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Fruits of the Forest Walk

FRUITS OF THE FOREST WALK - DAY BY DAY

Le Moulin du Chemin, AAAA, Scillé

We’d never believed that it was possible to go back in time until, that is, we stumbled across Le Moulin du Chemin! Tucked away in a pretty little valley below the beautiful Vendéen Hills, and amidst the rolling plains of orchards and sunflowers once crossed by pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela, is the restored home of Peter Roche and Carolynn Grimaldi. All five guest rooms have been tastefully furnished, and offer ensuite bathroom with toilet, a hairdryer as well as tea and coffee making facilities. There is a small outdoor swimming pool (heated), with loungers and parasols, artists materials, boules and table tennis.

Day 1  Arrive at Le Moulin du Chemin

Optional circular walk following the “Apple and Woodlouse Trail” (6km/4mi) before welcome apéritifs and dinner .

Day 2  Five Villages Walk or Busseau  16km/10mi/4.5hr

The route today takes you south of Le Moulin, following a shady woodland path, skirting the very lowest foothills of the Pays de Gâtine. You traverse fruit-filled orchards, cross an ancient little bridge, and pass the red-roofed fortified farm at La Verdonnière (est 1619). You’re likely to see swallowtail butterflies, hen harriers and buzzards circling overhead. Onto the village of La Fazilière where an interesting waymarked path takes in the restored lavoir and steeping ponds of the ancient vanniers (basket makers), founders of the original village.

Day 3  Coulonges-sur-l’Autize  10km/6mi/3hr or 15km/9mi/4.5hr

A short drive (20mins) to Coulonges-sur-l’Autize. Take time to visit the bustling country market, impressive Renaissance château and pretty Romanesque church. It’s then easy walking through open meadows, passing  vineyards and fields of bright yellow sunflowers. There are lots of lovely spots to stop for a picnic then, after lunch, meander through open countryside back to  Coulonges. If a cool beer beckons, head for the colorful Tipsy bar just behind the market square!

Day 4  Le Beugnon Lakes Picnic  12km/7.5mi/3.5hr or 16km/9.5mi/4hr

Starting from le Moulin, follow the leafy valley past timeless pastures where fields of immaculately groomed Parthenaise cattle peacefully graze, through open woods of sweet chestnut, oak and beech, past orchards and alongside gently rippling streams. A gradual descent on a wooded lane leads you to the clear lakes where a pre-arranged picnic will have been set up for you. Time for swimming and sun bathing by the pool before dinner .

Day 5  Marais Poitevin  8km/5mi/2.5hr or 12km/8mi/3.5hr

Today you explore the Marais Poitevin, a marshland area, originally drained by medieval monks, and known locally as “Green Venice”. Recently declared a National Park, it’s a lazy landscape of rolling hills and meadows, criss-crossed by an elaborate network of C12 canals.  See the impressive ruins of the fortified Benedictine Abbaye de Maillezais, perched on a grassy hill, once an island, from where you can view punts gliding effortlessly past the far end of the gardens.

Day 6  Mervent Forest and Vouvant  12km/7.5mi/4hr or 23km/14mi/7hr

The main part of your walk today is along a lovely shady path following the contours of the majestic 12,000 acre Mervent Forest. Lunch by the lake or take the ochre-colored path up above the River Mère –fabulous views over the surrounding Vendéen countryside. The more energetic can continue to Vouvant, one of the prettiest villages in France and an excellent picnic spot.  Visit the donjon (conjured by the fairy Melusine in 1242), the attractive Romanesque church (the rich sculpture round its main doorway depicting mythological animals, the Last Supper and Samson overcoming a lion and with Delilah), and the famous Roman Bridge.

Day 7  Leave Le Moulin du Chemin

WALKING DETAILS

The walking is easy, mostly on the flat, with few ups and downs, and all walks can be tailored to suit you.