A land apart: the Haut Bocage, the jewel in the crown of Vendée tourism
In the north-east of the Vendée, the Bocage region boasts rolling countryside, peaceful rivers and a timeless atmosphere. Far from the hustle and bustle of the coast, this discreet land attracts travellers in search of authenticity, a living heritage and unspoilt nature. With its charming villages, medieval castles, nature walks and unusual leisure activities, the Vendée bocage reveals all its riches to those who take the time to lose themselves in it.
Hiking, state-owned forests and walks: explore the Vendée countryside in a different way
Crossed by the Sèvre Nantaise, the Vendée bocage is ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. The GR de Pays Sèvre et Maine offers a variety of routes, combining forest paths, winding rivers and lush green panoramas. One of the most beautiful stops is the Grasla state forest, a vast expanse of greenery offering a refreshing change of scenery. The little village of Mallièvre, the smallest in the Vendée, captivates visitors with its weaving past, cobbled streets and old houses. This intimate setting, listed as a "Petite Cité de Caractère", is a perfect illustration of the soul of the bocage.
Castles and architecture: a journey to the heart of the Vendée Middle Ages
Three emblematic fortresses dot the landscape: the châteaux of Tiffauges, Saint-Mesmin and Sigournais. The first, nicknamed "Bluebeard's Castle", is famous for its working war machines, the only ones of their kind in Europe. At Saint-Mesmin, historical reconstructions bring to life the daily life of the knights. The Château de Sigournais, with its defensive walls and lively displays, is a perfect illustration of the rugged yet noble medieval architecture of the Vendée bocage.
A living memory of the Vendée Wars
The bocage also bears the echo of the Vendée uprisings. Two emblematic sites bear vivid witness to this: the Logis de la Chabotterie, famous for the arrest of General Charette, offers an immersive tour of an 18th-century noble house. Not far away, the Refuge de Grasla, set deep in the forest, immerses visitors in the lives of the insurgent families who fled the Republican columns. This sensitive, well-documented remembrance tourism offers a poignant immersion in local history.
Gardens and parks: nature and elegance in the Vendée bocage
You can also contemplate nature in the many remarkable gardens of the bocage. At Mortagne-sur-Sèvre, the Jardins de la Cure elegantly overlook the river. The grounds of the Domaine de l'Auneau, which has been awarded the Jardin Remarquable label, boast a wall of old roses and a meticulous layout. The gardens at Château de la Flocellière combine medieval, Italian and English influences in a majestic setting. In Montaigu-Vendée, the Val d'Asson park, below the ramparts, offers a pleasant bucolic stop-off.
A timeless journey by steam train
The Chemin de Fer de la Vendée offers a picturesque journey between Les Herbiers and Mortagne-sur-Sèvre aboard an authentic steam train. This 2? hour journey follows the Sèvre Nantaise valley, crossing impressive viaducts and revealing the poetry of the Vendée landscape as seen from above. This delightfully retro experience will appeal to families and those nostalgic for the great express trains alike.
Panoramas and viewpoints: contemplating the Vendée bocage
The gentle landscape of the bocage lends itself to spectacular views. At Saint-Michel-Mont-Mercure, the 199 steps of the church lead up to the highest point in the Vendée. On a clear day, you can make out the Atlantic on the horizon. The Mont des Alouettes, with its emblematic stone mills, watches over the plains of Les Herbiers. These are ideal places to stop off for photos, contemplation or contemplative picnics.
Villages of character: heritage and architecture of the Vendée bocage
The charm of the bocage is embodied in the villages that have been awarded the "Petites Cités de Caractère" label: Pouzauges, Mouchamps, Mortagne-sur-Sèvre and Mallièvre. Steep-sided alleys, granite houses, Romanesque churches and old factories create a rich heritage. These lively market towns, often bustling with life in the summer, showcase the architecture of the Vendée bocage, combining rusticity, elegance and local know-how.
Places of pilgrimage and spirituality in the Vendée
The high bocage of the Vendée is also a land of faith. At La Rabatelière, the sanctuary of La Salette sits in a peaceful landscape, perfect for meditation. At Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, a major pilgrimage site, the basilica dedicated to Saint Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort welcomes believers and curious visitors alike. Here, spirituality is part of the landscape, and an integral part of tourism in the Vendée.
Lakes and nature activities for all the family
When the sun shines, the lakes of the bocage region become havens of coolness. In Chantonnay, Lac de Touchegray invites you to fish, canoe or just relax. At La Tricherie, a complete leisure park offers supervised swimming, inflatable structures, tree climbing and games. Lac de l'Espérance, in Pouzauges, has a peaceful, natural setting. Finally, at Montaigu-Vendée, the Maison de la Rivière offers boat trips to discover the wildlife of the bocage.
The Vendée bocage, an exceptional area for sustainable Vendée tourism
The high bocage is an invitation to slow down and reconnect with what's essential. It offers a different view of the Vendée: one that is less well known, but just as rich. Its undulating landscape, unspoilt villages, national forest, history and unique architecture make it an invaluable destination for those seeking to experience the region from the inside. It's a truly authentic, deep-rooted and meaningful experience of tourism in the Vendée.