Postcard from Vouvant and Fontenay-le-Comte

We’ve come to the Vendée to catch up with two sets of friends: a couple based in Vouvant and a family we’ve been close to for years in Fontenay-le-Comte. Vendée is part of the Pays-de-la-Loire region in Western France, and borders directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Named after the Vendée River that runs through the southeast of the department. It’s a picturesque and affluent part of the country that boasts a real abundance of blonde, sandy beaches.

Coastal Attractions in Vendée

Resorts such as Les Sables-d’Olonne, La Tranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-de-Monts attract tourists in their droves to enjoy the warm summers and the abundance of cycle routes and footpaths that weave along this beautiful coast. Also known, of course, for the Vendée Globe, this part of the world is renowned for fun, sea and frolics, but we’re here for a quick trip to visit friends in Vouvant and Fontenay-le-Comte.

Artistic Haven in Vouvant

The first friends of ours, a couple named Nick and Sarah, are based in Vouvant and were drawn to this area due to their love of sunshine, art, and painting. A relatively small village, with a population of only just over 800, Vouvant really comes to life during July and August when a dozen or so artists in the village open their doors to the public, sharing their work with whoever fancies coming along. For Nick and Sarah, this truly is heaven on earth because they can get up close and personal with these artists (many of whom are now personal friends). It’s also an excellent chance for them to invite friends and family to their town and share this intimate, arty experience.

We’re staying with Nick and Sarah because their kids have now flown the nest, and they have plenty of space. They have chosen to live in the village and enjoy its community feel. Voted as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France”, Vouvant is picture-perfect, and you can see at a glance why it has attracted so many artists.

Historical and Cultural Richness

Surrounded by the River Mère and protected by a fortified wall that’s in incredibly good order, the village is steeped in some magical folklore. It is linked with the legend of the Fairy Mélusine, who was an ancestor of the Counts of Luisignan and is famed for (supposedly) making the village castle appear overnight. We’re sure the people who fought tooth and nail to construct the castle would have something to say about that claim, but it’s a lovely story nonetheless.

Meeting the Artists

We’re over the moon that, during our off-season visit, Nick and Sarah have managed to arrange for us to visit three artists’ studios, meet them, and hear about their work. Apparently, the artists are quite open to this, so if you’re visiting and interested in the opportunity, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re spending 3 nights with Nick and Sarah, and then we’re off to Fontenay-le-Comte, where we’ll stay in a charming little chambre d’hôte because, unlike Nick and Sarah, our other friends still have all their kids at home.

Exploring Fontenay-le-Comte

Fontenay-le-Comte is an inland town that serves as the sub-prefecture of the Vendée department. A Renaissance town, it is commonly described as the prettiest town in the Vendée, and it’s easy to see why. Interestingly, Fontenay was once a port on the River Vendée, thanks to its location along the ancient Roman coastal road from Les Sables-d’Olonne to Niort.

It’s strange when you wander around this inland town, and you stumble across streets named Quay Road, which include signposts to the port. The reason for this is that the marshes gradually silted up over the years, and the land was drained by the Benedictine monks when the sea receded, leaving the town landlocked by the end of the 19th century.

Must-See Attractions

While we’re in Fontenay, we won’t have much time for travelling around because we’ll catch up with our friends. Still, we know from previous visits that Nieul-sur-l’Autise, the Centre Minier de Faymoreau, and the Château de Terre Neuve are unmissable tourist attractions. And for us, of course, the markets and street cafés are to die for. So, if you’re planning a visit, make sure you don’t miss them.

Whether you’re looking to buy a holiday home or make a permanent move, take a look at our properties for sale in the Vendée.