Our Fab Family Siblu Holiday in the Vendee

We were lucky enough to be offered a holiday at Siblu.   We are Chris, myself, Jasper 8 and Scarlett 4!  We have neighbours from the Vendee, and having heard many tales, we were very keen to sample it for ourselves!   They worked the Vendee Globe one year, sounded great fun!

Finally the day was here!  Siblu operate on a Saturday to Saturday basis, so we travelled by Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Caen on the 21st July, and arrived late afternoon.

We finally arrived at Le Bois Dormant Parc around 8.30pm.  (For a review of the ferry trip click here)

I was concerned that Reception was closed, but they cleverly have a late arrivals box, which contained our keys, a map to the site, our code for entry through the secure barriers, also some general information as to what is on offer.

We were very impressed with the mobile home we were given, but to be honest we were so hungry, we wanted to check out the bar and grab some hot food - we had some food with us, but the allure of take away for the first night was too appealing!   Pizza and Croque Monsieur later and we were all in better humour!

I did try to purchase wifi from the bar area, but it didn't work out.  However the next morning, the ever so helpful Amy on Reception sorted it out immediately!

On the Sunday we headed to the local Supermarket.  There are two very close, the Super U and the Intermarche, we chose the Super U!   It was very, very busy (we managed to lose J, but that's for another day), mainly as all the new arrivals arrive on Saturday, and also the Supermarket closes early on a Sunday - as a tip I would say its worth bringing enough food to last you until Monday, or rely on the well stocked shop on the site, and you can do a major shop on Monday at your leisure!   We used the local shop daily for fresh baguettes, pain aux choc and croissants - normally fetched by the children armed with the right money and a whole heap of trust <-------says the ex helicopter parent ;)

After the shop we could contain the kids no longer, so headed for the pool!   I was so impressed with what was on offer! A large pool at the far side, another pool but with a cordoned off shallow pool in the middle, then a kiddies pool with little slides and stuff at the end.   In front of that were some wavy and twisty slides that opened at set times, and looked like great fun - both kids went up and down all afternoon!

A view of the kiddies pool and wavy slides

After dragging the children back to the home, we cooked a lovely BBQ - well Chris did of course, and feasted well outside, at the large table under the awning!   We were struck by how light it was until very late, which helped us all to slow down and chill out, unlike at home where night comes and we panic the kids aren't asleep ;).   After a full day here we were very happy and confident this was going to be a fun week :)

On the Monday morning we were due to meet Catherine Renaud from Siblu and Fabienne Couton-Laine from Vendee Tourisme.   We met at Le Bois Masson, which is the sister site to Le Bois Dormant.  You are allowed use of the facilities at both parcs!  Apart from Puy Du Fou, we had no plans for the week, so it was very helpful to be given some ideas of what was around the local area.

It is clear that for a family there is enough to occupy 2 weeks let alone 1, so we had to be choosy!  Having said that, there is enough as a couple too, but we had our mummy and daddy heads on!

The following summarises what we did each day, but if you want more information about any of the places we went, then click on the links which will take you to a more detailed post about each place!

After hearing about the cycle paths around, we went straight from the meeting to hire some bikes from  Le Bois Masson, and off we cycled, through beautiful pine forest, to the gorgeous, fine, sandy beach of St Jean De Monts.

We had a lovely day out and headed wearily back to the parc.   The kids had got a feel of the freedom of the parc, and obviously felt safe and secure, as they wanted to head off on their own to meet some friends they had already made.  I'll be honest, it killed me to start with, but Chris tried to reassure me it would be fine, and I managed to only check up on them about four times!  Another BBQ and we were done in - that heat and sea air will do it every time!

On Tuesday morning we headed to La Perle des Dieux to hear about the history of sardine fishing in the Vendee, and then given the opportunity to purchase some, which we did.  Some of the tins, once eaten, will also be adorning my kitchen walls, as they are designed by local artist Delphine Cossais and are fantastic!

For the rest of the day we headed to the Atlantic Toboggan Water Park - over six hours playing in the park, in the full on sunshine, absolute bliss!  I even got to chill out whilst Jasper pedalled me around on the swan pedallo's, bless!

After having another BBQ at the home, we headed to the bar area, where we relaxed and had a drink, whilst the kids had fun with their friends, we also made some friends and had a really good evening, suffice to say these people became friends for the week and addresses and emails exchanged :)

Wednesday morning, we headed to Noirmoutier Island, we could have headed to Oceanile water park, but although it looked fun, we thought we'd take it a bit easy.  (There is a market in town Wednesday and Saturdays, but I was overruled).

We headed there via the bridge, but on the way back went via the Passage Du Gois, the causeway, only accessible at certain times of the day!  What we discovered was the locals digging the seabed for clams (a quick google later), so we duly joined in!   What absolute fun, we took our foraged clams home and cooked them on the BBQ!   The locals call it the "Ballet of the Bottoms Up" - just fantastic :)  There's a video on the link if you want to see more?

Earlier in the week we had booked tickets for Puy Du Fou via the reception.  It was the one big day out we'd  planned from the UK.  It is kind of a theme park but has more to see and no rides, its difficult to explain, but worth looking into!  You can book online for discount, but Siblu reception could offer us the same discount.   So on Thursday we headed there for the day.  We arrived at 10am for the opening and literally spent over 8 hours there.  The shows they put on are spectacular, and even though in French the children were still captivated.   In between the shows there are lots of other things to see and do, so if you are in the Vendee it is an absolute must!

On Thursday evening we dined at Le Bois Masson, which was lovely, a bit of karaoke with our new found friends, well Chris did (but then he can sing), and then home for a good nights sleep!

So Friday loomed, our last day, but I cannot tell you how excited we were!  We were going to spend the morning at the pool, and then go back for some clam foraging!   However, it started to drizzle, so after a short swim we decided to head out to Port Du Bec for lunch, and what a good decision that was!   The port itself is known as the Chinese Port, as the little boats are moored to rickety old wooden pontoons, but we found the best little restaurant there, and ate the most devine seafood!

Then, drumroll please, off to forage for more clams, armed with the right kit, Team Robb were on the case!  Even in the drizzle I cannot tell you how much fun this was, Jasper kind of just made patterns in the seabed whilst Chris, Scarlett and I foraged, and what a bounty we got too!  I think the picture above says it all!

On the way back we stopped to buy some salt, which is also a feature of the region, and I love that there was a bride and groom having their pictures taken next to it, you may just make it out to the right, was trying to be discreet, bit different to our chimney sweep pics! (Not me but a British thing)!

Another delicious clam meal later - just add butter, white wine and garlic sauce, and we were off out to the bar to say goodbye to our friends.  It coincided with the opening of the 2012 Olympic games, which was a lot of fun, and was very relaxed knowing the kids were with their friends having fun and creating their own memories.   What a fantastic end to a fantastic holiday........Saturday morning we headed back to the boat for home..........

To summarise, we had a fabulous week and only wish we were there for longer.  There was so much more we could have done, Zoo des Sables, Planet Sauvage and the Aquarium to name but a few. ....  You can never be struck for ideas around the Vendee either, as at most of the places we went they had display cases with little cards describing the many things to do and see around the region.

Siblu itself was fabulous.  This is not the sort of holiday we would normally go to, but as a kid we used to go to holiday camps in England, and I can certainly see the appeal.  Even though we didn't make use of the children's clubs, the fact that the kids could take themselves off to the well equipped park, was more than enough for us.    The park itself had a football pitch, cycle path, swings, two playgrounds, and areas to play boules etc, as well as the 3 pools and slides, it was plenty big enough, but also secure enough, for me not to worry!

The mobile home was well equipped and plenty big enough for the four of us.  The children's bedroom had a mosquito blind as well as a blackout blind, genius given how light it stays into the evening.  The odd evening we knew we had an early start, it worked a treat to get them to sleep - not that that was difficult after the full days in the hot sun that we had.  The homes were also set amongst pine trees which acted as further shade, and it was lovely to sit at the table in the evening, BBQing or just relaxing.

We loved it, and now that I no longer fear the ferry ride, this will certainly be on our radar to go back to!

Annie x

Disclosure: the holiday was courtesy of Siblu holidays and Brittany Ferries

Brittany Ferry - Scarlett asked if it was a tooth ferry haha

We were lucky enough to be invited to the Vendee in France, staying at Siblu Le Bois Dormant, sailing Saturday morning with Brittany Ferries - Scarlett (4) asked if it was a tooth ferry haha!

The Normandie

It was an early start to get to the 8.30 sailing, but the kids like being woken "in the middle of the night" and when you have a week's holiday ahead of you it really is not a hard(ship) *groans*!

;

Turns out this is from Finland!

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not dead keen on boats of any sort, so I was a little bit anxious, but armed with my Rescue Remedy I put on a brave face (that's a lie I actually cried when Jasper asked what we do if it sank), but it was early!!!


We were given a cabin, which was fantastic, and I think at around £30 would definitely do again!   I thought I'd be nervous being away from the deck, where I can watch out for icebergs, but in fact I began to feel quite calm about the whole situation, and actually, I have to say, enjoyed the experience!   When I attempted sleep - like that was going to happen with 2 excited children - I put a can of drink on the ledge so that if we did tilt it would hit me on the head and wake me up - yes I know how silly that sounds but hey!

I have to say that 6 hours went by very quickly and we were happy to be in France at last!

Goodbye France

Hello England

The return journey was a breeze, wasn't scared at all, relaxed and enjoyed it - though very sad to be leaving for home.

I think I may have to be thanking Brittany Ferries for calming my fear of large ferries at the very least!

Since I have made this blog more about me (surprise), a fab blog about the ferry crossing can be found here - by a fellow blogger I met on the return journey!

Thank you!
Annie x

Disclosure, the holiday and crossing were courtesy of Siblu and Brittany Ferries

Port Du Bec - Vendee

Friday 27th July 2012
The weather wasn't as good today, and the children were too exhausted for the Water Park, so instead we headed to Port Du Bec, to have a look around and find some lunch. 

It is known as the "Chinese Port, and having seen it it's easy to understand why - lovely little fishing boats tied to rickety-looking wooden pontoons :) 


Nearby we found a place for lunch and it was so good! The seafood was so fresh - even the kids were digging into the crab and shrimps and muscles! We ordered the speciality muscles were cooked in foil over an open fire and the smokey flavour was divine!

These were so good!

The speciality muscles

Yummy fresh seafood, tho I did pass on the oysters!

Half a crab :)

Would definitely go back for more!

Annie x

St Jean De Monts beach - Vendee

Monday 23rd July 2012
Today we hired some bikes from Siblu and cycled to the local beach. There are lots of cycle paths around, including the one off road, through a beautiful pine forest, so the kids felt safe away from the cars.

The beach that greeted us was unlike no other I've seen before - it was so wide and so long up and down the coast! In fact the region boasts 140km of sandy beaches. It is also completely safe for young children as it so shallow for a very long way out! Plus - as I'm not a lover of sand - the sand is so fine it doesn't stick to you like other sand does - so we came away clean and sand free - this is something our neighbour at home told us about (he's from the Vendee). We built sand castles and jumped over waves and then made a hasty retreat as the tide came in so fast! An ice cream before heading back on the bikes and everyone was happy :)

This picture of the beach gives you some idea of how wide it is but it doesn't give you perspective how beautiful the coastline looked up and down from St Jean De Monts.

There were all sorts of activities for the children too, including trampolines, but it was so hot the day we were there, that dipping in the sea was really the best option!

I was also very impressed with the area itself, and the space given over to cyclists, as they have a dedicated cycle lane beside the main roads, and plenty of space to lock your bikes up safely!

The picture to the left gives you an idea of the beautiful pine forest we cycled through to get there and back :)  This is Jasper whizzing off in front of me, which seemed to be a common theme this holiday :)

Annie x

Puy Du Fou - Vendee

Thursday 26th July 2012 

When we heard we were lucky enough to be going to Siblu in the Vendee, Puy Du Fou was one of the places we planned to visit, having read about it back in the UK.

It is a huge theme park, but rather than rides there are spectacular shows and authentic villages to see and experience.  If you click on the link above it has a fabulous video summing it up!  We were able to book it via Siblu reception, who offered the same discount we would have got booking via the Internet. The great thing is that the tickets are then valid for some months (ours said Apr to Sept), so you are not tied to a date, just in case the weather or plans changed.

Amazing bird show!

We went on Thursday.  It opens at 10am and we were advised to get there for 9.30. We left at 8am, but we had to grab breakfast en route so in fact we arrived just before 10. There are lots of shows throughout the park - but there are five main shows, and you get a schedule on the day. 4 of the shows are on 3 times, but Le Signe du Triumphe - the Roman spectacular - is only on twice. This show is held in a full size coliseum by the way, the pics cannot do it justice!!!  We were advised to head for no. 5 first - Richelieu's Muskateers just right of the entrance, and finish with no. 4 - which is back at the entrance. This worked well as we worked out the other shows within these 2 and managed to see all 5!

Roman Spectacular!

The other shows are!
The Vikings
The Ball of the Phantom Birds and
The Secret of the Lance

There are more shows than these 5, so these are suggested as a minimum!

Vikings Set

The doors normally open 30 minutes before each show, but don't worry about kids getting fidgety, they very cleverly have little warm up acts to keep them entertained, and I have to say they were pretty hammy but very funny, including taking people out of the audience to embarrass :)

The shows themselves were incredible, amazing, jaw-droppingly fab. The costumes, scenery and special effects were superb, and the acting by the actors and all the animals left you smiling and often wondering "how did they do that"? The fact that they were all in French didn't detract from their entertainment either - you could hire headphones to translate - but we didn't feel it necessary.

Cooling off!

Between shows we explored the other various villages and the obligatory playground, and Jasper and Scarlett particularly liked the animals! We took a packed lunch - but to be honest the prices inside weren't too bad! I'll add a few pics but don't want to spoil anyone's future enjoyment! It was extremely hot and at one point the kids started flagging, but a good old fashioned water fight put paid to that! There are different vapour showers dotted around the park too - which was a great idea!

I cannot recommend this show highly enough, they are planning a Christmas spectacular too, which is certainly on my radar at the  moment!

One final cheesy family picture to top it off, Scarlett took this whilst we were waiting for the Roman spectacular, and yes I am restraining Jasper as it suggests haha!

Noirmoutier Island & "The Ballet of the Bottoms Up" - Vendee

Wednesday 23rd July 2012
This afternoon we headed to Noirmontier Island, we had a few things we could have done, Oceanile Water Park, Sealife aquarium or simply a stroll around. As we arrived at lunchtime we grabbed a bite to eat first, then, as it was so hot and the kids were flagging, we decided to take the road train to have a look around.  (We gave the kids the option to come back on Friday).   There are 2 train rides, and hour one and a 35 minute one.  We chose the latter and it was very pleasant indeed.

road train :)

Pretty port!

It was a very pituresque little place with lots of quaint little cafes and boutiques - sounds awful to be complaining about the heat now, but we decided to have the obligatory ice cream and head back to the shade of our Siblu home for the week.

We got to the island via the Pont (bridge) so decided to go back via the Gois (causeway). It was amazing to see this track of road with seabed either side - like the sea had literally parted - biblical like! We also noticed lots of people digging around the sea bed - so we decided to stop and have a nosey! Lots of people had crates of shell fish, and the ever so friendly locals showed us how to look for holes in the sand, beneath which we would find the Parlourd (to be googled later)! It was great fun and the kids got stuck in as you can see from the video!

It turned out that they were in fact clams - so the pitiful few that we brought back we BBQ'ed then covered with a sauce made of butter, garlic and wine, to die for! 

Waiting for them to open

Just amazing :)

I've heard that the locals call the clam digging the "ballet of the bottoms up" haha love it! We're going back later in the week - just need to find rakes and buckets! Annie x

Jardin du Vent - Vendee

Wednesday 25th July 2012 

This morning we took a short drive to visit Jardin du Vent at Notre Dame De Monts. Wasn't sure what to expect of the wind gardens but it was a little gem with lots of interactive bits, set around an original windmill.

The idea is to allow visitors to understand the subtleties the wind has to offer, with the purpose being to heighten the relationship between man and the environment.  We certainly learnt a thing or two!

Below are just a few of the things you can do.  Entry is €4 for adults, €2.20 for 6-18 years, and free under 6.  It's a very pleasant way to spend an hour or so!

I can hear Jasper mummy!

 You can whisper your secrets in the Mirror of sounds.  These structures are set in line, some way from each other, but the kids could whisper into it and the other could hear.

The science behind it is that sound travels in a straight line, but when its hits a smooth and not absorbent surface, it is reflected!   The parabolic antennas are designed to direct the sound waves on a precise point :)  Great fun!

The central Windmill

Learning to control the wind

The steam on the left appears every two minutes, following the movements of the wind.
On the right you have to sit one on each seat, move your sail with the wind, to let it carry you.  the kids didn't get it but enjoyed whizzing round, then Chris and I couldn't wait to have a go!


Back in the centre and there is a well stocked shop full of interesting toys and posters, and also a library with a cute little playing area!

Afterwards we headed to Narmoutier for the afternoon.

Time well spent!
Annie x

La Perle des Dieux - Saint Gilles Croux De Vie - Vendee

Tuesday 24th July 2012 

We headed a little South to visit the sardine exhibition "La Sardine est dans la boîte" At La Perle des Dieux they have been fishing sardines since 1887.  


There is a short but detailed slide show in French - followed by a video with English subtitles. It is fascinating to see how they fish, and then back at the factory all the preparation is done by hand - by woman - due to their delicate touch! If they are not good enough they are moved on to another area of the factory. After the film you are invited to taste some of the different flavours - and can purchase individual tins or a set! 


One genius piece of marketing is that on one series - which are labelled by year - they have used local artist Delphine Cossais to decorate them with fabulous pictures - whilst I am looking forward to the sardines - I am also planning to display the tins afterwards!

I love this so much :)

Loved the display, mini tins

For a few Euro it was a really fascinating journey - learning that like fine wine, sardines mature with age - and can be kept for up to 10 years! I cannot wait to try the sardines with goats cheese - and the various salmon and tuna tins we also bought! Luckily if we need more we can order from the Uk and they will arrive in a couple of days! 




Annie x

Atlantic Toboggan Water Park Vendee

Tuesday 24th July 2012

This afternoon we headed to the Atlantic Toboggan Water Park whilst holidaying here at Siblu Vendee.

At over 31 degrees it was a great place to cool down and chill out! It was well laid out with a fab pool for under 10's where Scarlett (4) played for hours! There was also a bigger pool - where diving and jumping in is allowed - another pool set out like a beach - with wave machine - and some longer chutes and rides for the more adventurous - i.e Chris and 8yo Jasper.

We spent half an hour on the swan pedallo, and enjoyed strolling around the pleasant surroundings with a cooling breeze. There was also a playground, but we didn't need it as the pool was such a hit.

Seaside pool with wave machine

We spent 6 hours there and would happily go back. At €19 per adult and €16 for kids 3-12 it's not a cheap day out, but definitely value for money given it was enough to entertain us for a full day!

My kind of pedallo

*and* relax

Annie x