Tour between the Vie and Yon Rivers (Vendée)

Starting in La Roche-sur-Yon, a Napoleonic town with a unique geometric layout, the trail first leads to Venansault and Landeronde, where sunken lanes bordered by ancient hedgerows offer an immediate immersion in unspoiled nature. In Beaulieu-sous-la-Roche, a charming village renowned for its crafts, rural history is etched in every stone before reaching the vast wooded expanses of Aizenay. The hike then follows the meanders of the Vie and Yon rivers, revealing a heritage of waterways comprised of old mills and small stone bridges. Passing through Le Poiré-sur-Vie, you can admire typical Vendée houses and megalithic sites such as the Pierre de la Merlière, evidence of very ancient human occupation. Heading back towards Mouilleron-le-Captif, the landscape alternates between verdant valleys and wetlands rich in biodiversity, where herons and otters find refuge.

La Vie and the Yon pass through a wide variety of environments, from forests to agricultural areas to wetlands. The rivers are surrounded by trees, including oaks, beeches, and chestnuts. The banks are also bordered by meadows and fields. Wetlands, such as marshes, are also present along rivers. There is a wide variety of mammals, birds, fish, and insects. Some of the most common mammals include deer, roe deer, wild boars, foxes, hares, and rabbits. Some of the most common birds include herons, storks, ducks, geese, kingfishers, and hawks. Some of the most common fish include carp, pike, trout, and eels.

Distance: 88km, Maximum elevation: 81m, Minimum elevation: 24m, Total ascent: 438m
IGN Maps: 1326SB - LA ROCHE-SUR-YON BOURNEZEAU. 1225SB - LEGÉ ROCHESERVIÈRE. 1226SB - LE POIRÉ-SUR-VIE AIZENAY LA MOTHE-ACHARD.

Nearby paths:

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

GR®, PR®, GRP® and the corresponding markings are trademarks of the French Federation of Hiking. They may not be reproduced without permission. The French Federation of Hiking, state-approved, includes organizations that maintain hiking routes. It publishes guides for these routes. With your donations, support the actions of the thousands of volunteer markers of the FFRandonnée.

GR-Infos.com is an editorial partner of MonGR.fr.