Activities

Walking – There are numerous marked footpaths in the area. Maps of walks are available at tourist offices. Also, regular organised walks are advertised in tourist offices and elsewhere. A small fee is charged and refreshments are provided at the start and end of the walk and at points along the way.

Cycling – the quiet lanes in rural Vendée are ideal for cycling – even if it’s just for the morning croissant ride to the boulangerie. There are many designated cycle routes that have recently updated and well signed. Cycle route maps are available from tourist offices. The nearby Mervent forest provides an opportunity for off-road cycling.

Swimming – in addition to the pool at the house, there is the Centre Aquatique du Pays de Pouzauges, which has a swimming pool with slides and other attractions.

Horse riding – at nearby St Maurice des Noues. See www.ripaud-equitation.com

Fishing - ‘Pescalis’ – park with lakes for fishing and other leisure activities. See http://www.pescalis.com  General fishing information is provided by the Fédération de la Vendée pour la Pêche et la Protection du Milieu Aquatique - see http://www.unpf.fr/85

Golf – there are several courses within reach for a day’s golf. See http://www.golfeurope.com/euro_clubs/france-golf-courses.htm

Canoeing – along the Sèvre-Nantaise river. See http://www.canoedelasevre.fr/

Bird-watching – plenty of sites available, including the reserve at St Denis du Payre, the Marais Poitevin, Baie d’Aiguillon and Noirmoutier.

Bungee jumping (le saut à l’élastique) – from a viaduct near La Châtaigneraie. See
www.bungee.nu

Hot-air ballooning – from Puy du Fou. See www.la-montgolfiere.com

Microlight flights – see www.air-vendee-loisirs.com

Vélo rail – something a bit different! Pedal a rail cart along a 10k track at Commequiers

Adventure park –  at Chantmerle in Deux Sèvres - see www.foret-aventure.com