Le Vieux Café – a welcoming family holiday home in the heart of the Vendée
Step back from the everyday and settle into Le Vieux Café, a beautifully renovated former village café in the peaceful Vendée village of Lairoux. This spacious three-bedroom cottage sleeps up to 7–8 guests and is ideal for families, grandparents travelling with children and friends sharing a holiday. Original stone walls and wooden beams give the house plenty of French character, while the 2025–26 renovation has added fresh décor, improved insulation and updated furnishings. Outside, there is a private terrace with pergola, a large shared garden and a 12m x 7m heated swimming pool, while the games room provides entertainment for children of all ages.
Property Description:
- The living room – somewhere for everyone to unwind
After a day exploring the Vendée, the comfortable living room is the perfect place to gather. There are two large three-seater leather sofas and a further two-seater sofa bed, giving everyone plenty of room to relax. The 50-inch Smart TV offers UK and French channels, while a DVD player and PS4 provide entertainment for quieter evenings. High-speed fibre Wi-Fi reaches throughout the cottage, the terrace and even the pool area. There is also a useful desk with UK, French and USB sockets, making it easy to keep in touch with work if absolutely necessary!
- The kitchen and dining area – made for family meals
The well-equipped kitchen has everything you need for relaxed self-catering, including an electric oven, ceramic hob, microwave, large fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. There is also a kettle, toaster, conventional coffee maker and Senseo coffee machine. The extendable dining table seats 8–10 people, making family breakfasts, leisurely lunches and evening meals easy to enjoy together. Younger guests are well catered for too, with children's crockery, cutlery and drinking cups, plus a highchair and booster seat.
- Ground-floor shower room
Conveniently located beside the kitchen, the ground-floor shower room has a shower, washbasin and WC. It is particularly useful for families with younger children or anyone who would prefer not to use the stairs.
- The master bedroom – views towards the village church
The spacious 30m² master bedroom has a comfortable 160cm x 200cm double bed, plus a full-size single bed. A wardrobe and chest of drawers provide plenty of storage, while the windows look towards the village church. A travel cot can also be provided, making this a practical room for parents with a young child.
- The twin bedroom – perfect for children
The second bedroom has two single beds, bedside tables and a wardrobe. There is also a lovely selection of bedtime reading for younger guests. It is a cheerful and practical room for children or friends travelling together.
- The flexible double bedroom
The third bedroom has a comfortable 160cm x 200cm double bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside tables and a desk with mirror. The bed can also be separated into two single beds, giving families flexibility when arranging sleeping spaces.
All three bedrooms have double glazing, good insulation and working shutters to keep the rooms dark, helping everyone enjoy a lie-in after a busy day of holiday adventures. Stair gates are fitted at both the top and bottom of the stairs for younger children.
- First-floor shower room
Upstairs, there is a second shower room with a large double shower cubicle and washbasin with storage. A separate WC is conveniently located next door.
Outdoor spaces
Pool days, barbecues and space to breathe
Outside, Le Vieux Café has its own large private terrace, complete with a dining table and chairs for up to eight guests. A wooden pergola provides welcome shade, while comfortable low loungers create a lovely spot for morning coffee or a quiet glass of wine once the children are in bed. There is also a Weber charcoal barbecue and serving table, making alfresco family dinners an easy part of your holiday.
Beyond the terrace, guests can enjoy the extensive shared gardens and the 12m x 7m heated swimming pool. There is plenty of space around the pool for relaxing, while the large games room offers another place for children and adults to play when they need a break from the sunshine. The combination of pool, garden and games room means that everyone can find something to enjoy without having to get in the car.
For families travelling with a baby or toddler, the cottage also provides useful equipment including a cot, baby bath, changing mat, potty and step.
Dogs are welcome too, with dog toys, a towel and poo bags provided.
Le Vieux Café can be rented with our other 2 bedroom cottage - L'Ecurie - for an extended family holiday.
Location
A peaceful village base for exploring the Vendée
Le Vieux Café sits in Lairoux, a small village on the edge of the Marais Communal. This is a wonderfully peaceful setting, with country lanes, open wetlands and plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling and watching local wildlife. The surrounding marshes attract a variety of birds, including storks and other migratory species, making this a particularly lovely area for nature lovers.
And although the setting feels wonderfully rural, you're never far from the things you need. Luçon is around 8–10km away, with supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, shops and a regular market. A local bakery is around five minutes away by car – handy for those essential morning croissants and fresh French bread!
The Vendée beaches are just 15 minutes away by car, with long stretches of golden sand at La Faute-sur-Mer and plenty of other beaches to discover along the coast. Families can enjoy swimming, sandcastles, surfing, bodyboarding or simply a long walk beside the Atlantic.
There is plenty to discover further afield, too. Spend a day exploring the waterways of the Marais Poitevin, visit historic towns and villages, enjoy the local markets and seafood restaurants, or make a special trip to Puy du Fou. The Fief Vendéen wine route begins near Mareuil-sur-Lay, while La Rochelle and Île de Ré make excellent days out.
A car is essential for exploring the area, as Lairoux is a small rural village with limited public transport. In return, you have the freedom to discover quiet beaches, countryside walks, markets, restaurants and family attractions at your own pace.
Le Vieux Café is a place where family holidays are easy to enjoy: plenty of space for grandparents, parents and children, lots to keep everyone entertained, and a peaceful French countryside setting to come home to at the end of the day.
Annette
English, French
Member since Aug 2026
Family friendly
Pet friendly
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