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"If you are lucky enough to have chosen Dolphin Gites as your holiday destination, then you have found a
little bit of heaven in the Vendee region of France". (K. family, gite 5, from Ireland)
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Dolphin Gites in Vendee with heated swimming pool only 5 km from the beach. 6 independent gîtes in the same delightful grounds in the attractive coastal village of La Chaize Giraud. |
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| Aquitaine/ Dordogne | Limousin | ||||
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Nord/ Pas de Calais |
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| Brittany | Normandy | ||||
| Centre | Pays de la Loire/ Vendée | ||||
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Champagne Ardennes |
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Corsica |
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Franche Comté |
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Gîtes in Vendée
Each area of the Vendee has its own style and its own charm. Gites also come in very different styles and character, from very old converted barns, sea view apartments, to very modern bungalows with all mod cons. There are small rural cottages hidden away in the countryside miles from anywhere, modern purpose built houses on estates, beach view gites, small apartments and many small gite complexes with a choice of cottages of different sizes located in the same grounds. Today, gites in France and especially in the Vendée, are very well equipped, although standards do vary. In the past, gites were of a very basic standard, almost rudimentary with the most basic facilities. Today, the vast majority of gites represent good quality accommodation and very good value for money. In the case of the gite complex which often comprises of 3 or 4 cottages located in close proximity, there is often a shared swimming pool and children's play area. Before booking a gite, if the advert has a link to the owner's website, it is always well worth reading guest comments and testimonials carefully.
The Vendée The Vendee is a large department (or county) about the size of Devon or Cumbria, located on the French Atlantic coast, just South of Brittany and Nantes, and North of La Rochelle. Its position, within 2 to 5 hours of the various western ferry ports, makes the area an easy day's journey from Britain and Ireland. The population, according to the 1999 census, is 540,000. The name "Vendee" is taken from that of a river that runs through the south-east of the department. After crossing the forest of Mervent it flows through the town of Fontenay-le-Comte, which used to be the capital of Bas-Poitou - the county's name was changed to Vendee after the French Revolution of 1789. The river meanders through the marshes to meet the Sevre Niortaise, and turns West to meet the sea in the bay known as the Anse de l'Aiguillon. Discovering the Vendee region is a revelation for the uninitiated, as it boasts some of the finest sandy beaches in Europe and a sunshine record equal to the South of France. With its beautiful coastline and beautiful "bocage" countryside, it’s no wonder that the Vendée is often described as one of the best-kept secrets in France. St. Jean-de-Monts is the second largest resort on the Vendeen Coast and, like its neighbour the resort of Les Sables d'Olonne, has a wide magnificent bow shaped beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. A holiday in the Vendee is perfect for families and the region has so much to offer for children and parents alike. For location, facilities and services, a gîte holiday is the perfect option for a family driving from the UK. Holiday gîtes are numerous throughout the Vendee, and generally provide accommodation to a very good standard providing excellent value for money. For hours of sunshine and activities, you can’t beat the Vendée.
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