Escape to the largest forest in the Vendée! Whether you're a keen hiker, mountain biker or simply curious about nature, the Mervent-Vouvant forest is a huge playground for discovery, with plenty of activities to choose from. Ready for a forest cure?
The Mervent-Vouvant forest, the green lung of the Vendée
In the south-west of the Vendée, 10 minutes from Fontenay-le-Comte, discover the largest forest in the Vendée. With a surface area of 5,500 hectares, the Mervent-Vouvant state forest is the ideal place to get away from it all and (re)connect with nature.
Most of the forest, planted with centuries-old oak and beech trees, is protected and classified as a Natura 2000 zone. This green jewel is criss-crossed by two rivers, the Mère and the Vendée, interspersed with shady valleys and peaceful streams, offering enchanting landscapes to explore in all seasons. What can you do and see in the Mervent-Vouvant forest? Follow the guide!
Walks and hikes in the Mervent forest
Fancy a walk? The forest is criss-crossed by the GR 364 and many other footpaths.
- Starting in Vouvant, there are several trails leading to the forest, with different distances to suit all types of walker: 13 km, 9 km or 3 km. See the routes
- From Mervent, a fairly strenuous 4-hour loop takes in the forest, the banks of the river, the Père de Montfort cave, the lake and the Verreries stream, the Déluge bridge and the Diet bridge. See the itinerary
- For a unique experience, let yourself be guided by a guide from the Office National des Forêts and observe deer, roe deer and other animals in their natural habitat. In autumn, the Graine de nature association organises outings to the Mervent-Vouvant forest to listen to the stags bellowing.
Over 60km of mountain bike trails in the heart of the forest
Mountain bikers will love the 60km of signposted trails. These sometimes demanding routes wind their way through valleys and rivers, offering challenges and exceptional views of Lake Mervent, historic bridges, the Pierre Blanche rock and the Château de la Citardière. Mountain bike rides and courses with Ride And.
Lake Mervent and the leisure centre
There's more to the Mervent-Vouvant forest than just hiking. Head for Lac de Mervent, in the heart of the forest. This 130-hectare reservoir is ideal for water sports and leisure activities. On the shores of the lake, the Mervent leisure centre offers a wide range of activities on land and water: canoeing, kayaking, pedal-boating, paddle-boating, boat or electric boat rides, mountain biking, archery, orienteering... Please note, however, that swimming is forbidden, although it's tempting to take a dip on a hot day.
- Base de loisirs de Mervent: 150, route touristique 85200 Mervent. Tel. 02 51 00 22 13.
Climbing at Pierre Blanche
Who said the Vendée wasn't a climbing region? In the forest of Mervent-Vouvant, at the Rocher de Pierre Blanche, climbers can scale a 34-metre cliff with 41 climbing routes.
Pierre-Brune amusement park
A family institution for over 60 years, in the heart of the Mervent-Vouvant forest, the Pierre-Brune park offers a host of fun and sporting activities for all the family. On the programme: mini-farm, trampoline course, giant catapult, inflatable structures, zip lines, merry-go-round, mini-golf, water-ball, bumper boats and a ride on the little rail train that criss-crosses the valley.
- Address: Lieu-dit Pierre Brune, 85200 Mervent. For more information, visit www.pierre-brune.com .
Natur'Zoo de Mervent
In the heart of the Mervent forest, this wildlife park is home to over 350 animals of around sixty different species, spread over 10 hectares. From lemurs and giraffes to lions and black bears, the animals live in vast tree-lined enclosures.
- Address: 75, Le Gros Roc, 85200 Mervent. Information and prices on the website www.naturzoomervent.com .
Friends of the Forest Ecomuseum
Take a trip back in time to the heart of rural life in an old wood shed. The Friends of the Forest Eco-museum invites you to discover the flora and fauna, the life of the foresters and the woodworking trades of yesteryear. Guided tours are available during the school holidays.
- Address: 127, route de la Bironnière, La Jamonière, 85200 Mervent. Open every Wednesday morning from 10am to 12pm. More information on the ecomuseum's Facebook page .
Cultural sites in the Mervent-Vouvant forest
A number of historic and heritage sites in the forest can be explored along a tourist route, offering a fascinating insight into local history and culture.
- Château de la Citardière : a former Protestant stronghold, with moat and drawbridge, built in the 16th century. Not open to visitors, but visible from the outside.
- The medieval town of Vouvant (Plus Beaux Villages de France): walk along the ramparts to the foot of the Mélusine tower, a reminder of the village's medieval history.
- Historic bridges: several bridges were built in the forest in the early 19th century. The Déluge bridge, over the Verreries stream, is over 20 metres high. The Diet bridge, over the River Mère, is inlaid with a sculpted medallion dated 1863.
- The oldest tree in the forest (Le Marinier): the Mervent-Vouvant forest is home to several ‘remarkable’ trees, including a 300-year-old oak planted during the reign of Louis XIV. To be seen in Mervent, near the Château de la Citardière.
- The grotto of Père de Montfort: a much-frequented place of pilgrimage in the Vendée, transformed into an oratory with numerous ex-votos. To be seen at the foot of the Pierre-Brune dam, near the village of Mervent.
Where to stay in Mervent-Vouvant?
To make the most of your getaway, opt for accommodation in the heart of nature at Hameau de Vouvant, just 4 km from the Mervent forest. The Résidence de Vacances offers self-catering holiday accommodation in the Vendée for 4 to 6 people, with a host of services on site or nearby to combine comfort and nature.
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