Circular route around Le Fougeray

 Park at the crossroads, near the vineyards, at a place called Le Fougeray.

(S/E) Set off due north, along the vineyards, until you reach a Fork in the road at the edge of the woods.

(1) Take the small path on the left, which runs alongside and parallel to the field, then head down to the right to reach a small stream.

(2) Cross it via the small footbridge. Follow the path back up to a small tarmac road.

(3) Turn right onto this road and you’ll reach the Saint-Luc roundabout. Continue along the path to the right of the road leading towards the Mervent Dam for about 350 m.

(4) Take the first track on the right, which is a GR® route, for about 600 m, then turn right onto a sandy track.

(5) At the forest ranger’s house, turn into the lane on the left, towards Saint-Luc. When you reach the houses, head downhill towards the River Vendée along the small path.

(6) At the end of this, turn right onto a small road and continue straight on until you reach the D104.

(7) Cross it carefully, then continue along the path opposite, keeping the Vendée River on your left, for about 500 m.

(8) Follow the path up to the right, just after the water treatment plant, until you reach the D104. Cross it – taking care, as always – and follow the Chemin des Champs Boyers (dead-end sign) opposite for about 150 metres. Turn left, then immediately right, onto a path that joins the old railway line. Continue along this path, cross a wooden bridge over the Chemin de l’Aulière, and carry on for 800 m. 

(9) Leave the track and head up the path on the right, just after the railway workers’ shelter. At the end of the path, turn right onto the Chemin du Fougeray to return to the starting point (S/E). 

Visorando app and/or IGN maps.

Best undertaken in dry weather, as some sections in the forest can be very damp, particularly around point (1).

Pissotte Vineyard

Crochet Mill

Mervent Forest

Mervent Dam