Your vacations in Vendée: tourism and adventure from Pouzauges
Camping du Lac de Pouzauges is much more than just a place to put down your suitcases: it’s a real starting point for exploring the many facets of the Vendée. With the Puy du Fou just a stone’s throw away, a fascinating medieval heritage, hiking trails as far as the eye can see and beaches accessible by train, your days will be well filled. Get ready for a vacation rich in discovery, emotion and flavour!
Discover Puy du fou
Le Puy du Fou, a must-see park just a stone’s throw from the campsite
The Puy du Fou needs no introduction, and yet it surprises with every visit! Located just 17 km from the Lac de Pouzauges campsite, this exceptional park offers grandiose shows that retrace History with a capital H. From Vikings to Musketeers to Roman gladiators, every show is a moment of magic. In the evening, don’t miss the Cinéscénie, the world’s largest night-time show, where thousands of volunteers bring the history of the Vendée to life. You can book your tickets directly with the campsite reception to simplify your stay, but remember to book your Cinescénie tickets early!
Visit Pouzauges: heritage, medieval castle and views over the bocage
Pouzauges, labeled a Petite Cité de Caractère, is well worth taking the time to discover. Perched high above the town, the medieval castle dating from the XIᵉ century offers an exceptional panorama of the Vendée bocage. Its 26-meter keep, transformed into a residence by Catherine de Thouars, wife of the famous Gilles de Rais, houses superb sculpted fireplaces. Stroll through the town’s winding alleyways, admire the mosaics adorning each lane and immerse yourself in an authentic medieval atmosphere. Guided tours are offered in season by the Tourist Office.
Nature walks and hikes
The Pays de Pouzauges is a hiker’s paradise! With over 60 short hiking trails and two long-distance hiking trails (GR de Pays), the region offers a remarkable network of paths through 1,500 hectares of woods and forests. The circuit des Meuniers, starting from Bois de la Folie, takes you between lake and forest, with magnificent views over Pouzauges. For the more adventurous, the Puys loop (60 km) winds its way through the hills of the Vendée to the department’s highest point: Saint-Michel-Mont-Mercure and its archangel perched at over 290 metres. Sunken paths, hedgerows and riverbanks: each walk is an invitation to discovery.
Vendée villages
The most beautiful villages to discover around the campsite
The area surrounding the campsite is full of picturesque villages well worth a visit. The Château de Saint-Mesmin, a XIVᵉ century fortress, offers captivating medieval entertainment all summer long: enigma games, costumed tours and escape games will delight young and old alike. In Réaumur, the Manoir des Sciences introduces visitors to the world of naturalist René-Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur in a fun and interactive way. Don’t miss Saint-Michel-Mont-Mercure, with its bell tower offering a 360° view of the bocage, or La Flocellière, with its château and magnificent parks. Each village tells a different page of Vendée history.
Family activities and outdoor leisure in Vendée
Family vacations are even better when there’s something for everyone! Close to the campsite, the Pouzauges aquatic center offers pools and slides for refreshing afternoons. The L’Échiquier cinema and its auditorium regularly host screenings and cultural events. The La Guiche Tour auditorium completes the offer with its varied programming. And for fans of digital culture, Micro Folie, an innovative digital museum, offers an original approach to art and history. On the campsite itself, trampolines, a playground and pétanque keep young and old merrily busy.
Excursion to the beaches of Vendée
The sea is never far away when you’re staying in Vendée! Les Sables-d’Olonne and its famous Grande Plage, with its 3 km of fine sand, are about 1h10 away. But the smartest thing to do is to take the Train des Plages: the TER line from Pouzauges station takes you directly to Les Sables-d’Olonne, the station being a 10-minute walk from the beach. Depart in the morning, return in the evening: a day at the seaside without the stress of parking! The bay of Les Sables-d’Olonne is listed as one of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays. Surfing, lounging, fishing or strolling along the embankment : the choice is yours.
Discover Vendée gastronomy and local producers
A stay in Vendée wouldn’t be complete without a gourmet getaway! The Vendée bocage is bursting with passionate local producers. In Pouzauges itself, La Ferme de Chez Nous brings together products from over 80 producers within a 100 km radius: seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats, honey and homemade jams. And don’t miss the local baker, who makes bread and flour all year round from organic wheat grown in the region. As for specialties, try the Vendée brioche, préfou, Vendée ham or mogettes, the famous white beans that go so well with summer grills. Enjoy your meal!
Have a question? Need ideas for a visit? Come and see us at reception, and you’ll leave with plenty of ideas to keep you busy on your vacation. You can also use our interactive terminal to find out about local activities and markets. You won’t be bored! The vacations will be too short to discover everything!
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