Vendée was invaded by the Vikings in the 9th century, during which they annexed the island of Noirmoutier, their future base camp. In 836 began the quest of the Noirmoutier monks to protect the relics of Saint Philibert from the Vikings. Finally in 875 they accepted to settle in Tournus in the Saône valley.
The Vendée War began with a revolution in 1793, an uprising quashed by the republican army in the winter of 1794 - this terrible military machine ordered mass executions and adopted a scorched earth policy to achieve its goals. It was not until 1795 that the region was pacified by Hoche who led the Republic to victory.
A poignant event that survived in the history books: Charrette, a revolutionary leader, was executed shouting "long live the King!" on March 29th 1796.
In a poor attempt to enthrone her son, the duchess of Berry attempted to spark an uprising against Louis-Philippe. In June Vendée was under siege, but was then pacified as the duchess did not receive much support. She was arrested in Nantes in November.
The industrialisation of the hedged farmlands in the 50's and 60's causes Vendée's economic miracle, the fruits of which can still be felt today.