Discover Vendée Bocage by Bike

From La Chataigneraie, take to the skies to explore the hilly landscape of the Vendée bocage. Cross sites such as the old quarries of Cheffois and admire its rock walls which dominate the body of water or contemplate the thousands of plants grown in a nursery. Be curious and discover the Manoir des Sciences de Réaumur. You will then follow a circuit alternating historical monuments and green landscapes of hills and valleys towards Pouzauges, a small town of character located at the top of the hill. An ideal end to the stage to admire the sunset over the Vendée bocage from the esplanade of the Château de Pouzauges.

The essentials of the La Châtaigneraie – Pouzauges stage: 

• The Manor of Sciences of Réaumur 
• Pouzauges, Small City of Character 
• Pouzauges Castle  

Discover the Haut Bocage Vendéen during a circuit marked by pleasant little roads and hilly paths, punctuated by streams and ponds. Arriving at the highest point in the Vendée, climb the 199 steps to the famous bell tower and its archangel. Leave Saint Michel Mont Mercure and find the peaceful and hilly paths, while skirting the Bois des Jarries. Take advantage of a backpedal in the heart of history by visiting the famous Puy du Fou®, a stopover of choice for a trip back in time.

The essentials of the Pouzauges – Le Puy du Fou (Les Epesses) stage : 

• Pouzauges, Small City of Character and its castle 
• Castle of Saint-Mesmin (Cycling home) 
• Flocelliere Castle
• Chapel of Loreto
• Bell tower of Saint-Michel-Mont-Mercure
• Puy du Fou®
• Soap factory of the Hills

For 22 kilometres, pedal in peace along the banks of the Sèvre Nantaise to discover the Vendée bocage. After a stop at Puy du Fou®, discover the charm of the Small City of Character of Mallièvre, a former village of weavers, walk along the roads and return to Saint Laurent sur Sèvre and its 7 bell towers (also nicknamed the Holy City of Vendée). You will also pass near the majestic Barbin viaduct overlooking the Sèvre Noire and return to the Small City of Character of Mortagne-sur-Sèvre.

The essentials of the Le Puy du Fou – Mortagne sur Sèvre stage: 

• Puy du Fou® 
• Mallievre, Small City of Character 
• Poupet Valley
• Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, holy city of Vendée
• Mortagne-sur-Sevre, Small City of Cracatere
• Vendee Stained Glass 

On this stage, admire the many mills on the banks of the Sèvre. Cross the hilly landscapes of the Vendée bocage, discover Tiffauges and the Château de Gilles de Rais (also called the Château de Barbe Bleue), the largest medieval city in the West.

The essentials of the Mortagne sur Sèvre – Cugand stage: 

• Mortagne-sur-Sevre, Small City of Character
• Viewpoint of the Cure gardens
• Vendée Railway
• The Castle of Tiffauges (Cycling home) 
• The edges of Sèvre and the industrial past

Departing from Cugand, a small picturesque town crossed by the Sèvre Nantaise, join Montaigu-Vendée by sometimes taking quiet paths in the middle of nature, sometimes along the banks of the river La Maine. Along the way, you will discover the Moulin de Sénard and the Chaussée du Moulin de l'Ecornerie (private). Upon your arrival, Montaigu-Vendée promises you beautiful discoveries and a rich historical heritage, to be discovered thanks to the heritage trail “Montaigu, 1000 years of history”.

The essentials of the Cugand – Montaigu-Vendée stage: 

• Gaumier fulling mill
• Sénard mill and bridge
• Montaigu, 1000 years of history 

After visiting the medieval town of Montaigu-Vendée, this trail will take you to the banks of the Grande Maine where you can take a break at the Maison de la Rivière mill surrounded by nature. From Saint-Georges de-Montaigu to La Rabatelière, hamlets, small bridges, footbridges and old mills follow one another along your route. In La Rabatelière, you will discover the unusual site of the Sanctuary of La Salette, a real curiosity that marked parish life at the end of the XNUMXth century.

The essentials of the Montaigu – La Rabatelière stage: 

• The River House (Cycling home) 
• Chavagnes-en-Paillers
• The Sanctuary of La Salette
• The Moulin de Bel Air

Departing from La Rabatelière, this stage is perfect for lovers of nature and history. Forest, wooded hillsides, streams and vineyards, you will discover a variety of landscapes. After recharging your batteries in the forest of Grasla, discover along your route, the built and vernacular heritage, let yourself be told theHistory of the Vendée. Your journey will take you to the charming village of Saint Etienne du Bois, an ideal stopover to taste a local wine (IGP Val de Loire).

The essentials of the La Rabatelière – Saint Etienne du Bois stage:

• The Grasla Refuge 
• The Logis de la Chabotterie (Cycling home)