Saint-Philbert-de-Bouaine brings together a variety of hiking themes, local history and regional products. When planning your stay, you can first consider whether specific route details, particular landscapes or historic sites will be the deciding factor. Wine features in two different contexts: as part of the landscape and as a local product. Boule nantaise adds a regional sporting tradition to the mix.
Hiking trails with varied landscapes
The Les Fromentaux hiking trail is marked in yellow, is 10.5 kilometres long and is estimated to take around two hours and 30 minutes. This gives you a guide to the time needed for planning. Along the way, the trail passes vineyards, cultivated fields and woodland, and crosses the Issoire. The route thus brings together several landscape features. If you enjoy combining different scenery on a single hike, you will find vineyards, fields, woodland and a river crossing here.
Les Vignes passes through vineyards in Saint-Philbert-de-Bouaine. Les Landes offers a different kind of landscape: this circular route goes through heathland in the Vendée bocage. If you are weighing up vineyards versus heathland when choosing a route, these trails offer two distinctly different focuses. Les Fromentaux complements them with cultivated fields, woodland and a crossing of the Issoire.
Grotto and local history
The Grotte de Landefrère is located in a former quarry. It was created as a replica of the grotto at Lourdes after the last prisoner from Saint-Philbert-de-Bouaine returned on 21 August 1945. The grotto thus links a religious association with a specific story from 1945. On the Parcours du Patrimoine walk, an optional detour leads to the grotto via footpaths and a narrow footbridge. This route may require particular care from some visitors.
La SĂ©cherie consists of the remains of an old castle. Rue Saint-Philbert is one of the oldest streets in the Saint-Philbert-de-Bouaine urban area. These two landmarks point to different aspects of local history: architectural remains on the one hand and a historically significant street on the other. Alongside the history of the grotto, you can also explore these other local points of interest.
Local life and regional products
Parc du Val des Sports is close to a pond. Its facilities include a picnic table, a table-tennis table, a playground and a multisport court; parking is available nearby. The park is also a starting point for hikes. It therefore offers opportunities for a break as well as a range of sporting activities. Facilities may change.
Boule nantaise is played at the sports complex in Saint-Philbert-de-Bouaine. This regional game is listed in France’s inventory of intangible cultural heritage. Boule nantaise adds another facet of local culture to the historic sites: a regional sporting tradition.
The connection with wine can also be viewed from two angles: Les Vignes passes through vineyards, while the 2025 producers’ guide lists Vignoble Épiard in La Pierre Blanche. The products listed are white, red and rosé wine, as well as sparkling grape juice. Check the details before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Nalliers, Tallud-Sainte-Gemme, Notre-Dame-De-Monts, Saint-Sigismond, Nesmy, La Tranche-Sur-Mer, Saint-Pierre-Le-Vieux, Les Herbiers
For the broader travel overview: Vendée.
