A birthplace rebuilt in 1700, a protected oak grove and the Barthes wetlands give Saint-Vincent-De-Paul a distinctive variety of attractions. When planning your visit, you can choose between heritage, walking paths and a circular route—or focus on one of these options in particular.
Heritage in Berceau and Buglose
The birthplace of Saint-Vincent-De-Paul, known as Ranquines, was rebuilt in 1700 and prepared for visits in the Berceau district. The Chapelle du Berceau adds a different architectural touch: built in the 19th century, it features a striking Byzantine-style dome. Together, these two places bring a specific biographical connection and a distinctive sacred architectural style into view.
The Buglose internment camp also tells the story of different periods in history. The Germans built it in 1940. From 1940 to 1944, it housed colonial prisoners; after the war, the camp was used to house German prisoners. Visits are possible only by prior arrangement as part of a guided tour lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Confirm the arrangements before your visit, as they may change.
Notre-Dame de Buglose was built between 1850 and 1865. The building houses a Maisonnave carillon with at least 60 bells and 34 different tone colours. These figures convey both the scale of the instrument and the variety of its tones.
Oak trees, wetlands and water
The Bois Sacré is a two-hectare oak grove that was protected in 1941. The oldest oaks are estimated to be 300 years old. This age estimate refers to the oldest trees in the grove, not to every oak there.
The Barthes de Saint-Vincent-De-Paul cover around 1,000 hectares and form a large protected natural area. They include streams and small lakes, as well as habitats for wildlife, with many bird species and numerous breeds of cattle, oxen and horses. Saint-Vincent-De-Paul is one of the municipalities within the Barthes de l’Adour’s Sites of Community Importance and Special Protection Areas. Those interested in the landscape and wildlife will find several aspects to consider together when exploring the area.
The Barthes also have several hundred metres of walking paths. At Étang de la Glacière, the industrial past is explained. The building there today is a former washhouse, dismantled, relocated and completely rebuilt by village volunteers. Picnic tables for families and play areas for children add practical reasons to plan some time at the Étang alongside the historical interest.
Walking paths and a circular route
The Circuit de Buglose is an easy, 11.4-kilometre circular route starting in Saint-Vincent-De-Paul. You can walk or cycle it. The Scandibérique (EV3) runs through or alongside the wooded area of the Barthes, a wetland nature area, and reaches Saint-Vincent-De-Paul town hall. Check local conditions before setting out.
The routes differ in format: the Barthes have walking paths spanning several hundred metres, while the Circuit de Buglose is designated as an 11.4-kilometre circular route. So first consider whether you would prefer to focus on the Barthes or take a circular route. If you plan to visit the internment camp, also allow for the prior arrangements and the guided tour’s approximate duration of 1.5 to 2 hours.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Loubouer, Tartas, Mées, Créon-D'armagnac, Mauries, Carcen-Ponson, Serreslous-et-Arribans, Biarrotte.
For the broader travel overview: Landes.
