THE RACE LIVE

Departure town

Clocher de l’église Notre-Dame (Photo : S. Archambault)

Challans

Situated minutes from the Atlantic beaches and at the heart of the Breton and Vendée Marsh, Challans is a town of multiple facets and outlooks. At the crossroads of eight major roads, it asserted itself as a central hub in north-west Vendée, ensuring great commercial growth. To this day, the town retains strong inner-city businesses as well as weekly markets held in the Food Hall. Second largest town in Vendée after La Roche sur Yon, Challans has managed to preserve a certain quality of life while its economy flourishes. In keeping with the tradition of the Marsh, its convivial people take life in its stride.

www.ville-challans