Challans a dynamic commercial city

In the heart of the Breton Marais, Challans, with nearly 20,000 inhabitants, is the second largest town in the Vendée department. Its long tradition of fairs has given it a very strong commercial dynamism which is manifested by the large number of downtown businesses (more than 200) but also by its weekly markets. 150 traders set the scene for the largest market in the northwest of the Vendée under the city halls. In summer, 1,500 volunteers come together to reconnect with the traditions of the last century and revive old-fashioned fairs showcasing Challans' emblematic product: its famous poultry.

La Garnache, the calm of the Vendée countryside

On the borders of Vendée and Loire-Atlantique, La Garnache offers the calm of the Vendée bocage. Yet it was in La Garnache that the epic of François Athanase Charette de la Contrie began at the head of the Catholic and royal army of Vendée. Indeed, on March 14, 1793, the knight was residing in his manor house in Fonteclose when the peasants insurgent against the Parisian power came to look for him to make him their leader. Three years later, Charette was captured by Hoche and shot in Nantes.

The medieval castle and the Notre-Dame de la Victoire chapel are also worth a visit.

Discover Challans and its region behind the wheel of a Europcar rental car.

• Tourist Office of Challans
• City of Challans 
• City of La Garnache 
• Festival 7ème Vague