The region of Vendée in the Northwestern portion of France is known for its seas and marshes. As a matter of fact, the name “Vendée” was taken from a certain river that passes through many parts of the region that was then known as Bas Poitou.

The remarkable river from which the region’s name came from runs through several marshes to Sevre Niortaise and eventually ends up in Anse de l’Aiguillon bay to meet up with the sea.

These seas and marshes do not only play a big part on Vendées geography. These attractions are also major points in the tourism of Vendée. Aside from the Bourgneuf bay’s magnificent beds of oysters, Vendée is also famous for the Guerande peninsula’s salt marshes.

To bask on the breathtaking beauty of the salt marshes is something that shouldn’t be missed upon a visit to Vendée. Often, tourists tread through the cycling roads around the island, passing through the dunes and salt marshes. The best salt marshes are said to be found in Noirmoutier. The pine forests that lie comfortably between two of Vendée’s natural jewels. These are the marshes and the sea that enables travelers to take a ride between Les Sables-d’Olonne and La Barre-de-Monts.

The wild marshes in the sandy coastline of Poitevin are also a sight to behold. It sure is every nature tripper’s heaven as beautiful waterways and hedgerows of cereal fields accentuates the marsh lands. These marshlands have become ideal place to go into a walking or cycling marathon. A chief attraction in its own right, Marais Poitevin or Green Venice is an area of marshlands that is also famous for its wildlife.

Actually, records show that approximately four centuries ago, Vendée’s marshes were raised above sea level. These marshes were categorized into two. The aforementioned Poitevin marsh land composed the southern chunk, while the northern portion is collectively called as the Breton marsh land.

Another remarkable Vendean marsh is the Musee Milcendeau. It is a well-frequented marsh land that is located at the southern portion of Challans. The name Musee Milcendeau is dedicated to the nearby place, Soullans’s two great men. Those two noble men were famous artist Charles Milcendeau and his good friend Jean Yole. The latter was a writer, and the former eventually became a politician.

It has also been noted that these marshes have become a favorite migratory habitat for various types of birds. The marshlands have been observed to be attractive to many avian species such as storks and avocets. In addition, these marshes have become the most-wanted feature while tourists go nature tripping in forests and rivers or when boys go fishing in the nearby sea. At night, Vendée’s marshes provide a great view of the sparkling night sky.