Follow in the footsteps of the Fairy Mélusine and discover the forest of Mervent...
For this new 100 % nature escapade, let us take you to the lair of the Fairy Mélusine, the aptly named Forêt de Mervent.
The green lung of the Vendée is an undulating forest, criss-crossed by rivers (the Mère and the Vendée) and streams.
That's what makes it so different, so singular, so unsettling, so charming.<Yes, today we wanted to take you off the beaten track, to get as close as possible to this nature that holds so many mysteries, tales and legends...
And if you're also sensitive, you'll discover some truly remarkable flora and fauna.
First and foremost and as the saying goes, «so much is worth the preparation is worth the action».
To live this day to the full you will therefore need to plan:
For the second part of the programme, you will need :
To make the most of the day, we recommend that you leave the campsite at around 7.30am-8.00am.
Start time!
From our campsite, head towards Mervent. It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach the forest, but believe us, you won't regret it.
In Mervent, the Mecca of nature sports in the region, you'll find routes to suit all levels.
We've selected two hikes for you that we know well and that we think offer an ideal compromise for a first immersion in this legendary forest.
What you need to know:
The signposting of the walks has recently been revised and is acceptable. However, we recommend that you download the Visorando application, where you'll find both routes, and if you're not confident in your sense of direction, the GPS map will reassure you.
The walks we offer...
Le tour de la Mère par la grotte du Père Montfort
(park in the car park outside the town of Mervent after the Ouillères bridge)
Route: 11 km
Time: 3h40
Level: Easy
Le sentier de la Balingue
(Park at the picnic area at the Fontaine à l'Ermite roundabout)
Route: 6 km
Time: 1h50
Level: Medium
These two walks will give you a broad overview of what characterises the Mervent forest. You'll be amazed by the variety of landscapes, from plateaux to steep, craggy areas, as you make your way along sublime trails sometimes in the shade of pine trees, sometimes under hundred-year-old oaks.
Yes, this total immersion in this wild, undulating forest is sure to dazzle you.
NB: On the second hike, «le sentier de la balingue», you will come across a number of «short climb» type obstacles that require you to be in good physical condition (nothing out of the ordinary, but don't venture out with pushchairs, for example, and make sure you are properly shod).
After the effort, you'll enjoy a calmer afternoon, in farniente mode for example...
You'll leave the Mervent forest and head for the Xanton-Chassenon lake, which takes around ten minutes to reach.
This spot doesn't feature in the Vendée tourist guides, but it's the perfect place to relax in a calm and soothing environment.<The photos speak for themselves and illustrate better than all the words in the world what awaits you.
This spot, well known and appreciated by the locals, offers you a sublime view of the forest.
At a very reasonable price, this leisure area consists of :
On the way back, if you still have a bit of energy left, stop off at Fontenay-le-Comte.
The architectural pearl of the Vendée is a jewel that deserves to be recognised for its true worth. Often overlooked by visitors, it has plenty to tell you.
