Which châteaux to visit near Saint-Jean-de-Monts?

Step back in time during your stay at the Saint-Jean-de-Monts campsite! The Vendée region is rich in history, and boasts many sites that will take you on a journey through the centuries, such as the famous Puy du Fou.

Although a must-see in the region, it’s not the only one! Many of the Vendée’s castles will delight the simply curious, as well as history buffs in search of new adventures during their vacations in the Vendée.

Book

Tiffauges castle

Certainly one of the most emblematic castles in the region and one of the most visited in the Vendée, Château de Tiffauges once belonged to the Viscount of Thouars. Built in the 11th century, the château underwent a series of modifications up to the 16th century, in response to defensive needs against enemy forces. So it’s no surprise that you can admire its 700-metre ramparts! It comprises a vast architectural ensemble, including a gatehouse, keep, chapel, crypt, round tower, lord’s dwelling and more. To immerse themselves in its medieval history and the daily life of the castle’s lords, family visitors can take advantage of games and activities specially designed for them. For example, they can try their hand at crossbow shooting.

Noirmoutier castle

This late 12th-century Romanesque edifice has been used for a variety of purposes, including residence, prison and military base, but today it has a completely different function. The Château de Noirmoutier houses a museum in its dungeon, giving visitors the opportunity to discover thehistory of Noirmoutier and its emblematic monument on 4 levels.

Apremont castle

Built in the 11th century, the Château d’Apremont retains only a few features reminiscent of its original function as a medieval fortress, such as its ramparts, North and East Towers and curtain wall. The rest of the building dates from the Renaissance. This is due to the fact that parts of the castle were demolished and rebuilt in the 16th and 18th centuries.

Newfoundland Castle

Although it’s the furthest from the campsite, the Château de Terre-Neuve in Fontenay-le-Comte is no less interesting! Built in the late 16th century for the man of letters Nicolas Rapin, a close friend ofHenri IV, this splendid Renaissance monument was home to many of the intellectuals of the day, including the Duc de Sully and Agrippa d’Aubigné. Today, visitors can marvel at the remarkable architecture, including the imposing carved fireplace and its sculptures, the furniture and the woodwork appreciated by François 1er and Louis XIV.