This major maritime biennial event takes place in the Bay of Morbihan, Southern Brittany with around 1,000 sailing craft and tall ships. It is spectacular and can be viewed from coastal paths, bays and ports around the Bay of Morbihan. Adults and children of all ages will enjoy this event. Our Baden campsite is the closest and Carnac is within easy reach. Prices for one week start at £353 per family including ferry crossings to France. To view the event is free – accommodation in the region is in demand so early booking is essential.
Pancake Day!! – Learn how to make one French Style
On the last weekend in July, Gourin, in Brittany hosts the annual wheat and buckwheat crepe festival. 150 pancake makers gather, thousands of people come to this event to enjoy Breton and Celtic music, Breton dance demonstrations, traditional sports and the making of the biggest crepe in the world – the current record stands at an impressive 98 cm! We have several campsites nearby, Raguenes Plage, Ty Nadan, Carnac and more. Make sure you are there to join in the fun. Several towns & villages in Brittany have their own take on our Pancake Day during June and July.
Craft Festivals are fun for children
For those who are looking for family fun, Brittany is one big adventure playground for kids of all ages! From aquariums to theme parks, you will find something to keep the kids entertained here. Visit the Regional Crafts Museum in La Cheze and find out how a clog maker worked, or a blacksmith, wheelwright, carpenter, weaver and plenty more. You can visit centres thoughout Brittany to see the traditional way of farming – ask at the campsite reception office or at the local Tourist Information centre for the one nearest to you.
Fetes Historiques de Vannes: 12th – 14th July 2011
Vannes goes back in time! This old mediaeval town, surrounded by massive ramparts, is steeped in history. For three days in July every year, this ancient city goes back in time to bring to life its mediaeval atmosphere with the flavour of times gone by; jousting, street theatre, concerts, and pageantry – all in the costume of the time. Carnac, Quiberon and Baden are all within a very short distance of this historic city.
Musical Festivals: 05th – 14th August at Lorient – is just one
The Interceltic Festival de Lorient
Since 1971, not once has this festival come to an end without the grand finale of the massed Breton bagad (pipe band). Over 600,000 people every year gather to celebrate Celtic culture. Follow the Grand Parade of Celtic Nations, experience magical nights in the grand Stadium or down at the fishing port. Listen to the pibrochs (Scottish bagpipes) and the gaitas (Spanish bagpipes) which will fill the air with joyful music. There are some 200 shows and 5,000 performers on the bill. Carnac, Ty Nadan and Raguenes Plage are all within easy reach.
The Grand Parc du Puy du Fou An amazing theme park that will enthral children of all ages as well as adults. It features the most enigmatic, and exhilarating spectaculars that enthral thousands of visitors each year. This is probably the most spectacular theme park in France, one that very few English people are aware of, but once visited is high on the agenda of the ‘must visit again’ list of returning visitors to the Vendee. If you are planning a visit to the Vendee this year, make time to visit the Puy du Fou. It will be an unforgettable trip with family or friends.
The park is south-east of Nantes, about 50 miles south-west of Angers. Take Exit no. 28 off the A87. It is just over an hour’s drive from the resorts in northern Vendee, such as St. John de Monts, Bretignolles and La Tranche, making it a great day’s outing.
There is a medieval village that you can wander through and children will be amazed to see how life was several centuries ago. Watch the ‘Vikings’ attack the Fort of L’An Mille and see the battle rage in a deluge of special effects, through fire and water. The falconry display and the ballet of these birds of prey are awesome. Probably the most impressive and enthralling display takes place in a 6,000 seat Roman amphitheatre where gladiators fight, chariot races thunder past, and lions roar.
The Evening Show at the Puy du Fou – the Cinéscénie. On certain evenings during the summer there is an evening show - the Cinéscénie. A two hour sound and light show which recounts the history of the Vendee. A cast of 1200 actors from the local villages portray the passing years with a pageantry that takes place on a stage that is purported to be the largest stage in Europe. At one point a cavalry of 60 horses, bedecked in the trappings and flags of the middle ages charge across the stage, there is a moving water ballet and a fireworks and laser show at the end of the evening which lights up the night sky for miles around.
This show starts late in the evening and lasts until just past midnight and so isn't suitable for very young children. Headsets are available so that the commentary can be heard in English. Tickets for the Cinéscénie must be booked in advance and can be purchased either via their website or through the local tourist offices. The show takes place on Saturday evening the 6th & 13th June, and then each Friday and Saturday evening from 19th June until 12th September. Visit the website of the Puy du Fou for full details:
