Explore Chasnais, Vendée, Pays de la Loire

Le guide des randonnées et le plan sont téléchargeables en pdf sur le site de l'Office de Tourisme des Sables d'Olonne. www.lessablesdolonne-tourisme.com

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.

Departure: Place de la Mairie. Distance: 30 km. Duration: 2:45. Safety instructions - The helmet is strongly advised. I drive to right. I respect the highway code. I check the status of my bike (brakes and lighting). I stay on the marked trails. I respect the marsh, sensitive and classified site.

Gîte located in Les Magnils-Reigniers, 20 km from La Faute sur Mer and 55 km from Les Sables d'Olonne. It is also 67 km from Puy du Fou and 48 km from La Rochelle. The house, which sleeps 6, comprises a living room/kitchen on the ground floor, a first bedroom (2 double beds) and a shower room/WC. Upstairs, a large landing gives access to two bedrooms (1 double bed) (1 single bed), a shower room and a separate WC. No wifi. Outside, there is a 70m² courtyard with terrace (fencing under construction). The gîte is located on the edge of a main road (D2949) and adjoins the owners' business (taxi). Bed linen included with beds made on arrival. Optional: cleaning package: €80/stay; bathroom linen: €8/person/stay. Additional charges: tourist tax; electric heating to be paid to the owner.

Our house has 3 spacious guest rooms, - 1 room for 2 people (1 bed 160) with bathroom/wc. - 1 room for 3 people (1 bed 160 and 1 bed 90) with bathroom/wc. - 1 family room comprising 2 communicating rooms (1 bed 140) (2 beds 90) with shower room/wc. In the heart of the garden, a heated swimming pool (5x7m) shared with the gîte (mid-April to September) and a large games room. Gîte sleeps 8.

The Domaine des Guifettes welcomes you to a natural and friendly setting in the heart of the marshes between Les Sables d'Olonne and La Rochelle. - From April to October for room hire and the organisation of your meetings, seminars, weddings, family meals and group breaks. - From 20/06 to 31/08 for holidays and family breaks. A wide range of fully-equipped accommodation is available, including campsites with bare pitches, mobile homes, gites, cottages and a motorhome reception area. You can also take advantage of the on-site leisure facilities: indoor swimming pool with sauna/spa, playground and waterslides, tennis, mini-golf, bike hire and daytime and evening entertainment during the school summer holidays.

1942. France is occupied. Jacques Beauregard, a mythical swindler, is barely surviving on the black market. One night, thinking he was looting a cellar of grands crus, he comes face to face with Louise de Talleyrand, a young member of the Resistance who is a prisoner of the Gestapo. Louise manages to escape and reveals to him the reason for her arrest: she alone is capable of locating the island of Boyuca, supposedly home to a priceless treasure: the secret of immortality. Together, they must brave a thousand dangers to reach this "mysterious island". With 17 characters and 26 different scenes, this fast-paced comedy-adventure, loosely based on the work of Jules Verne, will amaze you with its rhythmic staging, slapstick situations and larger-than-life monsters! For all ages, from 10 upwards Online ticketing at www.lucon.fr in the Entertainment section

Depending on the thumbs-up or thumbs-down from the plebs, the death sentence is never far away. Laura enters the arena to fight against the inconsistencies of her time, but above all against her own contradictions. Well, in the meantime, she's quite happy to be in the arena. Well, she's not. Yes, she is. After the explosion of her sketches on social networks and her first show 'En grand', Laura Calu is back on stage. Her reputation has been built as much on the strong characters through whom she delivers her messages as on the positions she takes on self-acceptance and the acceptance of others. Now she's back with "Senk", a new show that's more mature, more sincere and, above all, darker. Ages 14 and up Free tickets Online ticketing at www.lucon.fr in the Entertainment section

Our favourite .... Sand and Folks is an emerging artist from Vendée at the crossroads of Folk and Rock. She created her musical universe by setting to music writings hidden in a notebook for years. Her fruitful encounter with guitarist-composer Neal Black was the turning point that brought her first compositions to life. In collaboration with Michaal Benjelloun, she developed her repertoire. Her breakthrough came in 2023, when she headlined the Huch and Groll Festival. Her first EP, Sunny Day, was released in October 2024. Sand and Folks was the director's favourite. She performed on a variety of stages, captivating audiences with her multi-faceted talent and authenticity. Tickets available online at www.lucon.fr under "Se divertir".

Molière 2022 - Best Public Theatre Production After the worldwide success of "Bigre", Pierre Guillois and Olivier Martin-Salvan, in a firework display of cardboard scraps, invite us on an imaginary journey, a fusion of the delirium of a cartoon cabaret and a Shakespearean epic. He leaves the plains of the Far North, cursed by a mermaid caught by accident. He escapes on skates, scooters and cardboard planes. He discovers Scotland, heads south on a mule, murders a few bagpipers along the way, and is always looking for love. But the actor in the three-piece suit remains seated, the madness of the show. His sidekick, dressed in a swimming costume, shuffles around him with hundreds of pieces of cardboard inscribed with the names of the countries, accessories and creatures he encounters. The show is an explosion of far-fetched and ingenious ideas. For all ages, from 10 upwards Online ticketing at www.lucon.fr in the Entertainment section

When Clara and Bertrand, married for 25 years, announce their divorce to their friends Etienne and Sandrine, everything changes. What begins with a simple question - "Which of the two are you going to stay friends with? "turns into a whirlwind of emotions, misunderstandings and revelations. Between lies, settling scores and laughter, the bonds of friendship and love are put to the test, right up to the surprising conclusion. And at the heart of it all, a mysterious 'kangaroo with braces' plays an unexpected role... but who is he really? This funny and touching play reminds us that sometimes the biggest turbulence arises from the smallest questions. Tickets available online at www.lucon.fr in the Entertainment section.

Greatly appreciated by the spectators who came last season for the first improvisation match at the Théâtre Millandy, we are delighted to be able to offer you this interactive discipline between theatre and sport once again. A friendly confrontation between two teams who improvise on themes drawn at random and suggested by a referee. The players have a few seconds to think, and then the improvisation begins in an ice-free rink! The audience votes at the end of each improvisation to award the points for the match. To get into the mood. The audience is kept entertained by a master of ceremonies and a musician. A unique evening to share with family and friends. Don't hesitate any longer... Come and experience this encounter that's sure to tickle your funny bone! All ages, from 10 upwards Free admission Online ticketing at www.lucon.fr in the Entertainment section

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.

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.

The pollard ash has been present en masse in the Marais Poitevin since the 19th century. At that time, great works of draining the wet marsh were undertaken. The ash tree was preferred to many other tree species because it has the advantage of being very tolerant to water, it allows to consolidate the banks, to heat the habitats, and to serve as a refuge for many animal species. Keep your eyes open during your walks, you will find them lined up along the conches, offering magnificent photographic shots.

We are a family farm in the heart of the Marais Poitevin. We have various activities: Livestock 350 goats, cheese, cereal crops and rearing suckler cows limousines bio. We invite you every Tuesday and Friday from 17h to 19h, to visit the farm and see the cheese. We will offer you to taste cheese and watch the milking takes place at 18pm. We are also present on the markets of Niort (Saturday), from Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud (Sunday) of Frontenay-Rohan-Rohan (Tuesday) and Mauzé-sur-le-Mignon (1 and 3rd Wednesday of the month).

It is a natural space of 8 ha, in the heart of the wild marsh, in which are presented more than 70 species of birds of the Marais Poitevin and the domestic animals created in the Poitou. In order to recognize them, information panels and initiation modules to ornithology are at your disposal along the discovery path. You can also learn to recognize the trees and wild plants of the wet marsh. At the end of the visit, a film will make you fly over the landscapes of the Marais Poitevin and you will discover in their intimacy the birds of this region. A labyrinth awaits you, punctuated with educational panels on migration.

Picnic area in Arçais direction Damvix with tables and benches.

Stretching forward from the Broue d'Arçais, the two village-streets are at the beginning of the eighteenth century qualified as considerable by Claude Masse, ordinary engineer and geographer of the king, thus signalling an important river trade. Their houses have a double exposure: on the river leading to the marsh and to the cultivated fields. The name of the River, an amphibious district, is linked to its membership in the world of water. As for Monfaucon, an islet inhabited since the Celtic era (the discovery of bronze axes), is in the Middle Ages the seat of the seigneurry of the canons of Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand de Poitiers. Its main artery is the Rue de la Venise Verte and the pier of Montfaucon corresponds to the former communal port partially built during the Grand Travaux du Marais poitevin. The village still retains a small rural heritage (bread oven, ponne, ferry tail...).

Monfaucon, an island inhabited since Celtic times (bronze axes have been found), was in the Middle Ages the seat of the lordship of the canons of Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand de Poitiers. Its main street is the rue de la Venise Verte and the pier of Montfaucon corresponds to the old communal harbor partly developed during the Great Works of the Marais Poitevin. The village still has a small rural heritage (bread oven, ponne, boulite, ferry tail...).

Take advantage of the friendly atmosphere to enjoy pizzas, fresh pasta or mixed salads, with a special menu for little gourmets.

Varied cuisine offering meat, fish, sauerkraut and hamburgers. Friendly brasserie atmosphere. Bonus: cinema/resto package for a great time!

Delphine and Julien offer fresh, home-cooked cuisine that's adapted to suit the seasons. The reputation of their refined, convivial dishes and their signature chocolate sphere dessert will delight even the most discerning gourmets. A few hints of Vendée produce, mogettes or ham, throughout the menu and very tasty daily specials. For business meals or family gatherings, two lounges seating 12 or 24 are available for a more intimate atmosphere. Gift vouchers available.

The Great American West atmosphere and disco chairs set the original tone for the place, which is also a bar/pub. Burgers, grilled meats, Mexican specialities and tapas are on offer for generous gourmet dishes.

Brittany in the Vendée. A fine selection of galettes and crêpes made with fresh local produce, prepared almost before your very eyes by Yoan and his team. In the dining room, Anne-Charlotte greets and serves with a smile. Each galette has a name on it, so maybe you'll find yours on the list... All you have to do is try it. Take advantage of the fine weather to relax on the terrace under the pergola.

A Western Country atmosphere for this restaurant where Maud, Rodrigue and the whole team offer home-made dishes that live up to all their promises. The à la carte menu includes grilled specialities, salads, burgers, pizzas and homemade desserts to delight the taste buds of all those who love this type of cuisine. The meats are all local: beef steak or rib steak, whole duck breast, beef, chicken or duck kebabs. Another speciality is jacket potatoes with Emmental cheese and garlic butter. Mussels according to availability and season. Not sure which dish to choose? Ask Maud, she'll be happy to advise you with a smile.

Dive into the Asian atmosphere with a varied menu featuring soups, egg rolls, ravioli and other Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai recipes.

Italian-style cuisine featuring pasta, lasagne, pizza and dishes revisited Al dente! Neapolitan or Roman dough for your pizza, the choice is yours! Discover the chef's creations according to his inspiration. Italian products and Italian wine suggestions. Homemade schiacciata. The homemade desserts, with a mascarpone and/or ricotta base, all have their own story to tell! The home-made ice creams are a delight!

Fresh, local and 100% home-made, Laurent and Audrey change the menu according to the seasons and the chef's inspiration, which oscillates between "Traditions" and "Discoveries": "Traditions" to showcase France's terroirs and "Discoveries" by daring to shake up your taste buds and marry unexpected flavours (spices...). Mussels or oysters, fish from the auction, meat from France, cheese from Nalliers, local wines, everything is delicate and delicious. Home-made bread and ice cream. Enjoy the glass roof overlooking the garden. Certified "Maître restaurateur". Gift vouchers available

Modern, friendly working-class restaurant. Buffet dining and traditional dishes on offer. Pan-fried ham and andouillette are a must.

Gîte located in Les Magnils-Reigniers, 20 km from La Faute sur Mer and 55 km from Les Sables d'Olonne. It is also 67 km from Puy du Fou and 48 km from La Rochelle. The house, which sleeps 6, comprises a living room/kitchen on the ground floor, a first bedroom (2 double beds) and a shower room/WC. Upstairs, a large landing gives access to two bedrooms (1 double bed) (1 single bed), a shower room and a separate WC. No wifi. Outside, there is a 70m² courtyard with terrace (fencing under construction). The gîte is located on the edge of a main road (D2949) and adjoins the owners' business (taxi). Bed linen included with beds made on arrival. Optional: cleaning package: €80/stay; bathroom linen: €8/person/stay. Additional charges: tourist tax; electric heating to be paid to the owner.

The Cornflowers is situated in the hamlet of L'Oulerie, just 5 minutes drive from Luçon and its famous cathedral built in the time of Richelieu. The house is at the end of a small road leading to fields and countryside. It's a very peaceful spot! The house has private off-road parking and the gardens are fenced for your children's safety. The house has a light and airy living room with large leather sofas, Wi-Fi internet access and French and British TV channels. There is a separate TV/games room with a PS4 console, Wii console and a selection of games. The modern kitchen is fully equipped and the large dining table seats 8. A utility room, with washing machine, tumble dryer and additional fridge/freezer, is located behind the dining room. The family bathroom (bath, shower cubicle and washbasin) and separate toilet are on the ground floor. For young children, a cot, high chair, stair gates, cutlery and plastic crockery are available. Upstairs, there are four bedrooms - two with double beds and two with two single beds each. A recently refurbished shower room has a shower cubicle, washbasin and toilet. Outside, there is a covered seating area with table and chairs for alfresco dining, as well as a charcoal barbecue. The lawned garden is level and leads to the 10m x 5m heated swimming pool. The pool is heated from May to the end of September. The pool is surrounded by secure fencing and a lockable gate for your children's safety. An ideal holiday home for an extended family or two families sharing the house.

Charming gîte

It features a flat-screen TV, coffee machine, terrace and free private parking. During your stay you can also take advantage of the spa and wellness facilities, including a sauna and whirlpool.

The tastefully furnished property features a garden, free private parking and free Wi-Fi throughout. You can enjoy the sauna and whirlpool available on site, or admire the view of the garden. Other facilities include a wardrobe, fridge, dishwasher, coffee machine, shower and hairdryer. A private bathroom and bed linen are also provided.

This small 2-star campsite, in a peaceful setting close to protected nature, offers you rest, relaxation and well-being in a green, shady setting. This little corner of the countryside is just 2 km from all the shops, markets, swimming pool, tennis courts, cinema and garden. There are large pitches of around 100 m², a children's play area, a bowling green, a small shop selling local produce, freshly baked bread and croissants every morning and the opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast. There is also a barn, a relaxation area with a library, board games, table football and a shelter for our camping friends in case of bad weather (tables, chairs and benches available). Discover the Marais Poitevin. Go for a walk along the Marais paths or cycle through the magnificent countryside to the sea. 21 large pitches, 2 Ecolodges sleeping 4 to 5, equipped with individual sanitary facilities on the terrace, 1 luxury lodge sleeping 5 with integrated sanitary facilities, 1 luxury wooden chalet, 1 fully-equipped "ready-to-camp" tent, 1 tipi and 1 Gîte classified as Meublé de Tourisme ***. For our cycling friends, on a dedicated pitch: 1 cyclo-tent, 1 tipi, 1 picnic table and the possibility of recharging mobile phones free of charge in a secure area. Free Wi-Fi at the campsite reception

Le Vieux Café is a 3-bedroom gîte with heated swimming pool (12m x 7m, open from May to the end of September), games room (table tennis, Xbox 360, PS5, pool table, board games, toys etc.), gym and 1500m² garden. Inside this 120m² gîte is a living room with two leather sofas, TV and DVD player. The kitchen is equipped with oven, hob, dishwasher, washing machine, toaster, kettle and coffee maker. The dining table can seat up to 10 people. Upstairs, there are 3 bedrooms: a large bedroom (30m²) with a double bed (160cm), a single bed (90cm) and a cot. The second bedroom has 2 single beds (90cm). The third bedroom has 2 or 3 single 90cm beds. There are two bathrooms, one on the ground floor with shower, washbasin and toilet and the other on the first floor with double shower, washbasin and separate toilet. Outside there is a terrace with a large dining table, pergola and barbecue. Provided: Wi-Fi (High-speed fibre), all bed linen and towels. Parking for 3 vehicles. Dogs are welcome. This house can be rented together with L'Écurie (2 bedrooms/4-5 people).

L'Écurie is a single-storey gîte with 2 bedrooms for 4-5 people. There is a heated swimming pool (12m x 7m, open from May to the end of September), a games room (table tennis, XBox 360, PS5, billiards, board games, toys and more), a gym and a 1500m² garden. Inside the house (88m²), there is a living room with a leather sofa and armchair, TV and DVD player. The kitchen is equipped with an electric oven, gas hob, dishwasher, washing machine, toaster, kettle and coffee maker. There are 2 bedrooms: a large bedroom (35m²) with a double bed (160cm), a single bed (90cm) and a cot. The second bedroom has 2 single beds (90cm). The house has a bathroom with a large shower, washbasin and toilet. Outside, there is a private terrace with a table and chairs, a pergola and a barbecue. Fibre-optic broadband internet connection, bed linen and towels. Parking for 3 vehicles. Dogs are welcome. This house can be rented with Le Vieux Café.

The single-storey accommodation comprises: 1 large kitchen, a living/dining room, a shower room with shower and washbasins, 1 separate toilet, 1 bedroom with a 90cm bunk bed, 1 bedroom with a 140cm double bed, 1 bedroom with a 160cm double bed, a utility room, 1 terrace of 100 m2 with garden furniture. All rooms are non-smoking. Set in a quiet hamlet in the Marais Poitevin, 200 m from the communal nature reserve, 10 km from the shops in Luçon, 20 km from the sea, 50 km from the Venise Verte, 80 km from the Puy du Fou, and close to several nature reserves, this furnished apartment is waiting for you.

Our house has 3 spacious guest rooms, - 1 room for 2 people (1 bed 160) with bathroom/wc. - 1 room for 3 people (1 bed 160 and 1 bed 90) with bathroom/wc. - 1 family room comprising 2 communicating rooms (1 bed 140) (2 beds 90) with shower room/wc. In the heart of the garden, a heated swimming pool (5x7m) shared with the gîte (mid-April to September) and a large games room. Gîte sleeps 8.