Oysters are a French speciality and Vendée vintages come from the natural shelters of the Bay of Bourgneuf, from Pornic to Beauvoir-sur-Mer and sheltered by the Ile de Noirmoutier. The local's secret is to sprinkle their serving of shellfish with a small glass of Muscadet wine.

The Bouchot Mussel is renowned as one of the best mussels in the world.
The tradition of this region’s speciality was borne when an Irish traveller set up traps on
the coast intended to catch birds, and inadvertently created the first mussel beds.

There are many other treasures to discover, including Charolais beef, salt-marsh lamb and poultry from Challans, all with flavours derived from the distinctive salt marches. Traditional mogette beans and Noirmoutier’s Bonnotte potatoes are local delicacies. 

Brioche is sweet bread flavoured with brandy or orange-flower water and has always been eaten in large quantities by the people of the region. 

To round things off in Vendée, head inland and seek out the Berlingot Nantais, a delicious sugary pyramid candy which is a speciality of confectioners in and around Nantes.

For the people of Charente the simple snail is an emblem held in high regard, like the cockerel for the whole of France. Destination Cooks should put aside any squeamishness about trying this delicacy and taste the succulent dishes of Cagouilles.

The sea is a kitchen to the folks of Charente, and so dishes drawing out the flavours of turbot, hake, sea-bream, mullet, mackerel and herring must be appreciated. 

Finally, wash down the delicacies with some of the many drinks that come from this fantastic part of the world.

The delicious Pineau des Charentes is a pleasant aperitif at any hour; the wines
of High-Poitou are excellent,
but the king of the region is the town of Cognac, known throughout the world for the famous drink that bears its name. A taste tour should not be missed.