Châteaux and Monuments

CHÂTEAU DE TALMONT 

The castle of Talmont, a classified 11th century fortress, invites you to explore life in the Middle Ages.

CHÂTEAU DE SAINT-MESMIN 

The castle of Saint Mesmin is a XIVth century to which was added, in the XVth century, an imposing high keep.

LE CHATEAU DE TIFFAUGES 

Greatest western medieval fortress in Tiffauges en Vendée, 20 minutes from Puy du Fou and 25 minutes from the Clisson valley: show, 3D film, crossbow shooting. Unique in the world: the largest collection of war machines in operation!

MAISON DU MAÎTRE DE DIGUES 

Recognised by the Regional Natural Park of Marais Poitevin, the Dykes master house presents the story of a territory. Children's games booklet (7 years +). Animals on site. 30 minutes from La Rochelle. Marais poitevin: dried marshes.

LE LOGIS DE LA CHABOTTERIE  

18th-century home in Saint-Sulpice-le-Verdon in Vendée, 20 minutes from La Roche sur Yon. Visit the furnished rooms. Place of arrest of General Charette in 1796. Show trail and French walled garden. 45 minutes from Puy du Fou.

HARAS DE LA VENDÉE 

Come and share our passion for horses at the Haras de la Vendée, set in a 12-acre park in the heart of La Roche-sur-Yon.

CHÂTEAU DES ESSARTS 

The Essarts chateau spans 2000 years of history. Roman sacrificial mound, it became a chateau mound from the 9th to 11th centuries. Fortified enclosure and 12th century Saracen tower. Carriage entrance and 16th century Renaissance home

CHÂTEAU DE BESSAY 

CHÂTEAU DE LA CANTAUDIÈRE 

LA TOUR D'ARUNDEL & LE CHÂTEAU SAINT-CLAIR 

Built by the Princes of Talmont in the 15th century, the chateau was seized by the Protestant leader, Soubise, in 1622, whom ordered fortifications to be built. First a garrison under Louis XIII, the château, which currently houses the Sea Museum, was bombed in 1796 by the Anglo-Dutch, seized by the government in 1835, and finally restored between 1986 and 1994. The tower forms part of the Chateau Saint-Clair’s defences. The first harbour light was introduced in 1593. In the 18th century, the La Chaume lighthouse was the only lighthouse in the Vendée. Its present appearance is the result of restoration work undertaken between 1857 and 1858. When visiting the sea museum, take the unique opportunity to go to the top of the tower and enjoy stunning panoramic views. Viewpoint indicator from 1911. open from 13th April to 30th September 2019. See p.61.