Tour of the Puys of Pouzauges (Vendée)

Starting from Le Boupère, the trail winds its way between hedgerows and traditional sunken lanes before tackling the challenge of Saint-Michel-Mont-Mercure, the highest point in the Vendée. Here, religious heritage reaches its peak with the archangel crowning the bell tower, offering a panoramic view of the moors and distant church steeples. Continuing towards Sèvremont, the landscape becomes wilder, a blend of deep woods and hidden valleys sculpted by time. The route then reaches Saint-Mesmin, where the medieval castle raises its imposing towers, bearing witness to a rich military history amidst a granite landscape. This trek through the "Puys" reveals a preserved biodiversity, where pollarded oaks and small streams create an atmosphere of absolute serenity.

The Puys de Pouzauges are a set of granite hills located in the south of Vendée. The climate of Les Puys is temperate oceanic. Precipitation is abundant, with an annual average of 1,000 millimeters. Temperatures are mild, with an annual average of 12 degrees Celsius. In the Middle Ages, the Puys were an important place of defense. They were surrounded by fortifications, and many castles and fortresses were built on the Puys. In modern times, the Puys have been used for agriculture and livestock. The slopes of Puys were cultivated, and the summits were used for sheep breeding.

Google Maps - Google Earth

Tour of the Puys of Pouzauges (Vendée) 1

Tour of the Puys of Pouzauges (Vendée) 2

Distance: 58km, Elevation maximum: 284m, Elevation minimum: 97m, Elevation gain uphill: 775m
IGN Maps: 1425SB - LES HERBIERS / MAULEON. 1426SB - CHANTONNAY / POUZAUGES / LA CHATAIGNERAIE. 1526SB - MONCOUTANT / LA CHAPELLE ST-LAURENT.

Tour of the Puys of Pouzauges (Vendée) 9 Nearby paths:
Around Vie and Yon (Vendee)
Tour of the Otter Trail (Vendée)
Tour of Mélusine Country (Vendée)
Tour of the Fiefs of Pouzauges (Vendée)
Around Sevre et Maine Hills (Vendee)
Around Sevre et Maine Bocage (Loire-Atlantique, Vendee)
Around Sevre et Maine vineyards (Loire-Atlantique, Vendee)
Tour of the Marches de Gatine (Deux-Sèvres, Vienne)
GR®364 From Poitou to Ocean

It is advisable to follow the beacons all along your hike and to bring you the FFRandonnee topo-guide. You will also find information on MonGR.fr.

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Former holiday hotel with a garden along the Allier, L'Etoile Guest House is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent between Lozere, Ardeche, and the Cevennes in the mountains of Southern France. At the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson Path, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane Way, GR®470 Allier River springs and gorges, GRP® Cevenol, Ardechoise Mountains, Margeride. Numerous loop trails for hiking and one-day biking excursions. Ideal for a relaxing and hiking getaway.