Are you going to visit the Vendée? Discover the best things to do and see in Vouvant, a charming bucolic village.

Vouvant is a charming little town in the Vendée, in the Pays de la Loire region. Located south of the Vendée bocage and near the Poitevin marsh, it is a nature destination par excellence.

But to visit Vouvant is also to discover one of the most beautiful french villages. Indeed, located on top of a hill bordered by the Mother River, Vouvant is the only fortified city in the Vendée to still exist.

Thus, if you are looking for what to do in Vouvant, you will be spoilt for choice.

Due to its location amid nature within a forest that carries the village’s name, it is also a popular destination for artists and craftspeople of all sorts. So, you want to come and visit Vouvant? Follow the guide!

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The 5 Best Things To Do In Vouvant, France

1. The Mélusine Tower

One of the best things to do in the Vouvant is to visit the Mélusine tower, which dates from the thirteenth century.

Melusine was a legendary fairy from the region whose legs turned into a snake’s tail on Saturday night. It would be the ancestor of the family of accounts of Lusignan who ruled Vouvant for centuries.

The Mélusine tower is all that remains of their castle, which Mélusine would have built in a single night… Inside, you will find a small museum of local history and the Tourist Office.

After asking for the key at the Tourist Office, do not hesitate to climb the spiral staircase leading to its top. From its 45 meters high, you will have a perfect view of the forest of Vouvant-Mervan and the village.

2. The Théodelin nave

But you can’t visit Vouvant without going through the Théodelin nave. Formerly attached to the church, it is now a temporary exhibition space.

Every year, from April to October, exhibitions of different artists from the region follow and promote contemporary art in rural areas.

The events held there are usually free, so don’t miss out on a nice discovery if you’re looking for a cheap activity to do in Vouvant.

3. The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption of Vouvant

Right next to the nave, you will find the Church of Vouvant. Dating from the eleventh century, it is about 1,000 years old! It has been destroyed and restored several times throughout history in Romanesque style.

It has been classified as a Historic Monument since 1840. Nowadays, when you go to visit Vouvant, you can still admire the choir and the apse before pushing further the walk.

4. The gardens of Vouvant

If you’re looking for an outdoor activity to do in Vouvant, why not browse the city’s gardens? There are several, all different, and you can go from one to the other on foot.

A good opportunity to see the village from every angle when you visit Vouvant!

The painters’ garden

Vouvant Village de Peintres, the association that manages the nave Théodelin, created this garden in 2008. Located near the city’s multipurpose hall, exhibitions and events are held there regularly.

The priory garden

Behind the church of Notre Dame de l’Assomption, you will find a small garden that will remind you of the monks’ gardens. In several squares in Plessis, you will discover vegetable and medicinal plants.

It is also a very quiet place to enjoy a short break before continuing your walk.

The public garden

Don’t hesitate to start your walk in the public garden when visiting Vouvant.

Indeed, it overlooks the postern and the city walls and offers a privileged view of the Mother River, which surrounds this most beautiful French village on three sides.

The Garden of the Senses

Since 2010, this garden has offered its visitors medicinal, aromatic, and dyeing plants are grown according to agroecological principles.

In 2016, it was classified as an “LPO Refuge,” which means it is maintained according to techniques that respect biodiversity and the environment.

If you are going to visit Vouvant, you may be able to attend one of the many activities that take place there.

The garden of the Fournil

This garden is part of a nice walk to do in Vouvant. Located near the old Romanesque bridge and the bakery of the seventeenth century, it is of the “French garden” type.

You can stroll among boxwood hedges and topiaries or stop for a picnic.

5. The Ecomuseum Les Ateliers de la Mère

Here is an original activity to do in Vouvant. The associative ecomuseum houses old tools used by the same family of carpenters for three generations.

But that’s not all! Because it is also a question of making Craftsmanship dialogue with art. Therefore, a canvas is displayed among the tools to be sold, whether permanently or temporarily. A place off the beaten track to see when you visit Vouvant!

How to get to Vouvant

Would you like to visit Vouvant? Follow the guide!

All aboard

The car is undoubtedly the most convenient way to come and visit Vouvant because no buses are serving the city.

• From Poitiers: about 130 km and 1h 30min drive. Take the A10 and A83. Exit at exit 7.1 and follow the D206;
• From La-Roche-sur-Yon: about 70 km and 50 minutes. You have to take the D948 and the A83 ;
• From Niort: about 40 km and 40 minutes of travel. The fastest way is to take the D744 and D31.

By train

If you decide to take the train to visit Vouvant, the nearest train station is Fontenay-le-Comte, located 15 kilometers away. From here you can take bus line 292, which serves Les Orettes.

Where to stay in Vouvant

You have several things to do in Vouvant, and you want to stay there for several days? It is possible to stay on-site, but keep in mind that this is a small village. The offer is, therefore, limited.

Nevertheless, you can choose from various cottages, hotels, and guest rooms. Do not hesitate to use a hotel comparator to find the most advantageous rates.

So prepare your luggage and visit Vouvant!