Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salle lies between the plain and the bocage. The commune includes 300 hectares of forest and ponds, and the La Smagne river also runs through it. La Sauvagère is one of the main watercourses that cross Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salle. This combination of open countryside, forests, waterways and historic sites offers several ways to shape a stay. The contrast between plain and bocage is the defining feature; the forest, ponds and two named watercourses bring the landscape into sharper focus. These terms describe a range of landscapes: the plain suggests more open terrain, while the bocage is a more varied rural landscape divided by hedgerows.
Building history across different periods
Le Plessis-le-Franc was built around 1440 on the site of a former stud farm. La Loge-Grimouard was restored during the Directory; the chapel of La Loge-Grimouard was consecrated in 1859. The sequence of construction, restoration and chapel consecration traces distinct historical layers.
Walk the circular trail and a section of the Way of St James
The Circuit de St LAURENT de la SALLE is a 24 km, very easy walking trail. It passes through all the villages in the commune and follows the Way of St James from the direction of Mont-Saint-Michel for much of its route. A separate route description covers the section from Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salle to Saint-Michel-le-Cloucq. The GPS track V5cStLaurent is provided for this section. It passes through the forêt des Grands Bois and follows the GR 364 there. It reaches the level of the Château du Plessis-le-Franc; a handsome dovecote stands on the right. The château serves as a height reference on this section, while the dovecote is another specific landmark on the right-hand side of the route. These details add landmarks to the route description rather than giving only a distance.
Cycling and seasonal activities
The Entre Plaine et Bocage cycling loop is 40.7 km long and passes through L'Hermenault, Saint-Valérien, Saint-Martin-des-Fontaines and Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salle. It is marked with the Vendée-Vélo symbol: a white bicycle on a green background. Compared with the 24 km walking trail, the cycling loop is 40.7 km long; the two options therefore differ in both mode of travel and distance. When choosing between them, consider your preferred way of getting around and the route: walk through all the villages in the commune or cycle through four named places.
At MELLI OUEST in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Salle, honey, pollen, royal jelly, as well as honey-based biscuits and confectionery are produced and sold. MELLI OUEST offers educational visits for groups lasting 1.5 hours. Bookings and schedules may change, so check them in advance. Depending on the season, Les Vergers Caillerots offers self-picking of apples and pears; picking dates vary seasonally.
Discover more destinations: La Réorthe, Mouilleron-Le-Captif, Saint-Gilles-Croix-De-Vie, Les Brouzils, Saint-Étienne-De-Brillouet, La Caillère-Saint-Hilaire, Notre-Dame-De-Monts, Le Fenouiller
For the broader travel overview: Vendée.
