Route of interpretation of the Battle of Torfou

(S/E) Walk starting from Place Clemenceau
For signposting, follow the directions indicated by the wing of the lark (illustration). The route is divided into stages. Informative interpretation panels are erected at each stage. It’s up to you to spot them! There are 10 stages.

(1) Start the route at the wayside shrine (stage 1). To reach stage 2, follow the D949, known as the “Rue Nationale”; this is the main road. Stage 2, “Le gué du bon débit”, is situated 500 metres further on, next to the road signs. Retrace your steps and turn right (100m) onto Rue Saint-Sauveur, the only access route at the time of the battle. Turn left, then right onto Rue Nationale. Pass the wayside cross and head towards La Colonne.

(2) On your left, near the village of La Gautronnière, you will see Stop No. 3, “La Croix de la Gautronnière”. To reach Stop No. 4, “Le chemin des femmes”, cross the road and follow the dirt track opposite La Croix de la Gautronnière. It is about 350m away.
Continue on your way to stage 5, “La Croix de la Barre”, which marks the end of the trail.

(3) Carry on to the left along the main road, then turn right at the first junction. Follow the road called “La Barre” and then “Maison Neuve”. Look out for the sign for stage 6, “Arceau de la Maison Neuve”.

(4) Next, take the Chemin du Raidillon on the right, then walk down Rue du Foulon to pass under the D753.

(5) You will come to stage 7. Follow this path until you reach the Roman road.
Continue along the path, which turns right towards Château du Couboureau.

(6) Walk straight up the castle approach to Château Gaillard to discover stage 8 and, further on, stage 9.

(7) At the end of this driveway, you’ll find yourself facing the Column. Turn left onto the D949 and carry on to the village of Torfou. Shortly after the wayside cross, turn left onto Rue Charles Foyer. Continue to the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Chapel (stage 10) behind the car park (S/E).

-The Calvary on Place Clemenceau: The Calvary, visible from the first panel of the route, has been moved twice since it was erected in 1818. Built to honour the dead, this religious monument is also a true work of art, thanks to the sculpture of the Pietà. It was produced in the David d’Angers workshops. The Pietà depicts Jesus Christ after his death, following his removal from the cross. His mother embraces his body and weeps for him.

-The Column: The Column, erected in 1826 on the initiative of Mr Jousseaume, Marquis de La Bretesche (1779–1839), commemorates the Battle of Torfou or Battle of Tiffauges, which took place on 19 September 1793 during the Wars of the Vendée. It marks a defeat for the Republicans commanded by Kléber, who had recently arrived from Mainz. The column is a granite cylinder 8.65 metres high and approximately 1.30 metres in diameter, set on a plinth 5 metres in diameter.