Best attractions and places to see around Le Perrier, a commune in the Vendée department of western France, are primarily centered around its natural marshlands and proximity to the coast. The region is situated within the Marais Breton Vendéen, a significant natural wetland. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems and enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling. Le Perrier offers a mix of natural features and historical sites.
Last updated: August 2, 2026
Highlight • Cycleway
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Le Perrier.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The Saint-Martin church is an 11th and 12th century church located in Sallertaine, France[1]. It belongs to the diocese of Luçon. It is dedicated to Saint Martin. This church is the remainder of an old priory founded at the beginning of the 11th century, dependent on the abbey of Marmoutier. Some masonry from the primitive church remains in the walls. The current state of the building is the result of a major reconstruction carried out at the end of the 12th century. The church was consecrated in 1173 by the bishop of Poitiers. The vaulting of the crossing of the transept presents a unique curiosity in Western France. Clearly seeking to imitate the so-called Plantagenet Gothic style, the master mason, who does not seem familiar with this new technique, created a Romanesque dome, sufficient in itself, which he adorned with ribs, without structural necessity, but which gives it an appearance evoking the Angevin vaults. Some elements of frescoes remain in the nave, which was once entirely covered, particularly an exceptional crucifixion because Christ still has his eyes open. Part of the nave has been demolished. The church suffered damage in 1568 during the Wars of Religion. Major restorations took place from 1617. The narrow Romanesque windows were enlarged, the crossing is surmounted by a timber spire. Three altarpieces adorn the apse and the transepts, leading to the destruction of the south absidiole and the installation of the sacristy in the southern one, separated from the transept by a wall supporting the new altar. Damaged during the revolution, becoming too narrow in the 19th century, it was replaced by a new parish church in 1906. It should then have been destroyed, but Abbot Grelier, passionate about archaeology, managed to have it classified as a historical monument in 1910 and 1912. However, the classification only included the western end of the nave, which the municipality had demolished in 1915. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancienne_%C3%A9glise_Saint-Martin_de_Sallertaine
0
0
Magnificent Romanesque church from the 11th and 12th centuries 😍
0
0
Beautiful little church in the middle of the historic town centre. The square in front of it offers a good starting point for hikes
1
0
Built in the second half of the 15th and in the 16th century by Louis de Beaumont, lord of Plessis-Macé in Anjou, the castle of Commequiers, now owned by the commune, was, like most of the castles of Bas Poitou, dismantled on the orders of Cardinal Richelieu in 1628, 6 years after the defeat of Soubise at Notre Dame de Riez and Saint Gilles. It was then the property of the La Trémoille, great Protestant lords. Throughout the Middle Ages, the lords of Commequiers exercised their administrative and jurisdictional influence over a vast territory. https://www.payssaintgilles-tourisme.fr/patrimoine-culturel/chateau-de-commequiers/
0
0
As we drove past in the rain we saw this striking lighthouse.
1
0
One of my favorite places in Vendée. We never tire of it, no matter the weather.
0
0
Saint John the Baptist (Saint JEAN-BAPTISTE), to whom this church in Saint-Jean-De-Monts is dedicated, is - like Saint Joseph - a man on the threshold from the Old to the New Testament. His parents are Zacharias and Elisabeth. After the announcement of God's incarnation, the Mother of God visits her relative Elisabeth, who will give birth to a son in her old age, John the Baptist. He is half a year older than Jesus and is considered his forerunner/pioneer. He lives in the desert, preaches repentance from sins to the Jewish population and baptizes them in the Jordan. Jesus also comes there to be baptized, and is filled with the Holy Spirit who descends on him from heaven. The feast day of Saint John the Baptist (Jean Baptiste) in the saints' calendar is on June 24th, exactly half a year before 'Holy Eve'.
2
0
Le Perrier is situated within the Marais Breton Vendéen, a significant natural wetland covering 90% of its territory, offering diverse ecosystems to explore. You can also enjoy the Bicycle path - Pays-de-Monts national forest, which extends over nearly 2,277 hectares and is known for its varied flora and fauna.
Yes, the region is well-suited for cycling. The Bicycle path - Pays-de-Monts national forest offers pleasant rides through wooded areas and along the sea. For more cycling routes, you can explore the gravel biking guide around Le Perrier.
You can visit Sallertaine, a charming village with a Romanesque church and old mills. The Commequiers Castle, built in the 15th and 16th centuries, is an interesting historical site, though currently closed for renovations. Additionally, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church of Saint-Jean-de-Monts is a notable religious building nearby.
Yes, the area offers family-friendly options. The Commequiers Castle offers a treasure hunt themed "Théo and the secret of the Castle" for children aged 8 to 13. The Bicycle path - Pays-de-Monts national forest is also considered family-friendly for walks and rides.
The Grosse Terre lighthouse, located on the tip of Grand Fort, offers excellent views. It is visible for over 33 kilometers and stands 17 meters above ground level, providing a great vantage point of the sea and the Île D'Yeu on clear days.
There are various hiking trails available, ranging from easy to moderate. Examples include the easy "Rairé Windmill Loop" (5 km) and "Sallertaine – Old Saint Martin Church loop" (6.8 km), as well as moderate trails like "Impasse des Mûres – View of the Forest Pond loop" (9.9 km). You can find more details in the hiking guide around Le Perrier.
Sallertaine is known for its picturesque setting amidst greenery and marshes. It features a Romanesque church, an artisan island, the Garden of Vaulieu, and historic mills like the Mill of Rairé, making it an exceptional site for visitors.
Beyond hiking and cycling, you can also find opportunities for running. There are several running loops available, such as a 10 km "Sandy Trail loop" and various moderate loops ranging from 5 km to 10 km. Explore more options in the running trails guide around Le Perrier.
Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and outdoor activities. The Bicycle path - Pays-de-Monts national forest is highly praised for its pleasant rides through pines and by the sea. The Grosse Terre lighthouse is enjoyed for its impressive structure and great views. The charming village of Sallertaine is also a favorite for its historic atmosphere.
Yes, Le Perrier is conveniently located near popular coastal areas. Saint-Jean-de-Monts is just 6 km away, offering easy access to beaches and seaside activities.
Yes, visitors can explore local markets, flea markets, and various events throughout the year in Le Perrier and its surrounding areas. For example, Saint-Jean-de-Monts, a short distance away, hosts markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Le Perrier has a rich history, including passages by Louis XIII in 1622 and playing a role in the Vendée Wars, notably the Battle of Mathes in 1815. The Commequiers Castle also has a notable history, having been dismantled on the orders of Cardinal Richelieu in 1628.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: