Les Bulots - Information about Vendée

Les Conches – or Les Casse – was the name given many years ago to the thickly forested area drained by man and used principally to grow bulbs, vines, potatoes and asparagus. Later, when people moved away, these areas of cultivation were abandoned and the forest returned.

The beach has been awarded a blue flag for cleanliness and is easily accessible. There is a large car park with public toilets and cold showers.

While the waves appeal to surfers the sea is also wonderful for swimming and there is loads of space on the beach for families to play games or sunbathe.

With safety in mind an area of sea and beach is monitored by lifeguards during specific hours of the day. This designated area is by the main approach to the beach from the car park and is marked by two flags showing the limits of the surveillance. Coloured flags also show when it is safe to bathe and when not.

Les Conches village is small and borders the main road with an access road to the beach. It is unspoiled and mostly consists of residential areas and camp sites along with restaurants and bars. While it comes to life in the holiday season it is refreshingly calm and quiet in comparison to La Tranche (more of which later). Guests have commented that, while they love to visit all the places and attractions round and about, they enjoy coming back to Les Conches and the tranquility of Les Bulots.

Beachside: Whilst enjoying a day on the beach there is no need to leave in search of refreshment. There are shops selling a variety of drinks, ice cream, pastries and snack meals throughout the day.

La Fragounette Restaurant & Bar is situated on the main road to the beach and has a bar/restaurant open during the day and evening with good value high quality grills, salads and sea food – especially the ever-popular moules & frites and, in addition for the evening, there is a take-away service where you can buy chicken, chips, pizzas and snack food. The food is freshly prepared and made in-house. Highly recommended for chocoholics is the mousse chocolat – quite the best we have ever tasted! La Fragounette also has a crazy golf course to keep both young and old amused.

The Camp Sites – also have snack bars which are available to non-residents and add to the choice available locally.

Bud Bar/Café – Next to the Manu Surf shop, the Bud Bar is a relaxing place to have a drink with tables outside so you can enjoy the sun and watch the world walk by. This is a bar with lots of atmosphere, very popular with the young and surfing crowd, and offers live entertainment some evenings.

Relais du Tulipes Bar Brasserie – Situated on the corner of the road as you turn off to go to the beach the Relais du Tulipes offers food including moules & frites, steaks and salmon dishes.

It is also a ‘depot pain’ selling bread & croissants as well as local papers, tobacco and cigarettes.

While there are large supermarkets not far away at La Tranche and Longeville sur Mer (5k and 6k), many basic supplies can be bought locally.

Bread, croissants, milk, wine, dairy produce and some vegetables are available at the camp site shops which are well stocked and open to all.

Note: Les Bulots offers a basic ‘starter pack’ of tea, coffee, milk and some bathroom supplies to ensure you get off to a good start. When time of arrival is not within shop hours, or car space is limited, a more comprehensive arrival pack can be purchased on your behalf. Be sure to let us know your requirements in good time!

ACTIVITIES

Apart from the major activities associated with the sea and the beach – surfing, body boarding, swimming, kayaking – there are other activities offered by the Commune of Longeville sur Mer of which Les Conches is a part. There is also the Plage du Rocher (rock beach) a lovely half hour walk away and Le Bouil.

These activities are held at the beaches and the Sports Centre in Longeville and are free of charge to youngsters. A list of what is happening and where is available along with other guides and information at Les Bulots and the Tourist Office in Longeville.

Such activities include football; badminton; handball; tennis; basket ball; table tennis and volley ball.

There are many other pastimes to be enjoyed in and around Longeville sur Mer.

- Cycling (bike hire at Longeville) this is a fabulous area for cycling with many designated cycle paths through the stunning scenery.

- Riding –The local riding school – The Ranch – organizes group trails.

- Water Sports – catamarans, canoes and dinghies are available for hire and there is also the opportunity for sand racing and kite surfing. Tuition can be arranged.

EVENING & NIGHT ACTIVITIES

Both Les Conches and Le Rocher have ‘Marchés de Nuit’. The road is closed to allow space for a lively and colourful market selling wonderful food and local products, clothes and many other delights. Highly recommended!

Youngsters will be thrilled by a demonstration of 4 x 4 monster trucks – exciting and highly entertaining!

Circus comes to Town! – entertainment and fun evenings.

Vague de Jazz – during August Longeville hosts evenings of live jazz – now in its fifth year this is hugely popular and draws many jazz fans.

Dinners & Dances – firework displays – bars with live groups – there is no need to be bored when the sun goes down!

DURING THE DAY – there are markets in which to buy wonderful fresh produce and sample local and regional specialities while soaking up the typical French marché atmosphere. At Longeville these are held on Monday and Friday mornings.

There are Foires de Brocante (antiques fairs) and Vides Greniers (car boot sales) somewhere in the area most weekends.