Discover the charm of Lairoux, 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

Curiosities... •Menhir of "la Crulière" (classified historic building) also called "The Rock of the Devil" (viewpoint) 3- •Vineyard “AOC Fiefs Vendéens Brem” (wine cellars opened to the public).

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)

•Romanesque Church of "Notre-Dame" (classified historic building, 12th century),poitevin style portal, with low-reliefs •The "Croisée Mairand" (a site of the Wars of Vendée)

Curiosities... •Church of "Notre Dame" (14th and 20th century) and its stained glass windows •Old fairground (alignment of granite stones) •Lake of the "Gué Gorand" (4 km walk around the lake, picnic areas)

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

At LES WAZOS, everything is done to make a cosy nest for two. A pretty house located in a small village 5 minutes from the Marais Poitevin (Communal du Gorgeais) and just 20 minutes from the ocean. Recently refurbished, this 57 m2 gîte offers a host of great features, including materials in contemporary colours, a super-comfortable king-size bed to make your nights as comfortable as a hotel, a pleasant shower room and a large terrace with garden furniture. The kitchen is fully equipped (dishwasher, oven, Nespresso coffee machine, etc.) and you'll enjoy air conditioning on summer days. For your comfort, RUGS ARE PROVIDED. You will enjoy a large bathroom with a window that provides plenty of light. It comprises : - a large, modern shower - a WC separated by a wall - a washbasin with a large round wooden mirror. There is a console for your belongings and a hairdryer, straightener and various toiletries are available. Shower gel and towels are provided. Disconnect from everyday life by enjoying the surrounding countryside and visiting the must-see places: Nature lovers? Leave the gîte on foot or by bike and the walks are at your disposal. Fancy the ocean? La Tranche-sur-Mer and its surfing waves are 20 minutes away, and Les Sables d'Olonne and its embankment 30 minutes. Looking for a unique experience? Le Puy du Fou, with its incredible shows, is just 1 hour away. Are you a history buff? There are plenty of places to visit that will delight you: Château de Tiffauges, Abbaye de Maillezais, Château médiéval de Pouzauges... The Wazos, an ocean of nature.

The Ateepeek campsite is a far cry from traditional campsite concepts, and is ideal for nature lovers. In a sumptuous green setting in the Vendée, this campsite has decided to get back to its roots. A new definition of camping is being proposed by Ateepeek, who want to offer a model more in tune with today's concerns. As part of a sustainable development approach, this type of accommodation booking should appeal to many holidaymakers. Open all year round to both classic and unusual accommodation, travellers can experience a range of different atmospheres. Chalets, mobile homes and caravans are all available. In the heart of the Vendée, everything has been planned for a real change of scenery. A department rich in sites to discover and festivities, all the ingredients for a successful holiday have been brought together. An exciting programme can be put together to make the most of your stay at this exceptional campsite.

Quiet 2-star family campsite in the heart of nature, with a swimming pool with slide and paddling pool, entertainment 6 days a week for all ages in high season. Gourmet snack bar with home-made food, friendly bar. Laundry, multi-sports pitch, mini-farm, trampoline, bouncy castle, etc.

Renovated, detached house dating from the 70s, located 900 m from the town centre. Ground floor: living room (TV, stereo, fireplace with wood burner), kitchen, utility room, conservatory (seating area, WC, shower), 2 bedrooms with TV (1 double bed) (2 single beds), shower room, WC. Garage. Wifi internet access. 900 m² enclosed landscaped grounds (garden furniture, deckchairs, barbecue). Table football, children's games, bicycles available. Pôle des espaces naturels du Marais Poitevin 900 m away. Bird sanctuary 1 km away. Shops 8 km away. L'Aiguillon La Presqu'Ile 10 km away. La Rochelle 45 km. Optional extras: End-of-stay cleaning: €60/stay; Sheet hire for 1 pers. 10€/stay and 2 pers. 15€/stay; Bathroom linen hire: 8€/stay. Fireplace: The owner provides the wood (€70 per stere). The 1st fire is free. In addition: Tourist tax.

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.

Recently built house located in the village on 1 hectare of enclosed communal grounds. Ground floor: living room/kitchen (satellite TV, multifunction microwave oven), shower room/WC with disabled access, 1 bedroom (1 double bed). 1st floor: small attic bedroom (2 single beds) with low ceilings (1.78 m at highest, 1.40 m at lowest). Utility room. Wifi internet access. Private area of 200 m² with covered terrace (garden furniture, barbecue, deckchairs). Parking on the property with electric gate. Bakery 500 m away. Optional extras: End-of-stay cleaning: €80/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 people: €10/stay (compulsory for professionals); Towel hire: €8/stay (compulsory for professionals). Additional charge: Tourist tax.

Gîte in an old traditional stone house, adjoining the owner's home, situated in the village on a shared enclosed property of 1 hectare. Ground floor: living room/kitchen (satellite TV, multifunction microwave, 2 bunk beds 90), shower room/WC, 1 small bedroom (1 bed 140). Wifi. Garden and private enclosed area of 300 m² with garden furniture, terrace (barbecue, deckchairs). Parking on the property with private gate. Bakery 500 m away. Optional extras: End-of-stay cleaning: €80/stay; Sheet hire for 1 or 2 people: €10/stay (compulsory for professionals); Towel hire: €8/stay (compulsory for professionals). Additional charge: Tourist tax.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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...).

Picnic area in Arçais direction Damvix with tables and benches.

The Clos de la Court d'Aron restaurant welcomes you to the former stables of the château, an enchanting setting steeped in history. From Easter to September: Wednesday to Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes. Out of season, we can organise private receptions with friends or family, or business events, by prior arrangement. The restaurant is part of the "Fou d'local au resto" initiative: gourmet, refined cuisine based on seasonal, organic and local produce! The menu changes every week depending on what's available at the market and when the fish is auctioned. Bookings can be made online: www.courtdaron.com/reservations

Home cooking.

Hotel-restaurant and multi-service restaurant in the heart of a small market town. Mainly pizzas. Pizza takeaway available every evening and weekend lunchtime evenings in winter from November to March.

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!

On the banks of the Lay, in a rural setting, Clémence and her team offer a cuisine based on local produce and regional dishes.

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.

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.

Charming gîte

At LES WAZOS, everything is done to make a cosy nest for two. A pretty house located in a small village 5 minutes from the Marais Poitevin (Communal du Gorgeais) and just 20 minutes from the ocean. Recently refurbished, this 57 m2 gîte offers a host of great features, including materials in contemporary colours, a super-comfortable king-size bed to make your nights as comfortable as a hotel, a pleasant shower room and a large terrace with garden furniture. The kitchen is fully equipped (dishwasher, oven, Nespresso coffee machine, etc.) and you'll enjoy air conditioning on summer days. For your comfort, RUGS ARE PROVIDED. You will enjoy a large bathroom with a window that provides plenty of light. It comprises : - a large, modern shower - a WC separated by a wall - a washbasin with a large round wooden mirror. There is a console for your belongings and a hairdryer, straightener and various toiletries are available. Shower gel and towels are provided. Disconnect from everyday life by enjoying the surrounding countryside and visiting the must-see places: Nature lovers? Leave the gîte on foot or by bike and the walks are at your disposal. Fancy the ocean? La Tranche-sur-Mer and its surfing waves are 20 minutes away, and Les Sables d'Olonne and its embankment 30 minutes. Looking for a unique experience? Le Puy du Fou, with its incredible shows, is just 1 hour away. Are you a history buff? There are plenty of places to visit that will delight you: Château de Tiffauges, Abbaye de Maillezais, Château médiéval de Pouzauges... The Wazos, an ocean of nature.

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.

Between sea and marsh, in the heart of 25 hectares, in the middle of meadows and small woods with ponies and horses, Buchenois offers you the opportunity to share with family or friends: walks, swimming or idleness. There are plenty of routes to choose from, whether on foot or by bike. The Domaine de Buchenois comprises 4 gîtes sleeping 22 people. On site, you'll find a heated swimming pool, games room, children's play area and function room for groups.

In the south of the Vendée, 10 minutes from the beaches of La Faute sur Mer, in the heart of the countryside, on a 25-hectare property with horses, ponies, meadows and small woods; our gîte La Roseraie offers a large living room on the ground floor, an open-plan kitchen, a shower room, separate wc, a bedroom for 2 people with en-suite shower room and wc, with PRM access. Tourism and disability" label Upstairs, 2 bedrooms with 2 single beds (90cm) and 1 double bed (160cm). Private terrace, table tennis and games room with pool table and table football. Shared swimming pool heated from 15 May to 15 September. Adjoining meadow of 1 hectare.

140m² single-storey house in an old sheepfold comprising 1 large 48m² living room with TV-DVD, 1 open-plan kitchen with electric oven and microwave, 4 bedrooms, 1 dressing room, 2 shower rooms and 2 WCs. Wifi internet access. Heated swimming pool, 1000 m² private garden, terrace and fixed barbecue. A reception room is also available for groups. Children can enjoy a pony ride around the property. For swimming, there is a choice of heated pool and solarium, and the ocean with its long sandy beaches is just 12 km away.

Between sea and marsh, in the heart of 25 hectares, in the middle of meadows and small woods with ponies and horses, Buchenois offers you the opportunity to share with family or friends: walks, swimming or idleness. On foot or by bike, there are plenty of routes to choose from. la Tranche sur Mer 15 mns away Semi-independent house of 100m² with one floor, comprising 3 bedrooms, 2 shower rooms, large living room of 45 m², open-plan kitchen with electric oven and microwave, Wifi, LL and LV. Heated swimming pool, garden, private terrace (overlooking lawn and meadows) with fixed barbecue, garden furniture, parasols and deckchairs. A function room is also available for groups.