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Larger trails

On foot or by bike

From the enchanting routes of the “GR®364” and the “GRP® de Mélusine” to the serenity of the “Vélo Francette®” and the “Vendée Vélo”, each itinerary promises a unique adventure full of discoveries. Let yourself be carried away by the soft murmur of the leaves in the Mervent-Vouvant forest, the sound of the peaceful waters of the Marais Poitevin and the remains of a heritage full of emotion. And don’t forget to discover the secrets of the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, a spiritual and cultural experience that will add an extraordinary dimension to your journey.

"GR®364" and "GRP® de Mélusine"

From “Poitou” to the sea : GR® 364

 

The “Gr® 364” has been completely redesigned for 2021 and now offers a 252 km route between La Roche-Posay and Les Sables d’Olonne.

Discover the 2 sections crossing the region around the commune of Vouvant (25 km and 26 km).

“GRP® de Mélusine”

 

The GR Pays de Mélusine is divided into 3 main circuits :

  • in the forest of Mervent-Vouvant (55km)
  • across the plains and wodeed countryside of the Vendée (33km)
  • in the steep valleys of the Vendée and Mère rivers (67km)

Signs : red/yellow

The route (enlarged) through the forest of Mervent-Vouvant is available on the walking map.
The 3 loops are shown on the destination map.

All the information and the full route on the website of the “Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre 85″.

The Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela

The "Vendée" Way

The Vendée Way to Compostela crosses the Vendée for 155 km. Specifically, the Vendée Grand Sud destination allows you to walk from Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salle through the forest of Mervent-Vouvant to the Poitevin marsh at Maillé.

You can also follow “La Voie de la Vendée”, an unmarked route from Saint-Michel-le-Cloucq to La Rochelle via Fontenay-le-Comte and its historic centre.

For more information, visit the website of the “association Vendéenne des Pèlerins de Saint-Jacques”.

The Chestnut Trail

("Le Chemin des Châtaignes") 76 km - 4 possible starts

The "Vendée Vélo"

The “Vendée Vélo” network of cycle routes allows cycling enthusiasts to discover the whole of the département. In total, more than 1,800 km, including 400 km of cycle paths, are just a pedal away.

In the Vendée Grand Sud, the “Vendée Vélo” routes take you through the Poitevin marsh, Fontenay-le-Comte, the forest of Mervent-Vouvant, Faymoreau, La Châtaigneraie, Mouilleron-Saint-Germain, Bazoges-en-Pareds, etc.

A number of professionals have also been awarded the “Accueil vélo” label, a national label that guarantees a warm welcome and quality services tailored to the needs of cyclists.

A guide to the “Vendée Vélo” cycle routes is available free of charge from the Tourist Office.

Vendée Vélo Tour | Étape 7 à étape 11
Vendée Vélo Tour | Étape 7 à étape 11
Vendée Vélo Tour | Étape 7 à étape 11

The “Vélo Francette®”

 

From La Rochelle to the beaches of Ouistreham, the “Vélo Francette®” cycle route crosses a large part of western France.

In our region, this route allows you to discover the Poitevin marsh by cycling along the Sèvre Niortaise river at Maillé, Damvix and Niort.

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