Amenities: Dominated by the ruins of its splendid 12th century castle, Talmont-Saint-Hilaire is an attractive country town with extensive shopping facilities from traditional boulangeries, butchers and fishmongers, to the modern 'Super U' supermarket on the outskirts. It also boasts a lively seasonal Saturday market. La Malvoie is situated in a small hamlet close to Talmont and is well positioned to take advantage of a host of leisure facilities. Within a 2-3 mile radius you will find beautiful beaches, tennis courts, riding schools, golf, mini-golf, bicycle rides, country walks and sailing. There is also a cinema in Talmont open in the summer season. The local sandy beach of Le Veillon is over one and a half kilometres long and has the dual advantage of facing both the Atlantic Ocean and, behind its sand dunes, a protected salt-water inlet ideal for windsurfing and picnics. It has been awarded the coveted European Union classification of “Pavillon Bleu D’Europe”.
Other information: On arrival you will find a 'Welcome' booklet in the house which provides further information on the area and guidance on the way the house works. “Angela Bird’s Vendée” can be bought in the UK or in France or in most online book stores and is highly recommended for some pre-holiday reading.
One point of note is that the Vendée is said to have a 'micro climate' and, as a result, it enjoys sunny days second only to the South of France but with the advantage of not being quite so hot. With its five 18-hole courses the Vendée is, understandably, described as 'très golfique'. A 'Formule Golf” pass gives deals for several courses. The golf clubs usually have good restaurants, open to all – non-members as well as members.Lake and river fishing should yield tench, roach, chub, perch, bream, carp, pike and zander. A 'carte pêche-vacances' (holiday fishing permit) is available for holidaymakers, price around 30 euros (£20) for 15 consecutive days between 1 June and 30 September.
Sightseeing : In addition to the 12th Century castle (with its own night-time 'spectacle' in the summer) and the new Aquarium in Talmont, other local places of interest include the Motor Museum and Zoo in Les Sables and the 'Maison de Clemenceau' in St.Vincent-sur-Jard. Further afield, Mareuil-sur-Lay is a charming town in the middle of the local wine growing district N-W of Luçon, where you can visit the vineyards and taste the wine. Also worth a visit are the Marais Poitevin or Green Venice in Coulon (West of Niort), the port & town of La Rochelle & the port & town of St. Martin on Île de Ré. Another attraction is the Puy du Fou, a spectacular historical theme park, which comes highly recommended as an action packed day out. The evening show is more than any ordinary “son et lumière”. With 2,000 participants and 12,000 spectators it is a unique experience.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/bestbeaches/7685972/Best-beaches-on-the-Vendee-coast-France-Plage-du-Veillon-Talmond-St-Hilaire.html
Golf:
There is an 18 hole par 72 (6392 yd) and a 18 hole pitch & putt par 54 golf course nearby in the Port Bourgenay leisure complex. There are also another four 18 hole golf courses within easy reach. These are at: L'Aiguillon-sur-Vie (near Coex/Challans), Nesmy (near La Roche-sur-Yon), Olonne-sur-Mer (near Les Sables-d'Olonne) and St Jean de Monts.
Other Activities:
bird watching
