Tourist Information, Vendee History, Accommodation, Photos, Reviews, Maps,
Brem-sur-Mer
Formerly a
port Brem-sur-Mer now finds itself a few kilometres inland. There has
been civilisation here for more than 5000 years as testified by the
numerous Mehirs and Dolmens that can be found nearby. The town of today
is in fact the combination of the two old communes of
Saint-Martin-de-Brem and Saint-Nicolas-de-Brem. St Nicolas-de Brem was
created in the 9th century due to the continual invasion of their port
at la Gachère, the church was founded in the 11th century. In the 12th
century a new village of St.Martin-de Brem was formed which quickly
developed.
Vines were introduced into the Brem region by the Romans who came to buy
salt from the nearby salt marshes of Olonne. The viticulture was
further developed by the monks from the 11th century and later by
Cardinal Richelieu, the then bishop of Luçon. He liked the wines of Brem
so much that he called them "nobility", and the legacy of that is that
today the wines of Brem are sold under the title of "Fiefs de la Cardinal"
Brem wines are produced from the following grapes, Chenin,
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Grolleau Gris, Gamay, Cabernet and Pinot Noir.
These wines are clear, (and) cool and fruity, often with a slight aroma
of apple. The wines are pleasant to drink when young. They are
labelled Designation of Origin (AOC).
Beaches.
Brem-sur-Mer is a well known beach resort though the beaches are
several kilometers from the town. To the north the coast line is rocky
with small sandy coves, but as you head south there are large streches
of fine sany beach which terminate at beaches of Des Granges.
Eglise St Nicolas-de Brem
This 11th century church, once a part of a Benedictine Priory, is one
of the oldest in the Vendée although it is now mainly in ruins.
Destroyed by Protestants during the wars of religion, only the centre
nave remains of the three originals and this opens onto the choir with
gothic piscina and half domed apse. The carved facade over the west
porch is claimed to be a statue of St.Nicholas, the austier and the
whitewashed interior has some 12th century frescos which were discovered
below many layers of paint in 1980.
Behind the church is a mound, that it all that is left of a medieval
castle that once stood there and was a defence fortress against invading
pirates and Normans. Photos of the Church
Parc des Dunes.
The Parc des Dunes at Brem-sur-Mer is one of the biggest fun parks in
the Vendée. With over forty attractions spread over three hectares there
is something for all the Family.
Havre de la Gachere. This is the original harbour of Brem and the
small community that still remains is quaint and attractive with the
narrow streets and low whitewashed houses, so typical of the
seafaring villages of the area. At the mouth of the Auzance and
Vertonne rivers this ancient port was active until the 16th century when
it silted up and was abandoned, and the river mouth is now dammed to
control the waters of the Marais. The nearby beaches des Granges are some of the finest in the Vendée and attract many visitors not only in the summer but all year round.
In addition to the great beaches and dunes the area is exceptional for
fishing offering many opportunities here for fishing enthusiasts of both
salt and fresh water. The area also attracts surfers, nature
lovers, sunbathers and walkers , and has a warm and friendly family atmosphere.
Photos of la Gachere
Restaurants; La Papa. 33,rue Ocean. Tel. 02 51 90 91 87.
O Fournil. 32 Rue de l'Ocean.
Snack 59. 1,rue du General de Gaulle.
Camping; Camping du Brandais. Rue Sablais. Tel. 02 51 90 55 87.
Camping du Chaponnet. Rue Chaponnet. Tel. 02 51 90 55 56.
Camping du Littoral. 17, rue Brandais. Tel. 02 51 90 92 76.
Camping l'Ocean. Rue Gabelous Tel.02 51 90 59 16.
Jardin des Iles. 58 rue Ocean Tel. 02 51 90 50
52.
Bike Hire; PSL Bike, 23, Ocean. Tel 02 44 10 00 50.
Taxis; Taxis Moquet Rene, 22, rue Mai 1945. Tel. 02 51 90 51 53.
Return to find more interesting towns and villages in the Vendee
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