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Addresses of Tourist Information Offices can be obtained from:
http://www.tourism-office.org – in French

A large collection of information leaflets is kept at the house for use by clients.

Local attractions
Puy du Fou – internationally known for its Grand Parc, open during the day, and La Cinéscénie, at night-time. The Grand Parc is a large theme park with staged battles, falconry displays, Roman chariot racing and many other attractions. La Cinéscénie is a spectacular light and sound display with a cast of hundreds, galloping horsemen, laser displays etc – what the French do really well! See www.puydufou.com

Le Manoir des Sciences (Réaumur) – former home of Ferchault de Réaumur, an amazing amateur scientist and inventor.

La Maison de la Vie Rurale – gives an insight into rural life and geography in the area.
See http://pro.wanadoo.fr/maison-vie-rurale

Le Château de Pouzauges – partially ruined castle with good views.

St Mesmin castle – events on a medieval theme are held regularly during the summer. See http://www.chateau-saintmesmin.fr

Musée National des Deux Victoires (Mouilleron-en-Pareds) - interesting museum dedicated to two famous men associated with the town – George Clemenceau and Jean de Lattre - see www.musee-deuxvictoires.fr

Le Train à Vapeur de Vendée – steam train that runs between Mortagne-sur-Sèvre and Les Herbiers. See www.vendee-vapeur.fr

Vouvant – designated ‘one of the most beautiful villages in France’ – see www.vendee-vouvant.com

Fôret de Mervent-Vouvant – large area of woodland with cycling and walking trails. See www.mervent-foret.com

Château de Terre-Neuve –- interesting 16th C house at Fontenay-le Comte. See www.chateau-terreneuve.com

Attractions further away – (about 1 – 1½ hours drive from the house)

Le Marais Poitevin (also known as ‘La Venise Verte’ or ‘Green Venice’) – an area of low-lying land north of La Rochelle, with a network of narrow canals. Hire a punt and take a leisurely route along the canals. See these websites:
www.lessalines.fr
www.la-venise-verte.com
www.marais-poitevin.fr
www.parc-marais-poitevin.fr
www.marais-poitevin-tourisme.com
www.oiseauxmaraispoitevin.com

Beaches – the Vendée coastline has miles of golden sandy beaches.

Le Parc de la Court d'Aron – interesting and attractive park with adjacent chateau. Exotic plants, including an extensive area of lotus plants, unique to Europe. See www.lacourtdaron.com

Horse-riding displays – see www.lafermeequilibre.com and www.cadrenoir.fr

Museum du Coquillage (Les Sables d’Olonne) - a private collection unequalled in Europe for the rich, impressive, collection of thousands of seashells of extra-ordinary shapes and in the most shimmering colours.

La Rochelle – attractive port with lots of old buildings see www.larochelle-tourisme.com

Futuroscope – famous theme park near Poitiers – see http://www.futuroscope.com

Loire valley – historic châteaux and gardens – see www.valdeloire.org

Islands – Ile de Re (see www.iledere.com ) and Noirmoutier can be accessed by car via bridges