France is known for its delectable cuisine and whether it’s the cheese of Roquefort or the truffles of Provence, the food is guaranteed not to disappoint. On a camping holiday in the Vendee you are likely to sample a few of the region’s specialities.
Fruits De La Mer
Whilst camping in the Vendee, you will discover many quaint seafood restaurants dotted around the harbour areas. It’s of no surprise that a seaside resort such as the Vendee is famed for the fish and shellfish that it produces. There are now three separate Michelin starred restaurants located in the Vendee area and it won’t surprise you to hear that one of these is dedicated exclusively to the seafood of the region. This restaurant is La Marine, located on the island of Noirmouter and staffed by head chef Alexandre Couillon. The young chef has received praise for his freshly caught seafood concoctions and whilst camping in the Vendee you should try his fresh green pea sorbet. The Vendee is renowned for many fish dishes and although the lobster is particularly noteworthy, the sardines, sea bass, langoustines, scallops, crabs, cockles and skate are also held in high regard. A meal at La Marine will set you back approximately €55, but if you feel that your money would be better spent entertaining your family during your camping holiday in the Vendee then you’ll be pleased to note that Alexandre Couillion owns a cheaper seafood restaurant next door where a set menu starts at just €18.50.
The Humble Haricot
The humble haricot bean is the staple food of the Vendee region, where it is often served alongside the local cured ham in the restaurants of the area. The traditional method of cooking sees the haricot bean being simmered slowly for hours on end. In France, the bean is better known as la mogette and is traditionally grown around the regions of Les Brouzils and Le Poire Sur Vie. One of the best places to try this traditional dish is the waterside restaurant of La Clisson – an excellent location to enjoy a delicious meal whilst camping in the Vendee. This restaurant overlooks the beautiful Sevre Nantaise Bridge, which has drawn comparisons with Florence’s Ponte Vecchio, making it almost possible to believe that you are in fact eating in Italy.
Poulet et Canard
You may be shocked to discover that the Vendee is known as the duck capital of France, and this is due to the village of Challans, whose nearby marshes provide the perfect environment for rearing ducks. Canard simply must be sampled whilst camping in the Vendee and there really is no better place than the Michelin starred ‘La Chabotterie’. The restaurant is housed in the stable block of an 18th century manor house offers rustic charm, producing traditional local recipes with a modern twist. The restaurant offers a fantastic weekday menu for a very reasonable €35, which means that you don’t need to pay Michelin starred prices to sample some of the very best food that a camping holiday in the Vendee has to offer.
Author Resource:-
Eamon Hoolihan is the brand and advertising manager of Canvas Holidays, one of the leading European camping holiday operators in the UK. With over 40 years of experience, Canvas offer superb (http://www.canvasholidays.co.uk/Destinations/france/Vendee-850-0.aspx) Vendee Camping holidays.