explore bessay, vendée, pays de la loire

Discover the Chantemerle Forest by taking the Voie Verte (old railway track) and the small country roads. After a stop near the chapel of the Domaine de Chantemerle, enjoy the shade of the trees of the forest of Chantemerle and its vegetal atmosphere. On the way back, take a break in the village square of Chantemerle before heading back to Pescalis. Don't hesitate to make a detour to the Karting or the Adventure Park located nearby.

The small town of Coulonges-sur-L'Autize has undergone three major phases of development during its history. In the Middle Ages, the settlement gathered around the church of Saint-Etienne. The medieval nucleus, now a little out of place, is characterized by winding streets where a few houses show signs of age. A second period of urbanization began in the 16th century with the construction of a vast castle, built around a large quadrangular square. Finally, the 19th century ushered in a new period of prosperity and growth. This economic boom, linked to the exploitation of lime kilns, resulted in the construction of major roads, the installation of the railway, the building of market halls and a wealthy housing.

From Coulonges-sur-l'Autize, park on the castle square. A notice board will show you the starting point. Then follow the wooden markers with a bicycle and brown directional arrows. If there are no signs, continue on your way. Discover the Autize valley and let yourself be surprised by the poetry of the landscapes and the charm of the buildings in this area.

This course is part of the Niort - Marais Poitevin Trail Station. A course which will make you visit by running the network of the port with its channels, rivers, conches, ditches. These installations allow to welcome and preserve a rich flora and fauna in connection with the life of the Marais. Open your eyes when you run and let yourself be surprised by the natural encounters along the way. Work on your mind, concentrate on your feeling while running in this soothing environment. -> Handisport course -> Course currently not marked (but can be done with the mobile application On Piste)

This course is part of the Niort - Marais Poitevin Trail Station. This course will lead you in a corner of the marsh where the frequentation is less strong than on other places. You have the possibility of discovering two villages with a natural zone arranged: the Ornithological Park. Do not hesitate to stop and refuel in the village of Saint-Hilaire-La-Palud which represents well the preserved and quiet rural France. Beware of the endurance course where the mind will have to be pumped up to avoid the changes in the terrain! -> Course currently unmarked (but achievable with the mobile application On Piste)

This short stroll will take you to the heart of the village of Arçais. Typical of the Marais Poitevin, it has many treasures. Enjoy this walk at your own pace, guided by the audio commentary or simply strolling through the narrow streets. Nice discovery and don't forget that you are not alone on the paths you are going to take. We invite you to respect the environment and the inhabitants and not to leave any trace of your passage. This route was created by the Tourist Office in partnership with the elected representatives of the commune of Arçais and in collaboration with the mediation service of the Regional Natural Park of the Marais Poitevin. Photo credits: PNR Marais Poitevin Scripting and texts : Lauriane Angibaud and Amandine Louveau, Niort Marais Poitevin Tourism Voice : Mathilde Cornuau, Niort Marais Poitevin Tourisme -> Unmarked itinerary

Discover the Marais sauvage by bike, an exceptional place rich in fauna and flora!

Departure: the church square. Distance: 23 km. Duration: 2h. Safety instructions - Wearing the helmet is strongly recommended. I roll on the right. I respect the rules of the road. I check the condition of my bike (brakes and lighting). I stay on marked trails. I respect the marsh, sensitive and classified site.

Visits by appointment only Listed as a historic monument in 1928, Château de Bessay is now a private residence open to the public. Built on an ancient feudal mound, it comprises two Renaissance towers linked by a main building dating from the 18th century. Its history is closely linked to that of the Bessay family, a large and powerful family who owned it until 1988. The originality of the Renaissance tower lies in its medieval inspiration and its defensive character: sentry walk, machicolation and loopholes. The park, with its centuries-old trees, is home to one of the largest pigeon lofts in the region, with its 3,200 boulins (pigeon niches). It has been a listed historic monument since 1990.

Located in Bessay, a charming Vendée village 30 km from the Atlantic Ocean and just 2 minutes from Moutiers-sur-le-Lay, Coté Campagne welcomes you in a single-storey house, set back from the main road, guaranteeing peace and quiet with private, secure parking. Our house is committed to respecting the environment, adopting eco-responsible practices to minimise our impact on nature. We favour local and seasonal produce, limit waste through selective sorting, use environmentally-friendly cleaning products and ensure responsible energy and water management. We also have a covered area for bikes and motorbikes, and a recharging facility for electric bikes, so you can explore the region at your leisure. You can relax in the leafy garden, with its hammock and garden furniture. Our spacious rooms, decorated with care and in an authentic spirit, offer all the comfort you need for a pleasant and restful stay. The bathroom is shared only between travellers, and for your comfort, towels are provided and beds are made on arrival, so you can make the most of your stay. A full breakfast is included every morning, with homemade jams and yoghurts and a selection of fresh produce to get the day off to a good start. We are also on hand to help you discover the region, with personalised advice on walks, recommendations on bike hire, and suggestions of must-see places to visit in the surrounding area. Finally, we are pleased to offer our table d'hôtes, where we prepare delicious home-cooked dishes using fresh local produce, for a tasty culinary experience. Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend away, a family break or a relaxing break, the Côté Campagne bed and breakfast is the perfect place to recharge your batteries while respecting the environment.

The gîte comprises a living room/lounge/kitchen, two bedrooms (2 double beds (80cm)) (1 double bed (140cm)), a shower room and a separate WC. The entrance is via the relaxation/games area: table football and library available. Outside, there is a partially covered private terrace (garden furniture, electric barbecue) and a shared garden with the owners. Access to a private fishing pond 400 m away. The gîte adjoins the owners' residence and is located 1km from the village of Bessay. Please note: 1 step between the relaxation area and the living rooms. Bathroom linen provided. Heating included and underfloor cooling included in summer. Optional: End-of-stay cleaning: €50/stay; Sheet hire: €12/bed/stay. Extra charge for professionals: End-of-stay cleaning: €50/stay.

Old house located in a small village, adjoining the owner's dwelling. Ground floor: living room with decorative fireplace (1 bed 120), kitchen, bathroom/wc. First floor: 1 bedroom (1 x 140cm bed), wc. Wifi internet access. Shared landscaped grounds, private area of 100 m² with terrace (garden furniture, barbecue). Bakery 400 m away: End-of-stay cleaning: 40€/stay; Sheet hire 2 pers: 10€/stay; Towel hire: 8€/pers/stay. Extra charge: Heating package: 5€/night (to be paid to the owner).

The Adag'nan duo blend sounds, songs and rhythms from the 4 corners of the world, passing through jazz, trip hop and drawing on their deepest inspirations. The result is an acoustic world trip-hop that hypnotises and transports you into dreamlike landscapes. Adag'nan takes you on a journey of sound, where you can escape into another universe for the duration of a concert. The audience is invited to sing along, creating a moment of real sharing and enthusiasm.

Renovated, detached farmhouse in a hamlet, ideally situated 10 minutes from the A83 motorway. Ground floor: living room/kitchen, shower room/wc, 3 bedrooms (1 bed 140)(2 beds 90)(2 twin beds 80), wc, 1 bedroom with shower room (1 bed 140, 1 bed 90). Mobile phone available on request (deposit required). Garage. Landscaped grounds of 1500 m², terrace, garden furniture, barbecue. Swimming pool open in summer at Mareuil, 4 km away. Additional charges: Electric heating: general meter reading (deduction of 8 kWh per day for current consumption).

You will be staying in the former exhibition gallery of a painter in the heart of the Vendée vineyards. Completely refurbished, it has a separate garden (opposite) by the river with a view of the château and church. In the garden, a canoe is available for you to sail on this beautiful river and its tributary, the Smagne (much wilder and more unusual). 5 minutes' walk: bakery, butcher's, chemist's. At the gateway to the Marais Poitevin, 30 minutes from the beaches and 45 minutes from the puy du fou. The accommodation comprises, on the first floor, a bedroom with a TEMPUR memory foam mattress and an en-suite shower room. Ground floor: living room with kitchen, sitting room (with sofa bed). Baby pack (on request) with cot + mattress, high chair, shower stroller, pushchair. Our accommodation is suitable for a single couple or a couple with a child. For stays of 4 nights or more, your bed is made up on arrival and we provide towels. For stays of 2/3 nights, if you don't want to worry about your linen, we offer this "ready to sleep" service for €20. We look forward to welcoming you

Renovated former village house on the banks of the river Le Lay. Access from the street on the ground floor and from the garden on the first floor: living room/kitchen (telephone, microwave), 1 bedroom (1 x 160cm bed), shower room/wc. Small veranda overlooking the garden and river. Laundry room on garden side of ground floor (washing machine with dryer). Bed made up. Cleaning included. Wifi internet access. Private garden of 100 m² overlooking the river (garden furniture). Cellar visit 3 km away. Outdoor swimming pool open in July/August 150 m away. Street parking available: Bed linen and towels provided; Supplement per animal €10/day. Extra charge: Electric heating: general meter reading (deduction of 8 KWh per day for current consumption).

These locks constitute a remarkable hydraulic junction. It is the point of convergence of the main rivers of the Marais Poitevin where Deux-Sèvres, Charente-Maritime and Vendée meet. Several locks form this exceptional and ingenious hydraulic junction allowing the management of water in the Marais. You will find in Bazoin the only pier allowing to make the junction between the Charente-Maritime and the wet marsh (Venise Verte).

This small town with its many footbridges crossing the narrow conches of the Marais Poitevin, is a former fishing village, now a charming town, alive all year round. It is the ideal place for nature activities, and is the starting point for many hiking trails and boat trips. It is also possible to go for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or on horseback. The flat terrain is ideal for bike rides and you will enjoy riding along the typical houses of the Marais Poitevin along the Sèvre river. It is also the only place in the Marais that offers cruises on a restaurant boat. While passing through Damvix, don't forget to stroll on its port and to make a detour by its church Saint-Guy.

Cross classified as a historical monument since 1889

Character honeys collected locally by our bees on the flowers of the Poitevin marsh. Glass hive and exhibition at the farm, come and discover the life of these bees in the lock house of Bourdettes. Tasting at the farm.

Situated between Arçais and Damvix on the navigable network of the Sèvre Niortaise river, the Bourdettes includes a lock (1862-1872) and a drawbridge with cables (rebuilt in 2003) to allow for road traffic by joining the D 102 to the D 104, and river traffic for the passage of maintenance barges to Marans or to Niort.

Farm on 1.20 ha, in conversion to organic farming, basket making course on the farm. Products: Wicker, Basketry (baskets, baskets ...) All year round Places of sale : At the farm by appointment, on the Internet

Sheep breeder at Lieu-dit Tutière 79240 LE BUSSEAU No direct sales.

Shady and quiet picnic area, located near the town of Coulonges-sur-l'Autize.

This historical monument is part of a former priory of the Abbey of Nieul-sur-l'Autise. Built in the 12th century, the St. Etienne's church is based on a cross-shaped plan and was enlarged in the 15 th century by a side nave. You can notice as well the 19th century stained-glass windows. Free entrance.

OPENING SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 // The Micro-Folie project is supported by the French Ministry of Culture and coordinated by La Villette. - Digital museum: hundreds of works from 12 national museums and institutions to discover. Using digital tools such as tablets, projections and virtual reality headsets, you can immerse your hands, eyes and ears in surprising discoveries. And, of course, a mediator to accompany you on your visit, to help you and give you all the information you need. - Conferences and workshops: find out what's on each month online. - Virtual reality: immerse yourself in adventures where anything is possible! Ages 13 and up.

In a cosy, friendly atmosphere, Florian and Vanessa play the original flavour card, revisiting it daily. They only offer carefully-crafted, gourmet menus of the day based on produce from the market or local producers. Come and sample one of their specialities: matured rib of beef, aged in a special cellar that can be seen on site. Let yourself be carried away by the retro ambience where wood and steel blend with great taste and let yourself be invited on an exceptional gastronomic journey where modernity and refinement meet to create dishes of incomparable quality. Upstairs, you'll be propelled into a "tapas bar" atmosphere. Two areas can be made private. Shady patio terrace in fine weather. Surprise your friends and family with a gift voucher for this delightful restaurant.

Vendée ham with mogettes, sirloin steak and a weekly menu based on fresh home-cooked produce. A large, light and airy dining room, newly refurbished, ideal for organising family meals or seminars! An outdoor terrace facing the field, in the peace and sunshine!

Pizza, tacos and kebabs for a quick bite to eat. Regular offer: - Tuesday evening large pizza €16 (instead of €23) - Wednesday 2 medium pizzas bought, 1 free

Enjoy a gourmet break over a cup of tea, coffee, organic herbal tea or homemade hot chocolate with a breathtaking view of the banks of the Lay. Delicatessen section stocked with spices, peppers and salts, and Jura lemonade. Friendly, creative workshops regularly on offer, including : - Essential workshop: for the pleasure of doing things yourself - Knitting and crochet workshops: for beginners or advanced learners - Calligraphy/illumination workshop: led by Coralie Sellier, calligrapher and visual artist. - Conversation in English with Daisy, English teacher Regular exhibitions and read-alouds. The salon can be hired for company seminars. Gift vouchers for another way to give pleasure.

In the heart of the Vendée countryside, Jérôme and Christelle offer home-made pizzas to eat in or take away. The pizzas are cooked over a wood fire using quality ingredients! Homemade pizza dough and tomato sauce, vegetables from the garden or local producers. Soft drinks, local wine and beer. Organic ice cream from Les Herbiers. They also sell vegetable seedlings and vegetables direct from their garden, which is grown entirely naturally without the use of chemicals. The produce comes from the garden, grown in permaculture and labelled Nature et progrès. Order a basket of seasonal vegetables. Examples of vegetables on offer: carrot, potato, pepper, turnip, celeriac, tomato, pumpkin, Jaspe de Vendée, beetroot, patidou, courgette...

Gastronomic restaurant with 1 Michelin star since 06 March 2023. Gastronomic cuisine based on seasonal and local produce. Colourful, sweet, savoury or both, sometimes with flowers and/or condiments, from starter to dessert, the carefully prepared dishes will delight gourmets and gourmands alike. Simon and Emmanuelle present a high-quality, refined cuisine in an elegant atmosphere with an exceptional view of the cellar or relaxed on the terrace. Treat yourself to a moment of indulgence and discovery with Maison Desamy gift vouchers.

Simple, traditional French cuisine.

Very popular roadside restaurant for its buffet cuisine, service, welcome and cleanliness. Ample parking for lorries (separate fridge).

In the cosy setting of a charming bourgeois house, by the fire or on the terrace, enjoy traditional cuisine with a 3-course/3-course/3-dessert menu, or home-made burgers. Pizza to take away or on the premises.

Discover a culinary experience at the heart of our establishment, where each dish tells a story of the land and the seasons. Our carefully crafted menu showcases local treasures such as melon, ham, mogettes and mussels, offering the authentic delights of Vendée specialities. From starter to dessert, every mouthful is a celebration of the richness of our region. Immerse yourself in a symphony of flavours with our carefully selected local cheeses and wines. The team, led by Christophe, welcomes you in a chic industrial setting, creating a lounge atmosphere where conviviality blends with sophistication. Get ready to enjoy generous, gourmet dishes prepared with passion and dedication. Each month, immerse yourself in an experience with our exclusive dinner show. Reserve your place for an unforgettable evening and join us for an exceptional experience where gastronomy and entertainment combine perfectly to awaken all your senses.

Located in Bessay, a charming Vendée village 30 km from the Atlantic Ocean and just 2 minutes from Moutiers-sur-le-Lay, Coté Campagne welcomes you in a single-storey house, set back from the main road, guaranteeing peace and quiet with private, secure parking. Our house is committed to respecting the environment, adopting eco-responsible practices to minimise our impact on nature. We favour local and seasonal produce, limit waste through selective sorting, use environmentally-friendly cleaning products and ensure responsible energy and water management. We also have a covered area for bikes and motorbikes, and a recharging facility for electric bikes, so you can explore the region at your leisure. You can relax in the leafy garden, with its hammock and garden furniture. Our spacious rooms, decorated with care and in an authentic spirit, offer all the comfort you need for a pleasant and restful stay. The bathroom is shared only between travellers, and for your comfort, towels are provided and beds are made on arrival, so you can make the most of your stay. A full breakfast is included every morning, with homemade jams and yoghurts and a selection of fresh produce to get the day off to a good start. We are also on hand to help you discover the region, with personalised advice on walks, recommendations on bike hire, and suggestions of must-see places to visit in the surrounding area. Finally, we are pleased to offer our table d'hôtes, where we prepare delicious home-cooked dishes using fresh local produce, for a tasty culinary experience. Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend away, a family break or a relaxing break, the Côté Campagne bed and breakfast is the perfect place to recharge your batteries while respecting the environment.

The gîte comprises a living room/lounge/kitchen, two bedrooms (2 double beds (80cm)) (1 double bed (140cm)), a shower room and a separate WC. The entrance is via the relaxation/games area: table football and library available. Outside, there is a partially covered private terrace (garden furniture, electric barbecue) and a shared garden with the owners. Access to a private fishing pond 400 m away. The gîte adjoins the owners' residence and is located 1km from the village of Bessay. Please note: 1 step between the relaxation area and the living rooms. Bathroom linen provided. Heating included and underfloor cooling included in summer. Optional: End-of-stay cleaning: €50/stay; Sheet hire: €12/bed/stay. Extra charge for professionals: End-of-stay cleaning: €50/stay.

Old house located in a small village, adjoining the owner's dwelling. Ground floor: living room with decorative fireplace (1 bed 120), kitchen, bathroom/wc. First floor: 1 bedroom (1 x 140cm bed), wc. Wifi internet access. Shared landscaped grounds, private area of 100 m² with terrace (garden furniture, barbecue). Bakery 400 m away: End-of-stay cleaning: 40€/stay; Sheet hire 2 pers: 10€/stay; Towel hire: 8€/pers/stay. Extra charge: Heating package: 5€/night (to be paid to the owner).

Not far from the town centre and the starting points for walks and cycle rides. Fishing enthusiasts will also be delighted, as there are plenty of fish in the Lay!

19th century barn comprising 3 dwellings. Enclosed grounds of 3,000m² with swimming pool, play area, private parking and relaxation area. Le Vix comprises a double bedroom with cot, bathroom, WC, fitted kitchen, lounge with sofa bed, satellite TV and DVD, washing machine, internet via cable.

25 km from the ocean's great beaches, the Gite du Moulin is a very spacious riverside gite that can accommodate 13 people for your family reunions or get-togethers with friends. The Gite du Moulin is ideal for nature lovers in an idyllic setting in the heart of a small Vendée village steeped in history. Come and discover this haven of peace next to an ancient 16th-century bridge, a paradise for fishermen.

The site has a reception room (a renovated former barn) and tourist accommodation (3 barrels for 6 people and a dormitory for 22 people).

19 bare pitches. Shady and not far from the banks of the Lay. Children's play area, petanque area, sanitary facilities. Fishing pontoon nearby.

Detached single-storey house in a green setting, located close to the owners' residence with independent access and parking - 350 m² garden. The accommodation comprises a living room with fitted kitchen, dining area and sitting room with sofa bed, bedroom with 2 single beds, shower room with walk-in shower and WC.