Activities
There is plenty to see and do here – horse riding (there is a riding school five minutes away), fishing (wonderful fishing available at Piscalis, 30 minutes away), several golf courses within easy reach, walking and cycling.
The coast boasts miles of wonderful, golden beaches known locally as the Côte-de-Lumière (Coast of Light). Sables d’Olonne offers not only wonderful beaches but a spectacular marina and is home to the start and finish of the Vendee Globe yacht race. La Tranche-Sur-Mer and Saint Jean de Mont are ideal for families and have both been classified as “kids stations” which means that they offer a safe and entertaining environment for children to play.
Perhaps sightseeing is more to your liking. Choose from pretty Fontenay-le-Comte, once the capital of the Vendee, visit the National Stud at La Roche Sur Yon or stay a while in Lucon, with its magnificent cathedral once the Bishopric of Cardinal Richelieu (famously depicted in the novel "The Three Musketeers").
If you have a young family, why not visit the air park or zoo in the Mervent forest or spend a day (at least!) at the wonderful Puy du Fou where Gladiators, Vikings and a medieval city all vie for your attention. Or perhaps a visit to La Rochelle where, after a visit to the fantastic aquarium with its’ sharks and other marine life, you can sit and eat fresh mussles and fries overlooking the marina. Slightly further afield, if high-tech is your cup of tea, there is Futuroscope at Poitiers.
The nearest village to La Bernerie is Mouilleron-En-Pareds, the birthplace of two of France's most famous generals - Georges Clemenceau (le Tigre) and Marshel de Lattre de Tassigny, so while here why not visit the museum dedicated to Georges Clemenceau? Also there are several original windmills on top of the hill surrounding the village which provide an interesting walk whilst at the same time noting the sacred monument of the Virgin Mary protecting the village.
Whilst here it is, of course, imperative to sample the local wines - why not visit one of the vineyards for a tasting session? Roland can give you details of a few. Also try the Flute des Moulins (our local bread) baked fresh at the boulangerie every day. There are several excellent restaurants nearby, La Morliere which is perched high on a hill with stunning views over Lake Rochereau or the Auberge du Donjon in the next village of Bazoges-En-Pareds.
However if all of this is too energetic then relax in your own garden, a glass of wine in your hand or enjoy a cool dip in your own private pool.
Whatever your tastes, come and enjoy a slice of French country life at La Bernerie.
Other sites that may be of interest: