Discover the Southern Vendée: Relax, Explore and Feel at Home at Maison Lairoux Holiday Cottages

There are some places where holidays seem to unfold naturally. The southern Vendée is one of them.

Lying between France’s Atlantic coast and the peaceful waterways of the Marais Poitevin, this beautiful corner of western France offers a refreshing change of pace. Long sandy beaches, bustling markets, traditional villages, excellent local food and miles of open countryside make it an ideal destination for families who want the freedom to do as much—or as little—as they choose.

Some days might be spent exploring castles, nature reserves or world-famous attractions. Others are simply about enjoying lunch on the terrace, an afternoon by the pool and dinner under the evening sky. The southern Vendée gives you the space to holiday at your own pace.

At the centre of it all is Maison Lairoux Holiday Cottages, home to two beautifully restored holiday cottages, Le Vieux Café and L’Ecurie.

A Peaceful Corner of the Vendée

Life in Lairoux follows the rhythm of the seasons.
Our small village overlooks a protected wetland valley where herons, egrets and storks are regular visitors, while church bells and birdsong replace the sound of busy roads. It’s a wonderfully peaceful setting, yet many of the Vendée’s best-loved attractions are within easy reach.
Both Le Vieux Café and L’Ecurie have been thoughtfully restored to combine traditional French character with modern comfort. Spacious gardens, a large, heated swimming pool and an impressive games room make it easy for families to relax between days out, while plenty of outdoor space gives children room to play and explore.
For larger family gatherings, many guests choose to book both cottages together, enjoying time together while still having the privacy of their own accommodation.

Explore the Marais Poitevin
Maison Lairoux is proud to be recognised as a member of the Valeurs Parc naturel régional network, reflecting our commitment to protecting the unique landscape of the Marais Poitevin.
Often known as France’s “Green Venice”, this remarkable wetland is one of the country’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Quiet canals shaded by willow trees invite leisurely boat trips, while walking and cycling routes reveal an abundance of wildlife throughout the seasons.
It’s a place that encourages you to slow down and appreciate nature, whether you’re drifting silently along the waterways in a traditional flat-bottomed boat or stopping for a picnic beside the water.

Beaches Just Minutes Away
Although surrounded by countryside, the Atlantic coast is only around fifteen minutes from Maison Lairoux.
The long sandy beaches of La Faute-sur-Mer and La Tranche-sur-Mer are favourites with families, offering safe swimming, beach cafés and plenty of space even during the height of summer. Children can paddle in the shallows, collect shells or build sandcastles, while those looking for something more energetic can try paddleboarding, sailing or surfing.
As evening approaches, there’s nothing quite like a walk along the shoreline watching the sunset, before returning to the peaceful surroundings of Lairoux.

A Taste of the Vendée
Food is an important part of life here, and the Vendée has plenty to tempt visitors.
Weekly markets brim with colourful fruit and vegetables, artisan cheeses, freshly baked bread and seafood landed that very morning. Local specialities are proudly served in village restaurants, including the traditional pairing of mogettes with jambon de Vendée, while mussels, oysters and freshly caught fish celebrate the region’s close connection with the Atlantic.
Many of our guests enjoy shopping at the markets before returning to the cottage to prepare a leisurely lunch or dinner, accompanied by a bottle of local wine and enjoyed on the terrace.

Adventure When You Want It
One of the pleasures of staying in the southern Vendée is having so much choice.
If you’re looking for complete relaxation, spending the day beside the pool with a good book can be just as rewarding as heading out to explore.
For families seeking adventure, however, some of France’s most exciting attractions are all within easy reach. Puy du Fou continues to astonish visitors with its spectacular live shows, while O’Gliss Park and O’Fun Park provide exhilarating days out packed with water slides, zip wires and outdoor adventures. Add in cycling, horse riding, water sports and nature reserves, and every day can be as active—or as peaceful—as you wish.

Sharing Our Favourite Places
One of the things our guests often tell us they enjoy most is discovering the Vendée through local eyes.
Having lived here for many years, we’re always delighted to recommend our favourite restaurants, markets, beaches, walking routes and hidden corners of the region that visitors might otherwise miss. Soon after everyone has settled in, we usually host an informal Apéros Evening, giving guests the opportunity to relax with a drink, meet other families staying at Maison Lairoux and chat about the week ahead.
It’s the perfect opportunity to answer questions, suggest day trips and help guests plan their holiday. We’re also happy to book tickets for attractions such as Puy du Fou, O’Gliss Park and O’Fun Park, leaving you free to simply enjoy your time away.

Feel at Home in the Vendée

Le Vieux Café and L’Écurie have welcomed guests from across Europe and beyond for many years, with many families returning to the southern Vendée time and again.
Some come for the beaches, others for the cycling, the wildlife, the food or the famous attractions. Many discover that what they enjoy most is the slower pace of life that this part of France offers.
Whether your ideal holiday includes exploring every corner of the region or simply finding a peaceful place to switch off for a while, Maison Lairoux offers a warm welcome and an ideal base from which to discover one of France’s most rewarding destinations.

Plan Your Stay at Maison Lairoux Holiday Cottages
Located in the peaceful village of Lairoux, Maison Lairoux Holiday Cottages is perfectly placed for exploring the very best of the southern Vendée, from the Marais Poitevin and the Atlantic beaches to Puy du Fou and the region’s many picturesque towns and villages.
With two spacious holiday cottages, a large, heated swimming pool, games room, beautiful gardens and a warm welcome for dogs as well as their owners, it’s a place where families can enjoy France at their own pace.

To find out more about Le Vieux Café and L’Écurie, visit:
www.maisonlairoux.com

WhatsApp: +33 (0)6 43 37 87 74
Telephone: +33 (0)2 51 28 43 98
We look forward to welcoming you to the southern Vendée.