Villa Ravel

34km

Nantes 100km, La Rochelle 44km.
Ferry ports: St Malo 280km, Caen 390km.

Bar, restaurants and small supermarket all within walking distance in Nalliers.
Supermarket in Lucon (12km).
Hospital in Lucon (12km) or Fontenay le Comte (18km).

LOCAL MARKETS

Monday: L’Aiguillon sur Mer (31km)
Tuesday: Marans (21km)
Wednesday: Lucon (12km). Marans organic market in the afternoon (21km)
Thursday: Chaillé-Les-Marais (10km)
Friday: Sainte-Hermine (12km)
Saturday: Lucon (12km), Fontenay le Comte (18km)
Sunday: Saint-Juire-Champgillon (17km)

Lucon (12km)
Lucon is a typical Vendean town, dominated by the spire of the Gothic cathedral. Cardinal Richelieu, who created the Académie française, the learned society responsible for matters of the French language was bishop of the town in the early 17th century.

Fontenay Le Comte (18km)
Capital of the Vendée until the beginning of the 19th century, this attractive riverside town has splendid monuments, elegant little squares, majestic private mansions and tranquil green spaces, all easily explored on foot.

DAY TRIP IDEAS

Marais Poitevin (39km)
Known as the ‘Venise Verte’ or ‘Green Venice’ the Marais Poitevin is a tranquil wetland made up of natural watercourses, man-made canals as well as meadows, dykes and fens. This remarkable area of marshland is full of wildlife and the dominant features of the landscape are the poplar trees, which shade the waterways, bending and rustling in the wind. The best way to discover this wildlife haven is by boat and these can be hired from several local centres, including the pretty village of Coulon.

La Faute sur Mer (34km)
The attractive seaside resort has a lovely 8km stretch of sandy beach and offers a wide range of water-based activities including yachting, sea kayaking and stand-up paddle. For something more relaxing, take a stroll on the Pointe d’Arcay, a large nature reserve on a sandy spit jutting out into the sea and backed by oak and pine trees. (There is also a small naturist beach here as well).

La Rochelle (42km)
One of the finest jewels in the French crown, La Rochelle is a most impressive medieval city and most recognisable with its famous towers at the entrance to the port. The old port is often regarded as the best “vieux port” on the French Atlantic coast. The old town has old timber-framed medieval houses, mansions and Renaissance architecture, including passageways covered by 17th-century arches most of these remain in superb condition as they are protected from the salt air by slates tiles. There is also a fabulous collection of lighthouses, all a rich reminder of its magnificent sea heritage. Walk on the quays, discover the wonderful narrow streets of the old town or browse in the numerous shops along the pedestrian streets and under the arcades. La Rochelle is a sheer delight and also has a great choice of seafood restaurants spread around the city serving traditional local dishes and products from the sea. In July you can enjoy the Francofolies music festival and in summer the fabulous Aquarium is open until 11pm.

Ile de Ré (64km)
Île de Ré is a charming family friendly island with preserved landscapes and amazing beaches, easily accessible from La Rochelle by crossing the beautiful Le Pont de L’Île Ré. Hiring bikes to explore the island is what most people tend to do. This allows you to fully admire this beautiful island, its idyllic villages and wonderful natural scenery. Discover the salt-marshes and wetland of Lilleau des Niges Nature Reserve, the wild beaches backed by sand dunes and pine forests and the idyllic villages of Ars-en-Ré and La Flotte. For oyster aficionados sampling the freshest Trousse Chemise oysters is a must. Other things to do on the island is visit the lively daily market, explore the historic town of Saint-Martin-de-Ré – home to an excellent jazz festival in August and enjoy the various events taking place at the lighthouse or simply climb to the top and enjoy the truly mesmerising views over island and ocean.

Les Sables d’Olonne (69km)
Les Sables d’Olonne is Vendee’s best known and largest resort. With its long promenade, choice of wide sandy beaches and excellent quayside restaurants, it is a popular destination for a family seaside holiday. It has a thriving fishing port and world class marina which is the start and finish point of the prestigious Vendee Globe sailing event, a single-handed race around the world.

Le Puy du Fou (73km)
With over 1.5 million visitors a year, Le Puy du Fou is the fourth most popular attraction in France. It is a fantastic attraction for all ages, and more than a theme park in the traditional sense. It offers a selection of wonderful historical shows ranging from Roman circus games to world-class falconry. The main show takes place in the evening on a huge outdoor stage behind the ruined castle. It tells the story of the 700 years of history in the area in the form of a memorable sound and light show.

Nantes (97km)
With its superb Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, Cathedral, museum, Jardin des Plantes and many more amazing places to visit, a day trip to the lively city of Nantes is recommended.

Futuroscope (135km)
A different kind of theme park based upon multimedia, cinematographic and audio-visual techniques. There are several 3D and 4D cinemas along with various other attractions and shows, some of which are the only examples in the world.

NEARBY ACTIVITIES

Golf: La Roche Sur Yon (45km).
Tennis: Nalliers (300m).
Horse-riding (9km).