Vendée

The Vendée is a department in western France. It's known for its long coastline and sandy beaches, like those in the towns of Saint-Jean-de-Monts and Les Sables-d'Olonne. Here, the Zoo des Sables focuses on environmental protection, and is home to lions, monkeys and anteaters. The department's islands include Noirmoutier, with a centuries-old castle, and Île d'Yeu, with sand dunes, coves, moorlands and headlands.