The GR de Pays and the GR 364

Discover circuits for a hiking trip in the Vendéen bocage! The GR Pays is a roaming hike, taking you through the landscapes of the Vendée bocage, and to discover the local gems.

In Vendée Bocage, the hiking circuits will take you along the sunken lanes and small paths, along the banks of the Sèvre Nantaise or even high up on the hills, allowing you to enjoy exceptional panoramas over the bocage.

The GR of Pays Sèvre et Maine – GRP of Pouzauges

For lovers of long hikes over several days, browse the GR of Pays Sèvre and Maine along the Sèvre Nantaise, the last tributary of the Loire. the GR of the Pays de Pouzauges allows you to discover the heights of the bocage vendeen and this very particular landscape: hollow roads, fields surrounded by hedges. Along the circuit, villages of character, castles are discovered, the landscapes along the water are revealed. 5 loops including 4 loops in our Pays du Bocage Vendéen territory:

• La Bocage loop, 144km, in the heart of the steep valley of the Sèvre Nantaise from Clisson to Mallièvre, villages of character, following the heights of the Bocage to follow the Maine to Montaigu.
• La Loop of the Hills, 82 km, the trails offer fabulous panoramas over the Bocage Vendéen
• La Puys Loop, 58 km, through the hills and the puys, the castles of the Middle Ages, the churches tell us their story.
• La Loop of the Fiefs, 64 km, the path goes to meet the old wine-growing lands and elegant dwellings.
• Download the hike sheets GR of Pays Sèvre and Maine
• Follow the route of your hike online at 100secrets.sevre-nantaise.com
• Red yellow markup

To organize your itinerary and advise you on the accommodation solutions possible along the route, contact the Tourist offices.

The GR 364, from Poitou to the Ocean

The GR 364 crosses the Vendée from east to west, from Absie (79) to Les Sables d'Olonne. It is currently benefiting from modifications to be revitalized in 11 Vendée stages.

It now goes through Chantonnay for a hiking stopover in this city which hosts every year at Ascension, a major event related to hiking: The 4 days of hiking in Chantonnay-Vendée. Of guest rooms et hotels in the city center allow you to stop over, as well as all the shops for your supplies. Chantonnay station also allows you to reach your starting point.

• White and red signage
• GR of Pays and GR 364 of Vendée 

Focus on the Loop of the Bocage – GRP Sèvre et Maine

The Loop of the Bocage, 144 km

We have tested for you this loop which takes you through grandiose and varied landscapes: a few hillsides, grazed meadows and small towns of character. The Sèvre is transformed according to the landscapes: mirror of an idealized Italy or torrential and wild river relentlessly eroding the blocks of granite. A journey in which man and nature express themselves with equal intensity.

De Clisson à Mallievre, the path follows the Sèvre valley, dominated by a landscape where livestock farming replaces viticulture. Its torrential course, characterized by numerous mills and causeways, testifies to the strong industrial tradition of the valley and gives it an attractive landscape variety: the river, from one bank to the other, in its detours and its bridges, multiplies the perspectives. The small towns root these landscapes in an old story that each tells in its own way.

You will go back in time by crossing the Roman roads to arrive at Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, Holy city of Vendée”. Upstream, the Sèvre becomes intimate: Mallièvre, the smallest commune in Vendée, is a synthesis of man, geography, history and the river.

The path then leaves the Sèvre for its heights: the high Vendée bocage, with the Mont des Alouettes and its windmills as a banner. Then the ponds, contemplation and leisure… until the Great Maine, the Bultière reservoir and Montaigu-Vendee, medieval seat.

Source: French Hiking Federation

Over the seasons, we went to discover the GR de Pays! We have divided the route into several stages, from which you can draw inspiration for your future walks and hikes in Vendée Bocage! Discover our hikes in pictures.

From Cugand to La Bruffière

This start of the route takes you along the banks of the Sèvre Nantaise. THE Hucheloup site, is a former textile factory, an important economic location that has lasted for years. As you continue your journey, you will see in the distance the Doucinière viaduct, spanning the river.

From La Grossière to Saint-Aubin-des-Ormeaux

Your stage continues along the Sèvre. Upon arriving at Tiffauges, you will walk along the moat and see the famous Castle of Gilles de Rais (Blue Beard). Stop for an afternoon to discover this must-see in the countryside. As you continue your way, you will pass to the Roche Valley, a place highly appreciated by local hikers. On your way, you will be able to observe the Mulliez Flory industrial site, specializing in weaving and manufacturing.

From Saint-Aubin-des-Ormeaux to Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre

Direction the Moulin de Grenon to continue your journey on the Bocage loop. On this stage, you will continue to follow the Sèvre Nantaise, passing in front of the mills by Gazeau, Daudet and Pilet. As you continue, you will arrive at Vendee Stained Glass, located in the heart of the Saint-Hilaire church, this site offers you a fun and interactive discovery of the Art of Stained Glass. Then, you will begin to see in the distance the majestic Barbin Viaduct upon arriving at Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, Holy city of Vendée. You will pass in front of the Château de la Barbinière, with a passage through the ponds, then you will arrive in the city center of Saint-Laurent. To discover: The Monumental Calvary of Father Montfort, the Basilica Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, the Chapelle du Saint Esprit, the washhouse, as well as the Eiffel Bridge.

From Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre to Puy du Fou®

After your discovery of the Holy City of Vendée, we head back towards the place called Bodet, to wander along the paths of the bocage. You will see the old Saint Joseph laundry. After a few kilometers, you arrive at Mallievre, Small Town of Character. Discover this ancient weaving village with its remains of the medieval castle, the mansions, its alleys, and its banks of the Sèvre. You will be immersed in the heart of the hollow paths of the bocage for a few kilometers before arriving at the Epesses, municipality of Puy du Fou®. You will follow the Aujardière pond before heading towards the Puy du Fou®.

Du Puy du Fou® (Les Epesses) – Les Bois Verts (Les Herbiers)

After passing the Puy du Fou®, it's back to the bocage paths. After a nice climb, you arrive at the Chapel of Mont des Alouettes. Cross the road, and find yourself in the Maha forest. Continue your journey until Green Woods, to Herbaria : a cool place to take a picnic break.

Herbiers at a place called Doulay

We set off again for several kilometers through the Vendée bocage. Upon seeing the Bois du Defend, you know that the Lac de la Tricherie Leisure Center arrived ! A relaxing place to take a break, for a few minutes… or a few hours! On this portion of the route, you will continue through the bocage paths.