Every year, on Ascension weekend, Chantonnay becomes the capital of hiking. R4JCV is a hiking event not to be missed in Vendée Bocage!
Head to the bocage, in the heart of the Vendée to explore the hiking trails in a friendly atmosphere! As you hike, you will discover typical, intimate and grandiose landscapes. A sporting and rejuvenating weekend, where the key words are: conviviality, hiking and nature!
The R4JC event
Chantonnay, capital of hiking
Hikers from all over the world come together to share 4 days of hiking in the Vendée countryside. This unique event in France welcomes nearly 10 enthusiasts of all nationalities.
Chantonnay is in fact the only city in France to integrate the International Marching League which organizes these meetings, IML (International Marching League) with 24 other countries.
This event is an opportunity to hike at your own pace, in conviviality and respect for nature, all without competition. Every day the choice between several distances. The tours are online, a bus takes you to your starting point (Thorn Room) and you return to Chantonnay (Clemenceau Park). It is an opportunity to discover heritage, castles, and even private residences open exceptionally, as well as nature and the panoramas of the Vendée countryside, all along the routes.
Arrival is a very festive and friendly to live in! In a good mood, all the hikers meet in Parc Clémenceau, specially animated for the event, to chat together.
Hikes like no other
Every day is a new opportunity to hike as you please!
- 5 laps : 8km, 12km, 21km, 28km and 42km
- Departure and registration in the morning from Salle Clemenceau, from 6:30-7 a.m. for the largest 42 km circuit and until 10 a.m. for the 8 km. Departure by bus.
- Arrival in Parc Clemenceau, in the heart of the town of Chantonnay.
- Every day a festive animation at the arrival of the hikers: concert, banda... bar and restaurant on site.
- Prices from €10 (42 km) to €5 (8 km) + €1 for on-site registrations the same morning.
- Refueling along the route and at the finish.
- An animated night hike on Friday evening of 12 km, departure at 20:30 p.m. – Price €8
Focus on the night hike
A night hike is proposed on Friday May 10 2024. The route is approximately 12 km long. Departure takes place at the Salle de l'Epine in Chantonnay, at 20:00 p.m.
After effort, comfort: A typical Vendée meal is offered to you on arrival from 22:45 p.m.: the famous ham and mogette.
- Think of bring a flashlight and a fluorescent vest.
- 8€ on reservation, 9€ on site.
And for the more athletic: the BMLD (long-distance walker certificate)
What is a BMLD?
This is a format of Hiking created by the R4JCV association in 2019. This formula is aimed at walkers used to long distances in a limited (but large) time. The walker follows a route precisely defined by the organizer but not signposted. He must travel the distance without any form of personal assistance. Checkpoints set up by the organizer make it possible to verify that they have completed the entire course, which will allow them to obtain their “certificate”.
3 possible routes:
- a BMLD: 100 km unmarked without assistance in 30 hours
- a BMLD: 150 km unmarked without assistance in 54 hours
- a BMLD: 200 km unmarked without assistance in 78 hours
Hike without any assistance with topo-guide and checkpoints.
Information and registration on www.vendee-randonnee.com.
An event committed to respecting nature:
Out of respect for theenvironment, there are no disposable plastic cups at the aid stations. So remember to take your reusable cup. You can also buy on the spot, a cup with the effigy of the 4 days.
The starting point is at the Salle de l'Epine in Chantonnay. Think about carpooling!
Pratical information
- Information Tourist Office of the Pays de Chantonnay: tel 02 44 40 20 06 or [email protected]
- Terminals for motorhomes are available on Chantonnay.
- Information and registration online until the day before (21 p.m.) hiking www.vendee-randonnee.com E-mail : [email protected]
- The R4JC association is a member of the International Walking League (IML), the French Federation of Hiking (RSTF) and the French Federation of Popular Sports and Departmental Committee 85 of the FFRP
Accommodation around Chantonnay and take advantage of the Ascension weekend to visit the Vendée
Find accommodation to participate in the 4 days of hiking
Taste good food after exercise
Take advantage of the Ascension weekend to visit
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