There are a number of cycle routes for all abilites on the doorstep in and around the forest.
The Vendee has a massive network of dedicated cycle paths allowing cycling to be undertaken in complete safety. The paths stretch along the coast and through the countryside and in time will eventually form a complete circuit of the Vendee. Bicycles and mountain bikes can be hired at various centres throughout the regionIf you want to get the most of your visit to the Vendée, there is no better way than by cycling or walking. One can discover the hidden treasures that only a leisurely pace will reveal.
Within the Vendée a fast network of cycle tracks can be found, these have been designed for riding in complete safety while taking in the natural attractions that Vendée has to offer. There are 765 kilometres of track at present in use with that total set to rise to over 1000 kilometres by 2010. When this is accomplished one will then be able to take a complete cycle tour of the Vendée. On the tracks everything has been put in place for maximum safety including designated cycle lanes and all the necessary signposts. One will also find excellent picnic areas along the route for relaxing and refreshing oneself.
The Department of the Vendée has published "Les Sentiers Cyclables de la Vendée " these are 23 routes of various lengths that form the core of the marked routes around the whole Department. Les Sentiers Cyclables de la Vendée can be obtained from any local tourist office. The routes are in three distinct areas, the coastal routes, the routes of the marais poitevin including the south Vendée and the routes of the Haut Bocage.
The Coastal Sentiers run along 285 kilometres of coastline and one will find direct access to the beaches, from these tracks. One can also admire the fascinating scenery of dunes, rocky coastline, the seaside resorts and the marshlands that make up the coastal landscape.
The Sentiers of the Marais Poitevin has 200 kilometres of cycle tracks which will take one from the coastal town of l'Aiguillon-sur-Mer through the polders and marshlands around the Baie de l'Aiguillon before entering the upper reaches of the Marais Poitevin or "Green Venice", Mervent Forest and Vouvent , taking a detour around Faymoreau. Its northerly journey then takes one via La Chataigneraie, Cheffois and Reaumur, before giving way to the Sentiers of the Haute Bocage.
The Sentiers of the Haute Bocage has 280 kilometres of marked track and uses quiet agricultural roads and paths which takes one into the heart of countryside. The route even includes 27 kilometres of old railway track, so the going here is relatively easy.
There are many detours from the circuit before one arrives back on the coast. The Sentiers are the marked routes, but of course one is free to choose ones own routes and perhaps a mixture, using parts of the marked routes but varying to stop off at the many interesting places and attractions that this area has to offer.
Boating and Sailing
Wind surfing, dinghy sailing, canoe and kayak hire are available at the Mervent Water Sports Centre, which is 2 minutes away by car.
Head for the Marais Poitevin and hire a barque or canoe from one of the many quaysides or sit back and relax and go with a guide.
Take a cruise from La Tranche-sur-Mer around the off-shore islands.
Sailing in the Vendée.
The Vendée has 146 kilometres of coastline and many inland lakes and rivers, and it offers a wide range of conditions for the many differing forms of sailing. Whether one is an exponent of wind surfing, dingy sailing, sand yachting, kite surfing or someone who just likes to sit around and watch others, the Vendée will not be a disappointment. It is no coincidence that the Vendée is home not only to the world’s most prodigious single handed yacht race in the world, the Vendee Globe, but also to France’s two largest sail boat manufacturers. Little did Benjamin Beneteau know back in 1884 when he first started manufacturing fishing boats, that one day his firm would be the world’s leader in the manufacture sail boats. Today there are 5 factories in the Vendée producing his boats. The second largest manufacturers of sailing boats are Jenneau, and their boatbuilding is centred on Cholet. All along the Vendée coast there are harbours and most have marinas full of all manner of craft, showing the scale and diversity of the Vendéen sailing heritage.
Dinghy Sailing. From Optimist dinghies to Hobie catamarans, wherever there is water one will find dinghies; they are so prolific that there are several places where they can be hired.
Wind surfers. From beginners to wave jumpers there is somewhere to suit all abilities and genres, with the diversity of conditions available one should have no problem in finding a location to suit one’s level of expertise. For those who want to take up the sport there are schools where you can take your first lessons, and for those who are slightly more advanced these schools offer the opportunity to refresh previously learned skills.
Sand Yachting. The vast stretches of beach here in the Vendée are ideal for this activity and the beaches around Saint-Jean-de-Monts and Saint-Giles-Croix-de-Vie are notable for this exhilarating sport. Lessons are available, from www.semvie.com
Kite Surfing was born from the cross-breeding of surfboards and kites, and provides a fascinating ballet of multicoloured wings and spectacularly gymnastic movement.
Swimming
Swimming is allowed in the lake in the forest and there is even a man made beach, which is 2 minutes away by car.
There are outdoor swimming pools in l'Hermenault, La Châtaigneraie and Mouilleron-en-Pareds which are open in July and August. Some swimming is allowed in the lakes and rivers. There are indoor swimming pools in Fontenay-le-Comte and Pouzauges.
Of course, there is always the Atlantic Ocean.
Surfing.
The Vendée is recognized as one of the finest destinations in France for those who love to ride the waves and a round of the world championships is regularly held at La Tranche sur Mer. The long fetch of the Atlantic rollers together with gentle sloping beaches, the varied breaks and the long hours of sunshine make the Vendee ideal. It doesn't matter whether you are a seasoned surfer or a raw novice, the plethora of different breaks and surfing conditions along the 146 kilometres of coastline means that there is somewhere to suit all comers.
For those who enjoy the long board then the variety of breaks are best around la Tranche, la Terrier and les Conches in the south, and la Tranchet near les Sables d'Olonne and la Sauveterre further north in the Vendée. For the exponents of the short board or body board then most beaches will have some useable surf, though if you want the best then the beaches mentioned for the long boarding are equally good for this type of surfing. A word of warning if you intend surfing the rocky shoreline of the beaches around Cayola just south of les Sables d'Olonne, or off of the rocks just north of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, great care and a helmet are advised.
There are several surf shops that cater for ones surfing needs, there is a particularly good one at Les Conches, the Manu surf shop.
Other surf shops include;
Bahia surf Shop 42 rue Ramparts, Les Sables d'Olonne.
Mantawaii, 18 rue de l'Ocean, Brem sur Mer.
Atlantic Lezard, 10 ave de la Plage,Bretignolles sur mer.
La Palmier, 14, rue du Pertuis Breton, La Tranche-s-Mer.
The sport of Kite surfing is also popular on several beaches.
Fishing
Fishing is a major pastime in the Vendée and most communes have specially made lakes (plan d'eau) specifically for fishing. A permit is required to fish these lakes and the same is true for fishing the canals and rivers. Permits can be purchased from the local Maire, the tabacs and sometimes the local cafe or restaurant. Sea fishing and fishing in the tidal reaches of the river does not require a permit.
Daily, weekly and fortnightly permits are available.
Keen fishermen might like to visit the Pescalis fishing centre at Montournais in Deux-Sevres.
The nearest fishing is in the lake in the forest,
Golf.
There are 5 golf courses in the Vendee itself and additional courses can be found in the neighbouring regions of Deux-Sèvres and Charente-Maritime.
See Golf in Vendee
Horse Riding.
To find those hidden treasures, to take in the wide skies and the diverse landscapes of the Vendée trekking on horse back or horse drawn caravan could not be bettered.
The Ripaud riding school at St Maurice-des-Noues offers introductory courses, outings by horse-drawn carriage and pony trekking in and around Vouvant and the Mervent-Vouvant forest
Karting.
Though not necessarily something you would want to do every day, karting can be very exciting, remember Lewis Hamilton started in karting. There are 11 circuits in the Vendee where you can indulge your passion and dream of becoming a world champion.
The largest circuit in France at 1083m by 7.8m wide and is often used for grand prix rounds and is just 10 minutes away in Fontenay- Le- Compte
Karting Vendee Loisirs
20 karts 390cm³ speed 100km/h
20 karts 270cm³
prices: 270cm³ 390cm³
15euros 10mins 20euros 10mins
20euros 15mins 28euros 15mins
