Parks and gardens
Fruity, peppery, spicy, woody - the magic of perfumed plants will take you by surprise, when you visit one of Vendée’s many parks and gardens. All reveal themselves in an unusual manner, and are the prelude to lovely family walks.
Not to be missed:
The Jardin des Olfacties at Coëx
Come to this perfumed garden and discover the magic of scented plants in the course of an unusual soothing stroll through a garden full of charm, whether your interest be in the growing of such plants or just in relaxing in this world world of multi-faceted nature. Two hour visit are needed to explore the grounds, awarded the title of «Botanical Garden of France and the French-speaking world» in 1999.
The Floral and Tropical Park of the Court d’Aron at Saint Cyr en Talmondais
Since 1977, the Park has borne witness to the micro-climate existing in the Vendée region: tulips, orchids and carnivorous plants in glasshouses, colourful Icelandic poppies, irises from Japan, papyrus from Egypt and many other specimens lead the visitor on to the aquatic gardens with their waterfall, fountain and koi carp. And further on, beyond the towering bamboos, the eucalyptus groves, the banana plantations and the Chinese palms you will, during the month of July, discover the wonderful spectacle of the lake covered in flowering lotus blooms from Asia. Ikebana and Boansai exhibitions in Ssummer.
The Jardin du Vent at Notre-Dame de Monts
At the foot of a curious windmill capped by its sails, there is an unusual garden in wich visitors can enjoy an artistic, entertaining and instructive stroll around the living sculptures, wind chimes, legends and things meteoroligical wich offer surprises along the way on this circuit which takes the visitors via a rose des vents and an outdoor theatre. The museum and exhibition area offers an understanding of the secrets of our weather through its entertaining yet informative exhibition, in which you can also find most notably a collection of meteorological instruments new and old.
