Bocage vendéen: an escapade in hill country

Morning: conquering the peaks of Vendée

Start your day with a climb to the highest point in the Vendée: Saint-Michel-Mont-Mercure. The 199 steps of the bell tower await you for a breathtaking view. Up there, at an altitude of almost 300 metres, the 360° panorama of the Vendée bocage gives you a first glimpse of your playground for the next few days. At the summit, salute the archangel Saint-Michel, whose golden statue watches over the region.

Continue on to Mont des Alouettes in Les Herbiers, where two windmills stand guard at 232 meters above sea level. These stone sentinels played a crucial role during the Vendée War: millers used the orientation of their wings to transmit coded messages to the Vendée insurgents. Today, they offer one of the finest views of the patchwork of fields in the bocage.

Afternoon: from rail to river, the bocage in travelling mode

For the afternoon, you have two options. Come aboard the Chemin de Fer de la Vendée for a trip back in time. From Mortagne-sur-Sèvre to Les Herbiers, the steam locomotive takes you on a 22-kilometer nostalgic journey. The majestic viaducts that span the valleys offer a unique perspective on the bocage.

Or opt for the Vallée de Poupet, a veritable treasure trove of greenery on the banks of the Sèvre Nantaise. Here, 30 hectares of nature invite you to explore at your own pace: hiking, mountain biking, kayaking or a simple boat ride.

After a day rich in discoveries, head for the area around Puy du Fou, where numerous restaurants welcome you in a warm atmosphere. From traditional eateries to characterful inns, savour a cuisine that gives pride of place to Vendée specialities: mogettes, ham, préfou (garlic bread)...

When it comes to sleeping, let yourself be tempted by the unusual in the cabins of Terra Gora Lodges, where modern comfort blends with the magic of nights in the heart of nature. Or perhaps you prefer the charm of a bed and breakfast with character, or the peace and quiet of a campsite in the heart of the bocage.

Morning: in Tiffauges, the stones awaken at Bluebeard's castle

Tiffauges castle awaits you for a total immersion in the Middle Ages. The largest medieval site in Western France, it's not just a castle, it's a time machine. War machines come to life, equestrian tournaments thrill the courtyard, and medieval weapons demonstrations tell the story of the former home of Gilles de Raie, better known as Bluebeard.

Afternoon: from the ballet of birds to the alleys of Pouzauges

Just a short flight from Tiffauges, the Cité des Oiseaux in Les Landes-Genusson invites you to take a nature break. On the two ponds of the bird sanctuary, watch the ballet of birds from discreet observatories. On some days, more than 2,000 birds stop over, transforming the sky into a living tableau.

Round off your trip with a visit to Pouzauges, a small town of character built on a rocky promontory. Stroll through the flower-filled alleyways. These narrow streets lined with stone facades wind up to the Château de Pouzauges, a medieval keep that proudly dominates the town. Then continue on to the Moulins du Terrier Marteau, where flour is still made the old-fashioned way, perpetuating a centuries-old know-how.

Other trips in the Vendée bocage

The Vendée bocage still holds many secrets to be discovered. At Logis de la Chabotterie in Montréverd, immerse yourself in a historical escape game that will bring to life the mysteries of the Vendée War.

For the curious of all ages, the Manoir des Sciences in Réaumur opens its doors to a world of experiments and discoveries. In the home of this great 18th-century scientist, science becomes a fun adventure to share with the whole family.

Fancy a shopping break? Take a detour to the l'Entrepôt factory outlet in La Gaubretière, offering a wide selection of top brand shoes at affordable prices.