The best traffic-free bike rides around Bournezeau

Pleasant picnic area by the river.

A magical place in Lavaud, combining the pleasure of cycling and a relaxing break at the foot of the Eiffel Bridge at the Guinguette de l'Aubraie

This lake is formed by a very dense network of rivers and streams coming from the La Chaize forest. Swimming is prohibited there. Fauna & flora to observe: Brown Orthetrum, Eagle Fern, European Oriole, Common Teal, Common Nightingale

This picturesque village is a perfect place for a break and refreshments. There are several restaurants and a nice café Tea room "Les Rives Enchan'thé just after the bridge. (The café is open every day from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. except Sunday and Monday).

When the 1st Cavalry Dragon arrived in the town of Luçon ordered by Georges Clemenceau in 1910, the army required a supply of 70 liters of water per day, per man, and per horse, i.e. for 630 men and 750 horses a daily need of nearly 100 m3 of water. Thus, in 1912, at the height of the boom in reinforced concrete construction, a water tower was erected near the barracks. Originally composed of a parallelepiped tank of 110 m3, the work took on a monumental form when an agreement was made between the city and the war administration in order to allow the people of Luçon to also benefit from a distribution of potable water. The capacity of the tank then increases to 500 m3. The water tower measures 25 meters high on a base of 220 m² and even had official accommodation. The water tower with the adjoining electrical factory which made it possible to operate it (factory powered by coal from Faymoreau) made Luçon a city at the cutting edge of modernity with running water and electricity. . However, in 1961 the water tower was decommissioned, and it gradually deteriorated due to lack of maintenance. In 1991, the reinforced concrete monument was threatened with demolition, but by a decree of February 10, 1992 it was automatically classified as a historic monument, in order to allow its preservation. It now stands as a witness to early 20th century architecture consecrated by the appearance of reinforced concrete, and offers a light and astonishing silhouette for a water tower with its late art deco style and ceramic flourishes. . On the main facade, two cast iron lion faces had an orange lamp. This monument was to be supplemented by a lighthouse which was never completed.

The origins of the city of Luçon are linked to port activity dating back to the early Middle Ages, when the city was located on the edge of the Gulf of Pictons before the drying up of the Marais Poitevin. Luzon was then a fortified town, whose ramparts, protected by water moats, can be seen in the layout of the streets surrounding the town centre. Throughout the 19th century, the commercial activity of the port of Luçon with northern Europe in particular, which for a time even made it the third largest grain port in France, contributed to the enrichment of the city. This activity stopped in the 20th century with the silting of the canal which connected the city to the coast. But Luzon is best known for its religious status. From the 7th century, the foundation of a monastery which was destroyed by the Viking invasions made it the spiritual center of Bas-Poitou and the town became the seat of the bishopric in the 14th century. In 1608, a certain Armand Jean du Plessis was appointed Bishop of Luçon. Noting the sad state of the city ravaged during the Wars of Religion, he described the region as "the ugliest bishopric in France, the dirtiest and most disagreeable" (especially in order to justify his request for subsidies from the ecclesiastical authorities). endeavored from then on to reorganize the diocese which he left in 1623 to put himself at the service of the king, after a long ascent to the throne.This bishop of Luçon, with remarkable intellectual qualities, ended up becoming the principal Minister of Louis XIII, and remains known under the name of “Cardinal of Richelieu.” The history of the city remains intrinsically linked to the figure of Richelieu who officiated in this cathedral. Begun in 1091, the cathedral was initially in the Romanesque style. The portal of the north transept remains from this period. But for the most part, the building (the nave, the choir, the cloister) that we see now was rebuilt several times in the Gothic style. During the wars of religion, the church was repeatedly ransacked. The high openwork neo-Gothic spire is a splendid romantic fantasy according to 19th century taste. It peaks at 85 m and gives the cathedral the silhouette we know today. The city center of Luçon also offers other historical and religious monuments.

The site of Mareuil sur Lay corresponds to that of an old city marked by the proximity of the sea. Former port, it welcomed the barges (traditional boats dedicated to the transport of goods) which went up the Lay by transporting in particular salt. Once at the port, the salt was unloaded and transported overland. Under Napoleon 1st, a national road was laid out, leading to the construction of a new stone bridge and Mareuil became an obligatory passage between La Roche sur Yon and La Rochelle. The bridge you cross here dates from this period and offers a beautiful view of the old town of Mareuil. The town is also at the heart of the Mareuil vineyard, which is the largest and one of the most famous in Vendée. Located on the slopes of the Lay and Yon rivers, it extends over an area of 300 hectares divided between 10 municipalities. Annual production is approximately 17,000 hl.

Superb climb at the exit of Mareuil