Obtained from seed by Count Eugene of Nouhes at la Cacaudiere in the Commune of Pouzauges, Vendee, France, 1860. Fruit medium or larger in size, roundish-bergamot in form. Skin thick, fairly tough, bright green in color, very free of blemish, attractive. Flesh white, fairly fine, juicy, buttery, quite free of grit. not very sweet but pleasing and refreshing in flavor. Superior to Beurre Easter which it resembles. A definitely late keeper, long shelf life, very good storage quality. Tree vigorous, abundant dark-green foliage, good orchard habits, productive. Fairly susceptible to blight. -- H. Hartman 1957A tree of Royel Vendee was received by the USDA Bureau of Plant Industry from L. Levavasseur, Angers, France on 17 February 1939 and assigned PI 131529. This may be the same clone. -- USDA Plant Inventory No. 138.
The following assembled variety descriptions are from USDA Plant Introduction Station records found in Dr. M. Westwood's (Oregon State University) files:
Introduced by Leroy in 1865 and first described by Leroy 1869. Catal. Soc. Pom. Fr. describes as of moderate vigor on seedling but on pear and on quince goves good pyramids in third year. Baltet recommends also for pyramid, palmette and tall standard. Fruit a little small; ovoid; cheek 'ruvida', greenish tint, 'scura', flesh fine of best flavor; January-March. The tree we have at Casignolo is 'geovanissima' and ha not produced any fruit.
Hedrick, in Pears of N.Y. 1921 (from Leroy 1869): Count Eugene of Nouhes obtained this variety from seed at la Cacaudiere, in the commune of Pouzaugas, Vendee, France, in 1860. Fruit medium, globular-ovate, bossed; skin rough, dark yellowish green, lightly marbled with gray and bright fawn; flesh citrine, fine, very melting and juicy, with a saccharine, sprightly flavor and delicate perfume; very good; January to March.
Catal. descr. des Fruits adoptes. Villefranche 1927, p. 337: Royale Vendee. Raised in 1860 by M. Eug. des Nouhes, on his property of la Cacaudiere, village of Pouzauges (Vendee). Fruit medium, blunted toward the stalk, bumpy on the whole surface. Stalk rather short, generally thick and fleshy, inserted obliquely against a small nipple. Eye large, open, regular, almost protuberant. Skin rough, not fine, dull yellowish green, lightly marbled with gray and fawn. Flesh pale yellow, fine, very melting, very juicy, with sweet flavor, pronounced, delicately perfumed. Quality very good. Ripens January-March. Shoots rather cocarse, rather short, a little spreading, ashy pale brown; lenticels wide and abundant. Buds large, ovoid, rounded, slightly protuberant. Culture: This variety may be grafted on quince and on pear, according to the form one wishes to give it. It should be grown in espalier or in pyramid with any exposure except north. It grows in all good soils, is always of moderate vidor, een on seedling; it is very productive. It should receive a moderate pruning.
Baltet 1936-37 catal.; under late winter pears: Royale-Vendee. Productive. Medium size, very good. January-February.
Levavasseur Catalog of 1936-37: President Royale Vendee. Listed under 'varieties very late, called winter pears ripening from Dec. to May.' No description.
Lepage 1938-9 catal. under varieties ripening January to May. No description.
Marnay 1938-9 catal. Royale Vendee. Productive, medium size, fairly large, very good. Listed under varieties ripening January to May.