So where and how to start discovering the region?
For our first tasting, we have started our look around in the South of the Vendee,
in land from the coast, along the banks of the River Lay.
The Lay, is for me, the epitome of the Vendee. It is never in a hurry, it flows slowly,
serenely, through the southern region of the Vendee. It is welcoming, gentle and
generous to those who take the time to get to know it and through out the seasons
it holds a magic all of its own. I must confess, for me, part of that magic, is the
Lay passes no more than five minutes walk from my front door, but that’s only one
small minute part of its appeal.
If you can, make time during your holiday in the Vendee to leave the coast for a
while. If you are in Les Sable D’Olonne, or Jar Sur Mer or La Tranche Sur Mer you
are no more than hours car drive from a totally different Vendee. Even if it’s only
for the afternoon, venture into the interior of the region, discover the beauty of
the river. You don’t need to fish!
Head for Mareuil sur Lay Dissais, park your car and take a canoe out on the river
for an hour. A word of warning, this is definitely not for adrenaline junkies, there
are no lung- bursting rapids to fight, no white water to soak you; just a gentle
paddle up river, under the bridge, past the tiny Chateau. Let the river cast its
spell on you, take your time, the Lay like life in the Vendee does not rush. No need
to paddle furiously, drift down river for a while, then slowly back in time to look
around the village and perhaps sample a glass or two of the local Fieff Vendeen
