Vendée

Vendée is a department in the Pays de la Loire region of Western France, located along the Atlantic coast. It is known for its beautiful beaches and coastal areas, making it a popular place for people to visit and enjoy the sea. As of 2023, Vendée was home to about 713,609 people.

The main city in Vendée is called La Roche-sur-Yon, and it serves as the center for the area. The region has a rich history and offers many places to explore, from historic towns to natural parks. It is a special part of France that combines both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

History

The area now called Vendée was once known as Bas-Poitou and is part of the old province of Poitou.

Important events shaped this region over time. The village of Nieul-sur-l'Autise is thought to be where Eleanor of Aquitaine was born. During the Hundred Years' War, much of Vendée became a battlefield.

Later, the French Wars of Religion greatly affected Vendée because many people there were Protestants. These wars ended in 1598 with the Edict of Nantes, but it was revoked in 1685, causing many to leave. A preacher named Louis de Montfort helped make the region strongly Catholic.

In 1793, people in Vendée revolted against the new government because they disliked changes to the Catholic Church and being forced into the army. This revolt, known as the Vendée Revolt, was tough and sad for many. It ended in 1796.

Later, in 1804, Napoleon chose La Roche-sur-Yon as the main city of the area. After the revolt, much of the city had been destroyed, so it was rebuilt with wide streets for thousands of people.

Etymology

The name Vendée comes from a river called the Vendée that flows through the area. People have called this river different names over many years, such as Fluvium Vendre and Flumen Vendee. Experts believe the name may come from an old word meaning "white" or "bright," used in ancient languages like Celtic toponym, Proto-Celtic, or Gaulish. It might also have roots in Gallo or Old Breton languages.

Geography

Vendée's highest point is Puy-Crapaud, which stands at 295 meters tall.

The area is crossed by four rivers: the Sèvre Nantaise (135 kilometres or 84 miles long), the Vendée (70 kilometres or 43 miles), the Lay (110 kilometres or 68 miles), and the Sèvre Niortaise (150 kilometres or 93 miles).

Demographics

Vendée's inhabitants are called Vendeans. The largest town is La Roche-sur-Yon, which is also the main city of the area. In 2023, there were 8 towns in Vendée with more than 10,000 people.

Principal towns

Higher education

The main university in this area is the Catholic Institute of Higher Studies - ICES located in La Roche-sur-Yon. Founded in 1989, it aims to provide excellent education while focusing on Christian and human values across seven areas of study. The institute introduced a unique idea called the "University School," which is a mix between a French Grande École and a traditional state university.

Economy

The Vendée's economy is based on several key areas: tourism, farming, food production, and light to medium industry. It is known for having a strong economy with low unemployment and many small businesses.

Tourism is very important in the Vendée, with its long coastline of sandy beaches that attract many visitors. Popular spots include Les Sables-d'Olonne, La Tranche-sur-Mer, and Saint-Jean-de-Monts. Inland, visitors enjoy places like the Marais Poitevin marshes and the famous theme park Puy du Fou.

Farming plays a big role too, with crops like maize, colza, wheat, and sunflowers. The area is also known for its meat, dairy, and shellfish. Food production is strong, with companies making ready-meals, bread, and special treats like brioche and cured ham. The region even makes wine, which is getting better and better each year.

Culture

The big war called the War in the Vendée inspired many famous books, like Ninety-Three by Victor Hugo and Les Chouans by Balzac.

Cuisine

Vendée has some special foods. Jambon-mogettes, which is ham and white beans, is very famous there. The area makes the most brioche bread in all of France, called Brioche de Vendée. In some places, you can find préfou, a tasty garlic bread. The north-west part of Vendée is known for its poultry, especially duck. There are also small vineyards around villages like Brem-sur-Mer, Mareuil-sur-Lay-Dissais, Vix, and Pissotte.

Government

In the Vendée, 31 people are chosen by everyone to help manage the area. Most of them, 26, support right-wing ideas, and 5 support left-wing ideas.

A special leader called the Prefect stands for the French government in this area.

Politics

The leader of Vendée’s local government is Alain Lebœuf, who was chosen in July 2021. Before him, the leaders were Bruno Retailleau and Philippe de Villiers.

Current National Assembly Representatives

National Assembly Representatives (2017 to 2022)