A day of walking in the forest of Mervent

Discover Vendée

The Mervent-Vouvant national forest extends over no less than 5,000 hectares. This incredible area makes this forest massif the largest in the Vendée. In addition to being a place renowned for its tranquility and the beauty of its landscapes, it has the particularity of being crossed by the river La Mère. This gives it additional appeal. Visitors can thus enjoy a breathtaking green place and a pleasant leisure area.

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Mervent, the green heart of the Vendée

Mainly made up of holm oaks, the forest of Mervent is an idyllic place for all those who appreciate the tranquility of a walk in the woods. You will no doubt be surprised by its attendance. Many people like this idyllic and naturally healthy setting to practice a sporting activity. Indeed, you will see that cyclists and hikers rub shoulders, while horseback riders travel the many marked paths.

Through the marked paths of the forest of Mervent

During your walk, take the time to observe the fauna and flora that surrounds you, while enjoying superb viewpoints. It is also common to come across families who gather around one of the many picnic tables made available to everyone, to enjoy a friendly moment in the heart of nature, far from any noise pollution and pollution. Here you will only hear the rustle of leaves and branches between them, and the chirping of birds.

Prepare a picnic worthy of the name, with the gastronomic specialties of the Vendée, to enjoy in a restaurant or on the go!

Walk in the shade of the forest trees

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Nautical and sports activities at Lake Mervent

In addition to the many walks in the shade of the trees of the forest massif, you can practice various activities related to water. Fishing, strolling with your canoe-kayak or a short trip on a paddle are all activities that you can practice on Lake Mervent. But if you don't have any of these sliding devices, don't hesitate to go to the leisure centre. They will offer you a whole variety of activities and materials to take full advantage of this exceptional place. If you are a novice, you can even be accompanied or introduced to certain sports, such as rock climbing.

You can also simply enjoy the place by sitting at the water's edge, contemplating the wooded and wild nature.

Lake Mervent: a soothing and magnificent place

When a dam becomes a place to discover…

In Mervent, there are no less than 4 dams.

The Albert dam: it is built on the Vendée and it is a dam which aims to avoid floods and floods, while being a water reservoir.
The Pierre Brune and Vouvant dams: they were built for the same purposes as that of Albert, with the difference that this one is on the Mother.
The Mervent Saint-Luc dam: This colossal building, built on the Vendée, dates from the mid-1950s. It was built for several reasons:

the production of drinking water,
flood prevention for municipalities located downstream, such as Fontenay-le-Comte, and in the marsh,
the preservation of the flow within the wet marsh,
the production of electricity.

12km away is Fontenay-le-Comte, shall we go there?

Views of the dam and from the dam

More than 20m high, the Mervent Saint-Luc dam has become an attractive place that visitors have become accustomed to discovering during their stay. Several hiking trails include a passage through this exceptional site, but it is also possible to access it directly by car. For example, follow the mountain bike circuit Le Tour de Mervent (fr). On the spot, you will be able to contemplate the imposing work, and a remarkable panoramic sight. Information panels have also been installed to understand the stakes and operation of the structure.

Continue the tour of the region with a visit to Vouvant and the Mélusine tower.

inquire, inquire

As you will have understood, Mervent is a stopover not to be missed during your discovery of the South Vendée. The variety of landscapes and the wealth of activities on offer will suit everyone, young and old, sports enthusiasts or simple nature lovers.

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Article and photos prepared by Charline Prod'Homme

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