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Countryside and climate
The Vendée is known for being the second sunniest region in France, after the French Riviera. The area boasts some of the longest beaches on the Atlantic Coast. Within 15 minutes drive lies the island of Noirmoutier, which can be accessed via a bridge or a submersible road called "Le Gois".
Coastal Vendée and the surrounding area have mild winters and warm summers. One thing you will notice straight away is the unusual brightness, which gives this area a Mediterranean feel. The countryside is varied, from the hills and forests of Continental Vendée, to the marshlands and winding roads of the Marais Breton Vendéen, and the gently sloping sandy beaches along the Coast.
Spring arrives early which encourages early crops such as the new potato of Noirmoutier (the acclaimed "Bonnotte"). Hours of sunshine are equivalent to those of Carcassonne (2100 hours per annum, including 550 in July and August). Rainy days are few and far between during the summer, as the area is well away from both the rains of Brittany and the storms of the Aquitaine & Golf of Gascony. On the other hand, the weather rarely gets very hot, contrary to that of continental areas. Average summer temperatures are around 25 degrees C. As can be observed from the numerous windmills scattered along the coast, the wind is ever-present. This often manifests itself as a pleasant breeze on a summer morning.
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