Top 5 refreshing dishes to enjoy in the Vendée heat

If you’ve ever spent a summer in Vendée, you know that the sun is strong. And when it’s hot, you don’t always want to throw yourself on a heavy meal.

Fortunately, the Vendée has everything you need to delight you with light, fresh and tasty Vendée dishes.

Whether you are at the 5-star campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Monts Le Tropicana, on the beach or out for a stroll, here are our top 5 refreshing Vendée dishes to enjoy without moderation.  ▶ I discover all the accommodations at the Le Tropicana campsite

1 – The famous Vendée salad, perfect for summer

Let’s start with a great classic, but one that always has its little effect: Vendée salad.

  A mixture of very fresh raw vegetables, this Vendée dish highlights local produce, with a base of white cabbage, often accompanied by ham , comté cheese and potatoes.  But what makes it unique is the préfou , this famous garlic bread that you find everywhere in Vendée, cut into small pieces to enhance the salad.   This is the perfect dish to stay light while enjoying a beautiful, colorful and delicious plate . Plus, it’s super easy to reproduce on your mobile home terrace after a quick trip to the Saint-Jean-de-Monts market.  Our freshness tip: Add some very fresh melon cubes for a sweet and salty contrast that hits the mark!  

>>> Also read: 20 Foods for a Healthy Summer

2 – Melon, the unbeatable Vendée dish

Speaking of melon, it’s impossible to spend a summer in Vendée without tasting one.   The Charentais melon, grown under the generous sun of the region, is sweet, juicy and incredibly refreshing. It can be enjoyed on its own as a starter , dessert , or even as a snack after playing in the waves.  Locals also like to accompany it with a good Vendée ham for an irresistible sweet and salty combination. And that’s its magic: this simple fruit becomes a star as soon as it’s invited onto the table.  Our freshness tip: A dash of port or sweet white wine to enhance the taste of the melon and bring even more freshness. A real treat!

3 – Grilled sardines from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

If you stay at the Tropicana, there is a good chance that you will stop in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie , famous for its sardines. We could not miss this Vendée dish with its seafood flavors.  Grilled sardines are summer on a plate: light, tasty and so easy to prepare. All you need to do is grill them on the barbecue (a must for camping holidays!) with a little lemon, some fresh herbs, and you’ve got a simple and effective meal.

4 – Cold mogette salad

Mogettes , these famous white beans typical of Vendée, are often eaten hot as an accompaniment to meat or ham .   But did you know that they are also delicious cold, in a salad? Yes! Mix them with red onions , cherry tomatoes , a little balsamic vinegar and a good olive oil, and you have a salad rich in taste and freshness.

5 – Salted caramel crepe with a scoop of ice cream for dessert

And because there is no meal without a little sweet touch, let’s talk dessert!   In Vendée, it’s hard to resist salted butter caramel . So why not combine it with a good light crepe and a scoop of ice cream?   The crepe is the essential gourmet dish that pleases everyone, young and old alike. All served with a nice cold drink, and your vacation takes on its full meaning.  Our freshness tip: Opt for a scoop of fleur de sel ice cream for a perfect contrast with the caramel. An explosion of flavors in your mouth!

Discover the best Vendée dishes with the Tropicana!

There you have it, you now have in your pocket our top 5 Vendée dishes to savor during your vacation in Vendée.  Whether you are a fan of fresh fruit , seafood or desserts , there is something to delight everyone under the Vendée sun.   So, are you ready to treat yourself and enjoy the summer heat by tasting dishes that are as delicious as they are refreshing ? At Le Tropicana campsite, we are waiting for you to share these moments of culinary pleasure!  ▶ I have questions about the Le Tropicana campsite