Christmas markets in the Vendée: must-sees

The end of the year heralds the arrival of winter, but also the Christmas market season, a truly enchanting time in the Vendée. Inland and along the coast, twinkling lights illuminate the region, immersing you in the magical atmosphere of Christmas. Put on your reindeer headband, your best Christmas sweater, and follow the Vendée Guide to the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Vendée.

• Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche Christmas Market
• Tiffauges Christmas Market
• Christmas Market at Maillezais Abbey
• Christmas Market of Les Sables d'Olonne
• Bonus: a unique Christmas event in Vendée

The Christmas market in Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche, one of the largest in Vendée

Magnificent is the first word that comes to mind when you arrive at the sublime chalets decorated with twinkling lights. Renowned as an art village, Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche is also home to one of the largest Christmas markets in the Vendée region, an unmissable event held on the ^first weekend of December. Take your time to stroll through the alleys filled with the aromas of mulled wine, waffles, and roasted chestnuts; the market is spread across five locations:

• The Market Square
• The Fairground Square
• The Place of Gastronomy
• Church Square
• The Saint John's Burrow

Every year, over 100 exhibitors awaken your taste buds and your inner child with local delicacies, handcrafted creations, and gift ideas for young and old. Numerous activities enliven the Christmas market, including a magnificent carousel, Santa's grotto, and a barrel organ, as well as a Playmobil exhibition and the enchanting display of Santons (traditional Provençal figurines). Experience a magical moment in Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche; even the shop windows are decorated and animated to participate in the market's festivities.

The Tiffauges Christmas market in the heart of the castle

For the first two weekends of December, the Château de Tiffauges transforms into a unique, enchanting place inspired by the magic of Christmas. Spanning over 2 hectares, the Tiffauges Christmas Market is an exceptional event that marks the end of the year with more than 200 decorated Christmas trees, 60 local artisans and producers, and numerous activities that delight young and old alike. Roasted chestnuts, macarons, fouées (a type of flatbread), waffles, foie gras, sweets, chocolates… The stalls overflow with treats while the aromas of mulled wine and spices fill the air. For three days, twice a month, the Tiffauges Christmas Market comes alive with traditional carols, musical performances, a traditional wooden carousel, and Santa's Village where you can meet farm animals. Be sure to admire the majestic 10-meter-high Christmas tree before heading to the photo areas specially decorated for the occasion.

The Christmas market at Maillezais Abbey, an unusual event in the Vendée region

What a sight this sublime abbey is, illuminated in Christmas colors ! Nestled in the heart of the Marais Poitevin, Maillezais Abbey is a unique place to experience the magic of Christmas during the first two weekends of December. In this exceptional historical setting, more than 60 exhibitors, local artisans and producers, set up shop, tantalizing taste buds and offering wonderful gift ideas. The festive atmosphere and the castle ruins, transformed into a magical backdrop, create an unusual Christmas market complemented by unique activities. The abbey's salt cellar invites you to enjoy tea or a meal (reservations required), an unforgettable experience that culminates each evening under the abbey's illuminated lights, accompanied by music. Don't miss the evening fireworks display, an incredible poetic and sonic journey that transports you to a world of flames.

The Christmas market in Les Sables d'Olonne, a magical place for ice skating

A must-see in the Vendée region, the Christmas market in Les Sables-d'Olonne is a veritable fairytale village that springs up in the heart of the town. The star attraction? The 16-meter-long ice rink surrounding an illuminated Christmas tree, offering the chance to glide across the ice while soaking up the unique Christmas atmosphere. After all that skating, treat yourself to a variety of stalls, offering delicious waffles, crêpes, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and chocolates. With your hands warm and your spirit satisfied, take some time to browse the stalls of local producers and artisans showcasing their skills and creations— perfect gift ideas to place under the tree. Can you hear that? The sound of horses' hooves echoing on the cobblestones, inviting young and old alike to take a carriage ride, bundled up in their coats. And to close out this wonderful Christmas market in Les Sables-d'Olonne, concerts, traditional songs, musical performances, brass bands, and puppet shows will add to the festive atmosphere. Keep your eyes peeled—Santa Claus might just pop up at the market at any time of day!

As a bonus: a unique Christmas event in Vendée

Fancy a magical adventure in a historical setting? Head to Nieul-sur-l'Autise and meet a mysterious monk in the heart of an 11th ^- century royal abbey. Sacrilege! The Christmas bells have disappeared ! Your mission, should you choose to accept it: investigate to find these essential holiday symbols and restore the magic of Christmas. To help you in this life-sized investigation, five abbots will give you clues to thwart the evil plans of the Black Riders. Take your role to heart, but don't forget to admire the beauty of this building and the many Christmas decorations that illuminate it. Between the medieval era, a fairytale atmosphere, the quest for the Christmas bells, and a mystery to solve, a visit to the Abbey of Nieul-sur-l'Autise is a truly immersive experience.

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Christmas markets in Vendée: unforgettable, magical moments to experience every year

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