The cottage is situated on the northern edge of the Marais Poitevin, one of the most beautiful marsh areas in France. Known as the "Green Venice" because of its network of canals, it was created by Benedictine monks during the middle ages whose abbeys and cloisters still stand today. As well as visiting the abbeys, you can hire a boat (like a punt) and travel the waterways.
There are many things for children to do - even outside the summer months - including a visit to the zoo at Les Sables D'Olonne or one of the many animal farms including deer, ostriches, angora goats et al.
A visit to the île de Yeu is recommended. It is a car free island where cycling is very popular. The shoreline consists of sand dunes, beaches and rugged rocks as well as the fishing harbour. Alternatively, visit the île de Noirmoutier which has been linked to the mainland since 1971. Half of the island is underwater at high tide, but not its historic castle.
Nature lovers will find lots of walking and cycle paths in the area. You may even choose to walk with the local walking club! There are several nature reserves nearby, including bird watching at l'Aiguillon, or you may prefer to go fishing. There are also 2 golf courses in the area.
In short, there is something for everyone.
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