A trip to La Meilleraie-Tillay can be shaped around specific highlights: trompe-l’œil paintings in the streets, paths along the Lay, and panoramic views from Puy Germon over the village and the hills of the Vendée. You can explore the area through its art, landscapes or a route described as sporty. The experiences come in different forms: an art trail you can follow independently, a footbridge crossing, a viewpoint with a picnic area, and paths with changing scenery. This lets you decide which of these discoveries to focus on.

Art in the streets

The “Ouvrez l’Œil” trail takes you through the streets of the village, where you can discover various trompe-l’œil paintings. Trompe-l’œil is a painting technique that creates an impression of depth through the use of perspective. You will encounter this style of painting along the trail in the streets.

The visit is free, can be done independently, and is available all year round. You can get a map of the trail at the town hall or download it from the municipality’s website. La Meilleraie-Tillay also holds the “Village en Poésie” label, adding a distinctive connection to poetry to the art trail.

By the Lay and at picnic spots

Fishing is possible in the “Au Fil du Lay” leisure area, which also has a footpath. The “Au Fil du Lay” park has a picnic area. This gives you several options: an activity, a walking path or a picnic break. This focus differs from the “Ouvrez l’Œil” trail, which centres on paintings in the streets.

The Vendée Vélo Route 36 also offers a specific route: it runs from Réaumur to Pouzauges and passes through La Meilleraie-Tillay. A leisure area suitable for a picnic break is located along the route in the village. Its route and the chance to stop for a break give cycling its own place among the ways to explore the village.

Crossing, views and mountain biking

The “Les Flâneurs” trail crosses the Lay via a footbridge. From Puy Germon, you can enjoy panoramic views over the village of La Meilleraie-Tillay and the hills of the Vendée; there is also a picnic area there. You can choose between a distinctive crossing and a viewpoint with a picnic spot: on “Les Flâneurs,” the footbridge over the Lay defines the route, while at Puy Germon the views and a break take centre stage.

The short, sporty “Le Gâts Potard” walking trail runs along the slopes of Puy Germon. Along the way, sunken lanes alternate with open panoramas of the Vendée hills; the trail can also be used for mountain biking. Unlike the Vendée Vélo Route 36, which passes through the village on its way from Réaumur to Pouzauges, “Le Gâts Potard” is described as a short, sporty circuit with changing scenery. This is a specific difference to consider when choosing between the cycling options: here, a named route through the village; there, a trail described as sporty that can be used for mountain biking.

Discover more destinations: La Tranche-Sur-Mer, Sigournais, Mouilleron-En-Pareds, Treize-Vents, Bretignolles-Sur-Mer, Saint-Malô-Du-Bois, Jard-Sur-Mer, Monsireigne

For the overview of the wider region: Vendée.