Port-Bourgenay

Port-Bourgenay, a seaside resort in the Vendée region near Les Sables-d'Olonne, is built around a marina hosting a popular evening market during the season, with sunsets over the harbour particularly worth seeing. The town is also known as a departure point for the Vendée Globe, the renowned round-the-world sailing race. The surrounding area offers plenty of scope for cycling along Vendée's marked trails, as well as access to wilder, less crowded beaches. Plage du Veillon, a few kilometres away, is a well-regarded natural spot where the restaurant of the same name is worth booking well in advance given its popularity. Talmont-Saint-Hilaire Castle, best visited on weekdays to make the most of the activities on offer, rounds out the area's cultural attractions. Les Sables-d'Olonne, with its morning markets and fine sandy beach, remains an essential outing, as does a boat trip to Île d'Yeu departing from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. The Puy du Fou park and its evening show, Cinéscénie, lie roughly an hour's drive away. Locally, Restaurant Le Lac also comes recommended for its attentive service. A swimming pool, pétanque courts and the beach round out the local leisure options.