Vendée

The Vendée department is located in western France, in the Pays de la Loire region, on the Atlantic coast, with its capital in La Roche-sur-Yon. Known for its long sandy beaches and the famous Puy du Fou theme park, it is one of France's most visited summer tourist destinations. Its economy blends agriculture, fishing, coastal tourism and small industry. Vendée is also historically known for the popular counter-revolutionary uprising during the French Revolution. The cost of living in the department is moderate, and the climate is mild and oceanic.

La Roche-sur-Yon, Les Sables-d’Olonne, Challans

• Campus de La Roche-sur-Yon – Université de Nantes / IUT - A campus affiliated with the University of Nantes, offering languages, law, social sciences and an IUT.

Towns in Vendée are generally safe and family-friendly. Coastal towns become very touristy and crowded in summer, but aside from the crowds, there are no particular safety concerns beyond ordinary caution.

La Roche-sur-Yon has a TER/Intercités station connecting it to Nantes and La Rochelle. Aléop regional buses operate throughout the department.