Visit Mervent with the LegendR app

The origin of its name is still debated today. Some say that Mervent is the contraction of the rivers that cross the village: the Mother and the Wind, while others rather opt for a Celtic origin: MaroVidua meaning the Great Forest. In the end, what is important is the village, its history and its incredible landscapes! Mervent is an essential place to discover in Vendée. So much so that it is one of the destinations offered by the free LegendR application, present in France and Europe.

What is the LegendR app?

This application, which can be downloaded for free on your smartphones, is revolutionizing tourist exploration! Depending on the sites, the virtual reality offered is a real asset for immersing yourself in a place or an era, and thus better understanding the history of the site in question. Thanks to the application, test your knowledge and walk around without a compass or GPS!

A smartphone, an application and you're done... or almost!

Choose the “Discovery of Mervent” route. Download it and head towards the meeting point (Chêne Tord car park). Then, you just have to follow the indications of the application, as well as the yellow markup. This one reads like a classic hiking markup.

Once you have arrived at the right place, a small ringtone will ring in your phone and let you know that you are in the right place! It is a fun and entertaining activity. You are the actor of your walk. In addition to historical and anecdotal information, questions allow you to test your knowledge and your sense of reflection. During the course, your hearing will also be solicited thanks to audio recordings that you can listen to to better understand the information learned.

The markings allow you to stay on the right course!

The medieval past of Mervent

The medieval castle was built between the 12^th and 13^th century. The Lusignan family, already present in Vouvant, would have settled there. The legend says that Mélusine would be the builder of the original building and that the Mervent Castle would have been her favourite. Unfortunately, there is nothing left visible on the side of the castle. On the other hand, the ramparts and the Tower, clinging to the hillside, bear witness to this medieval period.

Some photographs are exhibited in the park and enhance this welcoming place. Exceptional views await you. You will overlook the valley of the Mother. You will be able to see the Mervent lake and the very famous forest of Mervent. Take out the cameras and take pictures of this sublime and unique place.

But who are the Fontenautes?

At the belvedere, an interpretation table is dedicated to them. But who are they? Where do they come from?

The Fontenautes (fr) are imaginary characters living in different eras, but stuck in ours! They accompany you during your tourist discoveries in the Pays de Fontenay-Vendée. Embark on crazy adventures alongside them!

From the interpretation table, you can observe the island of Fontenautes (fr): a place that will be specially dedicated to them to meet and live there.

Other highlights of the LegendR course

In addition to the park of the Old Castle, the LegendR application will allow you to stroll through the Mervent streets and learn about its riches.

Walk, contemplate, observe, discover…

Saint-Medard church

It dates from the 10^th century but has undergone large changes during the 15^th century. So much so that there are few architectural remains of the original building. The rose window and the two windows (to the left of the portal) are vestiges of this period.

Take a step back and admire its façade and its braced entrance, in Flamboyant Gothic style. You can also see coats of arms. Go inside and discover, on your left, a clock system directly connected to the bells. It's amazing and quite rare! The two ends communicate with each other through a system of pulleys and weights. And the mechanism dates from the 17^th century.

The Saint-Médard church and its incredible clock

Mervent and the Mills

Today, they are invisible, but in the past there were many mills in Mervent. Mainly water, located along the Mother, but also wind, they have all disappeared. Many of them were swallowed up during the creation of the dam in 1958. The only evidence of their presence: the names of the alleys (Rue du Moulin in Tan, Rue du Moulin in Foulon, Rue du Moulin Besson, housing estate of the Moulin of Prune).

The course, which lasts approximately 2 hours, still has a thousand and one surprises in store for you, so don't hesitate any longer and download the application! And if you want to follow in the footsteps of Mélusine, the fairy builder, Vouvant is only a few kilometers away.

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Article and photos prepared by Charline Prod'Homme