A route almost 80 kilometres long, horseback rides through forests and bocage landscapes, and a reminder of the region’s mining history give Saint-Maurice-des-Noues a variety of attractions. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between longer outdoor activities, culture and landscape watching: options range from a horseback ride to a signposted circuit, while church windows, a Renaissance house and views across meadows appeal to other interests.

Horseback rides and the Chemin des Châtaignes

The Ferme pédagogique de la Garrelière offers rides on horses and ponies, as well as carriage rides. There are also horseback treks through bocage landscapes and forests, ranging from one day to a week. This range makes a practical difference: a day trip requires a different time commitment from a trek lasting several days. If you plan to book an activity, check the details with the provider before your trip.

Another option is the Chemin des Châtaignes. It consists of a large 76-kilometre loop and is nearly 80 kilometres long. The fully signposted route passes through the rolling bocage landscape of the Vendée, with information boards along the way. You can explore it on foot or by mountain bike. Saint-Maurice-des-Noues is one of four possible starting points, and the route begins here. Its length, available ways to travel and multiple starting points provide a clear basis for distinguishing this outing from a horseback ride or a shorter activity.

Mining history and landscape

The Chevalement d’Épagne is one of the last reminders of mining activity in the region. The site is free to access and can be visited independently by individuals and groups. There is a car park, a picnic area and information boards on site. In 2026, the site is open year-round; check access arrangements before you travel. It offers a standalone historical attraction alongside the longer activities on trails and horseback treks.

At the edge of the Mervent-Vouvant Forest, a sweeping panoramic view opens up across farmland and meadows where herds of cattle and horses graze. Stargazing is another special option: in the villages awarded the “Villes et Villages Étoilés” designation, you can see the Milky Way and constellations with the naked eye. Saint-Maurice-des-Noues is listed as a three-star commune in this initiative in the Pays de la Châtaigneraie. Alongside more active pursuits, the landscape and night sky offer their own ways to discover the area.

Church, Renaissance house and local produce

The Église Saint-Maurice has a slate roof and colourful stained-glass windows depicting local figures and historical events. Another way to explore the area’s history is the Logis du Fief Mignoux, a historic monument in Saint-Maurice-des-Noues, in the Vendée department of the Pays de la Loire region. The Renaissance house was built between 1570 and 1580 around an enclosed courtyard, typical of stately residences of the period. The window designs and the architecture draw attention to two different aspects of the local heritage.

The produce from Fournil Les Lumières adds to the local attractions. It includes organic farm products, such as flour made from heritage wheat varieties and ground in stone mills, as well as rustic wood-fired bread. If you would like to include a direct purchase in your plans, check the arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Jean-De-Monts, Château-Guibert, Saint-Mesmin, La Garnache, Barbatre, Bazoges-en-Paillers, La Boissière-De-Montaigu, Moreilles

For the broader travel overview: Vendée.