Heritage Days are a highlight for discovering the architecture, heritage and history of your region. They take place every year, the 3rd weekend of September.
The themes “Living Heritage” and “Sports Heritage” have been chosen for 2023, the year of the 40th edition. Songs, dances, gastronomy, tales, craftsmanship... all these practices constitute a living heritage. Many sites constitute the sporting heritage: stadiums, swimming pools, racetracks, ice rinks, golf courses or tennis courts...
European Heritage Days – September 21 and 22, 2024
Information to come.
A look back at the European Heritage Days – September 16 and 17, 2023
On the initiative of the Minister of Culture Jack Lang in 1984, the Heritage Days have been taken up in many European countries since 1991 and have become the European Heritage Days.
Since then, these days have been favored by the French to discover an unknown heritage, a private castle, a hidden garden... the success of these days is immense! Each year, town halls, private owners and heritage associations do their utmost to offer new products. Access to the site may be free or at a reduced rate.
The themes of the 40th edition
The Living Heritage theme coincides with the 20rd anniversary of the UNESCO convention for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage (PCI) adopted on October 17, 2003, whose ambition is to “protect a living heritage that promotes dialogue between peoples, cultural diversity and human creativity”.
Through the theme of “Sports Heritage”, the public will be able to discover sports infrastructures and places where sports are practiced. This theme is also part of a particular calendar, that of theCultural Olympiad, a multidisciplinary artistic and cultural program that runs from 2021 to September 2024, to accompany the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
source: Ministry of Culture
Discover the program
The Tourist offices du Bocage Vendéen provide you with the various programs in paper version: that of their territory, the Vendée and the Pays de la Loire. Also find all the sites open to visitors in the Vendée bocage in our section agenda.
What sites to visit in Vendée Bocage during Heritage Days?
The Tourist Offices have selected visits for you for this weekend: new arrivals, exceptional openings, animated visits... You are sure to find the visit of your choice. Nice discovery!
Country of Mortagne
Favorite: Vendée Railway – Visit of the railway depot
Visit the impressive collection of locomotives and wagons, as well as period tools and equipment. Animations adapted for the youngest, in order to introduce them to the world of trains in a fun and educational way. During the weekend, it will be possible to see many machines in motion, in particular a steam locomotive from 1945. The volunteers will show you the depot and the various actions carried out throughout the year to preserve the railway heritage.
- Rue du Monte-Vite – ZA of the station
- Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 2023
- 9h30 to 18h
- Info and reservations: https://www.vendeetrain.fr/journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine.html
Discovering the Sèvre mills at Treize-Vents
A circuit of 3.5 km to 4 km along the river or on steep hillsides. Departing from the La Boulaie green space at 14:30 p.m., go up via Mallièvre via Saint-Jacques to La Péraie then descend by path to the Moulin de La Roche (site only), Capeleau mill, Grand Moulin, Moulin Neuf , (crossing the bridge), Brocheton mill, Charbonneau, Froment, Baubry (visit of the mill and its mechanisms renovated by the miller himself). Mention of the other Treize-Vents mills located downstream and return to La Boulaie around 17 p.m. walk is commented on the sites, the activities of yesterday, the hydraulic installations… by Raymond Le Penuizic.
- Departure at 14:30 p.m. on Saturday September 16, 2023
- Bring good hiking shoes. Course not easily accessible.
Heritage Days at the City of Birds in Landes-Génusson
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, the volunteers of the LPO Vendee welcome you to the observatory to help you discover the natural heritage of the pond. Free access to the Discovery Center on animal migrations and to the “birds of the pond” exhibition at LM Préau. For all.
- Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 2023 from 14 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Historical guided tours
- Mortagne-sur-Sevre : Follow the guide to discover the history of the town over the centuries and admire this wonderful Little City of Character! Saturday September 16 – from 16:30 p.m. to 18 p.m.. Registration required : www.tourisme.paysdemortagne.fr. Departure location: Lieudit de la Romaine, Mortagne-sur-Sèvre. Free.
- Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre : Walk in the footsteps of Montfort and discover the hidden treasures of Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, nicknamed the “Holy city of Vendée”. Sunday September 17, 2023 at 14:30 p.m. and 16:30 p.m.. Registration required : www.tourisme.paysdemortagne.fr. Departure point: Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre Tourism information point.
Lands of Montaigu
Favorite: Les Echappées – Terres de Montaigu
As part of Heritage Days, Terres de Montaigu is offering the 3rd edition of its cycling event: Les Echappées! Discover the heritage with family or friends and by bike.
By bicycle, pedal on the roads of Rocheservière and Montaigu-Vendée to discover the jewels of the territory, some of which open their doors only for the occasion. Between nature, sporting activity and discovery, Les Echappées invite you to meet on Sunday 17 September 2023.
- Loop Rocheservière (12 km)
- Loop Saint-Hilaire-de-Loulay (24 km)
From 10 a.m. to 17 p.m. Without reservation. Free.
Information at the Tourist Office on 02 51 06 39 17.
Discovery of Cugand and its town center
On Sunday September 17, 2023, Cugand comes alive! Discover the activities offered for all ages:
- Treasure hunt Enig'Ma Ville at 10 a.m. and 14 p.m.. Come with family or friends to take up challenges and answer puzzles by locating yourself on a map! Duration 2 hours. On registration at 02 51 94 82 36. Free.
- Discovery of religious heritage – Church of Cugand: Presentation of the history of the church, stained glass windows, paintings and liturgical objects. Free visit from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. then from 14 p.m. to 18 p.m.
- Photo exhibition of the village : exhibition of old and recent photos of the buildings and streets of Cugand. Free visit in the garden of the media library 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. then from 14 p.m. to 18 p.m.
- Visit of the Moulin à Foulon : guided tours of the Moulin de 14 a.m. to 18 p.m.h. Village of Gaumier.
Discovering the Castles
- The Château de la Preuille – Saint Hilaire de Loulay: various activities (music, balloon sculptures, exhibition of vintage cars, magic shows and large wooden games) on Sunday, September 17 from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.. Small market and restaurant on site.
- Hallay Castle – Boufféré: live show, fire-eater, tasting of period drinks, street entertainment in the gardens and history of the castle told by the writer and historian Jacques Bernard Saturday and Sunday from 14 p.m. to 18:30 p.m..
Country of Pouzauges
Favorite – The Château de Pouzauges comes alive!
- Saturday September 16: 14:30 p.m.-18:30 p.m. (last visit).
- Sunday September 17: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 14 p.m. to 18 p.m. (last visit).
The Tourist Office offers dungeon flash tours (30 mins). Let yourself be told the story of this medieval fortress built in the 355th century which impresses with the power of its defensive system and its 26 meters of curtain wall. From its height of XNUMX meters, the donjon was transformed into a residence by Catherine de Thouars, wife of the famous Gilles de Rais, who added elegant carved fireplaces as well as windows with cushions.
- Theatrical, offbeat and humorous stroll through the city. Departures at 14:30 p.m. and 16:30 p.m.
Our CRAC archaeological experts have found information about our city and are sharing it with you in their own way. Info or intox ? It will be up to you to sort it out! And even if you doubt, it will definitely be a great opportunity to laugh! Registrations for the show visits are strongly recommended.
- Continuous wooden games in the castle courtyard from 14 p.m. to 18 p.m.
Information at the Pays de Pouzauges Tourist Office on 02 51 91 82 46.
Patri'Miam Days in Sèvremont
Because culture is also on the plate! During this day dedicated to our culinary heritage, the CPIE Sèvre et Bocage opens the doors of its vegetable garden and its cultivated riches: from forgotten vegetables to curious legumes with a future, they have some nice surprises in store for you in the garden. . Then, for lunch on the grass, enjoy a colourful, balanced and timeless meal, between tradition and modernity, whose color palette will reflect the landscapes around you.
- Sunday September 17, 2023 from 10 p.m. to 15 p.m.
- Free
Harness and handling of weapons at the Château de Saint-Mesmin
Take a seat for your first weapon handling lessons with our captains. In the preamble, a discovery of the harness is essential to integrate the battle list, in order to handle, swords, polearms or to learn modern archery, without forgetting to propel some projectiles with the tinkering, all for a funny but above all playful war.
- Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 2023 from 14:30 p.m. to 18:30 p.m.
- Castle of Saint-Mesmin
Discovering the Flocellière – Sèvremont
Take advantage of Heritage Days to explore the town of La Flocellière, its castles, its chapel and its old houses (heritage tour).
The Château de la Flocellière
Le Flocelliere Castle opens for heritage days for free visits or guided tours of the exterior. Discover the medieval garden, the Italian garden, the bocage park and the romantic park.
- Saturday September 16 and Sunday September 17, 2023
- Park open to the public from 13 p.m. to 18 p.m.
- Dramatized guided tours in period costume at 14 p.m., 15 p.m., 16 p.m. and 17 p.m.
- Food truck “Chez Meo” exotic specialties, from noon to 15 p.m.
La Chapel of Loreto was built from 1640 to 1668. It is part of the old church of the Carmelite convent, destroyed during the Wars of Vendée and restored in the 18th century. In the 14th century, the parish priest of La Flocellière added a replica of the santa casa of Lorette in Italy, a major place of pilgrimage. Sunday September 18: guided tours by the La Boulite association from 30 p.m. to XNUMX p.m. Free.
The Château de la Bergelière, in the center of the village of La Flocellière, opens its doors for a visit to the main courtyard and the castle park in groups of 10 to 15 people, on Sunday September 17, 2023 from 14:30 p.m. Free. Contact: 06 84 96 52 08
Country of Chantonnay
Favorite: Priory of Grammont – Investigation at the Priory
“1227 at the Priory of Chassay Grammont, tensions and tragic events will disturb the solitude of the brothers. For what ? How ? It’s up to you, dear investigators, to solve all these mysteries. »
- Information and reservations on 02 51 53 66 66 or by email: [email protected]
- Maximum 60 people
- From 6 years old (accompanied by parents)
- Duration: 2 hour
- Free entry for heritage days
- Report to the priory reception from 15:15 p.m.
The Logis des Grois
These two days will be an opportunity to learn about the history of this Vendée Logis, classified as a historic monument. The Logis des Grois was built at the end of the 400th century for Daniel Majou des Grois, officer of her royal highness the Duchess of Orléans. It has been protected by the state in its entirety both for architectural reasons but also for historical reasons. The village of Grois and its Logis have indeed experienced the troubles caused by the wars of religion but also during the revolutionary period. It has belonged to the same family for XNUMX years.
- Saturday September 16, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 14:30 p.m. to 18 p.m.
- Sunday September 17, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 14:30 p.m. to 17 p.m.
- Free admission. Information: 06 62 18 24 68.
Guided tour of the Chevillonnière Manor – Saint Hilaire le Vouhis
Come visit this 4th century home, completely restored. This was the home where Pierre de Ronsard's mother lived. Explanation of the XNUMX years of work, exterior visits (including the ramparts) and interior of the house.
- Saturday: 14:30 p.m., 15:30 p.m. and 16:30 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m., 14:30 p.m., 15:30 p.m., 16:30 p.m. and 17:30 p.m.
- Price €2 for indoor and outdoor guided tours. Free for minors. Information and reservations on 02 51 34 79 98.
Auneau Park in Chantonnay
The Domaine de L'Auneau Park exceptionally opens its doors for the European Heritage Days. This park was labeled “Remarkable Garden” in 2011. An Italian-inspired castle, atypical for the region, the villa-castel built in 1899 by the architect Joseph Libaudière dominates the Petit Lay valley. The walk provides panoramic views that reflect the landscape identity of Tuscany. An apple juice from the property will be offered to visitors.
- Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 2023 from 14 p.m. to 19 p.m.
- Price: €5. Free – 18 years old.
- Information 06 80 48 25 61
Pays de Saint-Fulgent – Les Essarts
The Sanctuary of La Salette – La Rabatelière
Discover this unusual place, testimony to parish life at the end of the XNUMXth century. Raised by the Abbé Hillairet, this site surprises both by the materials used and by the architectural program developed. The zigzag paths present remarkable trees: Himalayan cedars, laricio pines, exotic plants such as Yucca and palm trees...
- Free access
- Saturday September 16 and Sunday September 17, 2023
- Open from 9 a.m. to 19 p.m.
The Crypt and the Church of Saint Pierre – Les Essarts
Built in 1182 at the same time as the Romanesque church of the Saint-Pierre priory, the crypt retains magnificent vaults and columns from the period. Rectangular in shape, 11 m long and 4 m wide, it is divided into three naves by two rows of 5 columns, and ends in a semicircle. This crypt was classified as a Historic Monument in 1971. Discover its architecture during a visit thanks to a detailed audio commentary. To visit the crypt: staircase on the right in the church, near the sacristy.
- Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 2023 from 8 a.m. to 19 p.m.
- Accès libre
Espace Gaston Chaissac – Sainte Florence (Essarts en Bocage)
For Heritage Days, discover theSpace Gaston Chaissac, with the exhibition “Chaissac invites Savary”. Visit the blue sugar box, the scenography on the artist Gaston Chaissac and his universe. You can also participate in a painting workshop on a rigid fabric.
Sunday, September 17 at 15:30 p.m. come and listen to a animated conference by Jean Claude Pellerin, self-taught scholar.
- Saturday September 16, 2023 from 14 a.m. to 19 p.m.
- Sunday September 17, 2023 from 10 p.m. to 18 p.m.
- Single price: 2€/person from 18 years old
Heritage Rally – Les Brouzils
As part of the European Heritage Days 2023, the associations GRASLA AUTO RETRO and ASSOCIATION DE SAUVEGARDE DU HERITAGE BROUZILIENS are organizing a heritage rally. You will be offered a quiz on exceptional monuments, places and plants in 6 towns in the Pays de Saint-Fulgent – Les Essarts.
- Sunday 17 September 2023
- Departures from 10 a.m. from Château de Ligny
- Open to all types of vehicles (old, modern, 2 wheels or 4 wheels, with motors or without motors)
- Route of about 70 kms
Land of Herbaria
Favorite: Domaine du Parc Soubise – Mouchamps
For the European Heritage Days, discover the Domaine du Parc Soubise in an original way!
- Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September from 14 a.m. to 18 p.m.
- Historical theater scenes on the history of Parc Soubise, performed, written and directed by students from the ICES heritage and theater section.
- Free
Visits to the Château de l'Etenduère – Les Herbiers
L'Etenduère welcomes you on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 2023!
- Flash visit “Archaeological discoveries at the Expanse”. Come and discover the secrets of the ruins of l'Etenduère. Departures every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 17:30 p.m. Reservation on site.
- Guided tour “Once upon a time, the Château de l'Etenduère”. Take advantage of the heritage days to discover the underside of the ruins of the castle, browsing its history from the XNUMXth century to today. Departures: 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 14:15 p.m., 14:45 p.m. and 17:15 p.m.
Information on 02 51 66 95 41.
Grainetière Abbey – The Herbaria
Listed historical monument. A small jewel of Romanesque art in the Vendée, the Abbaye de la Grainetière is located on the edge of Parc Soubise, in a quiet place conducive to meditation.
- Saturday, September 16 : free visit from 10:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18 p.m. Guided tour at 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. then all afternoon.
- Sunday 17 September 2023 : free visit from 14 p.m. to 18 p.m. Guided tours all afternoon.
- The whole weekend : dedication by Philippe Gaury, author of the new history and architecture presentation booklet The Abbey of La Grainetière in Vendée, from 14 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Themes
