Martinet combines a distinctive bocage landscape with extensive woodland and old trails that have changed little over time. The Jaunay River also shapes the area: it forms the boundary between Martinet and the neighbouring commune of La Chapelle-Hermier; its banks are used for recreation and fishing. The Zone de Loisirs des Ouches du Jaunay covers seven hectares along the river and has a discovery trail. Nature, outdoor activities and local history therefore offer different options for your trip.
Walking trails with their own character
The Sentier des Chênes-lièges is eleven kilometres long and starts and ends at the Zone de Loisirs des Ouches du Jaunay. Along the way are the Château de la Malvergne and the Pierre du Chevalier à Garreau. The distance, start and end point, and two named landmarks give the walk a clear framework. The Sentier du Coudray offers a different experience: this nature trail is mostly shaded, there is a spot for a picnic near the Chapelle de Garreau, and you can look for signs of small game along the way. When choosing between the trails, you can base your decision on the 11-kilometre walk and its landmarks, or on shade, the picnic spot and opportunities to observe nature.
Cycling and fishing
Martinet has numerous mountain-bike trails, cycle paths and routes for bike rides. Alongside the walking trails, a range of options on two wheels are therefore part of the area’s appeal. If you want to fish, the Les Ouches pond is a designated spot: it is reserved exclusively for fishing. The banks of the Jaunay are also used for fishing and recreation. These details can help you match the options to your interests without conflating the different places and activities.
Church, washhouse and festive tradition
The Église Saint-Pierre tells the story of several periods in the area’s history. It was partly destroyed during the Revolution and rebuilt in the Neo-Romanesque style in the second half of the 19th century. The church thus brings together the destruction of the Revolution and the later architectural redesign. Another chapter is the old washhouse in Martinet: a youth project restored it in the summer of 2003. It is set in a location shaped by the bocage landscape and adds the story of its restoration to the area’s historic sites.
The Feu de la Saint-Jean is also part of local cultural life. It has been held since 2009, with a shared meal and a concert, and attracts more than 1,000 people. Alongside the historic buildings, this community event may also be a factor in planning your trip. If you are travelling specifically for the festival, check the event dates in advance.
Choose Martinet as your destination
When looking for a holiday rental in Martinet, it is worth first deciding what you would like to do each day: walk, cycle, fish or focus on history and culture. The trails differ in length and character, while the church, washhouse and Feu de la Saint-Jean offer further reasons to choose the area.
Discover more destinations: Mouchamps, Vaire, Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie, Saint-Sigismond, Mareuil-Sur-Lay-Dissais, Bretignolles-Sur-Mer, Venansault, La Chapelle-Palluau
For the broader travel guide: Vendée.
