Coëx combines a bocage landscape with paths by Lac du Gué Gorand, Parc Philippe Perrocheau and a festival held every year in March. There are several different ways to plan your visit: a walk, a longer circular route, a cultural weekend or a vélorail ride. The details on the circular route’s length and duration are especially useful for making a realistic estimate of the time required. The exact dates and programme for Mi-Carême vary from one edition to the next; vélorail rides may also vary in availability.
Park and landscape
Parc Philippe Perrocheau is open daily and free of charge, making it suitable for family walks, a leisurely stroll and relaxation. This makes a visit to the park a separate option for a stay in Coëx, alongside the longer routes. Check the visiting arrangements again before you travel.
Coëx offers a bocage landscape with a biodiverse agricultural environment and 40 kilometres of municipal paths. The network of paths complements the individual lakeside circular route, providing a wider setting for walks and tours around the municipality.
Circular route at Lac du Gué Gorand
The Circuit du lac du Gué Gorand n°10 is 11.3 kilometres long, of moderate difficulty and takes around 3 hours 30 minutes. The starting point is the Parking du Gué Gorand in Coëx. The approximate duration offers a guide to the time required; check trail conditions before setting out, as they can change.
The circular route includes a pleasant, shady walk of around 4 kilometres around the lake. This figure refers to the section by the water; it should not be confused with the total length of the Circuit. This distinction is important when planning your day: the roughly 4 kilometres refer to the lakeside walk, while your estimate of the time required should take the full route into account. Vegetation around the lake may vary.
Mi-Carême and heritage
The Mi-Carême de Coëx takes place over a weekend every March and attracts several thousand spectators. The festival features marching bands and decorated floats, with many carnival participants decorating the floats with sweet wrappers. If you would like to plan your trip around the event, check the dates and programme for the relevant edition, as both vary.
The Moulin du Dolbeau is free to visit and can be viewed without a guided tour; it dates from before 1750. This historic landmark adds to the landscape and the annual festival.
Vélorail between Commequiers and Coëx
Vélorail rides are offered on the former railway line between Commequiers and Coëx. This adds an activity along a former rail connection to the walks and circular routes, on a line that extends beyond Coëx to Commequiers. Availability may vary; check with the operator in advance before planning your ride.
Discover more destinations: Le Langon, Velluire, Saint-Sigismond, Sainte-Cécile, L'île-D'elle, Saint-Hilaire-La-Forêt, L'aiguillon-Sur-Vie, Saint-Laurent-Sur-Sèvre.
For the broader travel overview: Vendée.
