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The first glimpse of Les Herbiers and the rolling "bocage" countryside of the Vendée can be seen from the top of the legendary hill of the Mont des Alouettes (232 m).
Formerly a large market town, Les Herbiers has now become the economic, cultural, sporting, and society capital of the upper Vendée bocage. The population has doubled over the past 40 years, with over 15,500 inhabitants; a demographic explosion related to the major economic growth of the town.
The economic "miracle"
Today, Les Herbiers is one of the most dynamic regions in France, with National and International leaders set up in its domain: Jeanneau, the world leader in leisure boat construction, the Liébot and Briand groups, which are the French leaders in the Aluminium window and metal frame sectors, CWF the leading style studio in Europe for top of the range children's fashion, Euralis Gastronmy, National leader on the foie gras market, France réducteur, world leader for reducers for garden machinery, etc. Today, Les Herbiers boasts 130 businesses with over 8 employees, equivalent to a total of 11,500 jobs.
Modern Architecture as a way of life
This dynamism has enabled the Town to develop an art de vivre by creating all of the necessary amenities for the well-being of its inhabitants whilst respecting the environment, and with some astonishing architectural choices. Les Herbiers is resolutely committed to innovative modern architecture: housing, public amenities, businesses, etc. A choice that is not only guided by aesthetics but by environmental demands. This originality has given the town of Les Herbiers a great reputation, with numerous articles in national and international reviews. The commune regularly welcomes architects, town-planners, students, and town councillors to visit these different sites, some of which have been awarded prizes: the Val de la Pellinière district, the Tour des arts, the Grand-Fief district, the headquarters of the Briand group, etc.
Facts and figures
Department: Vendée
Region: Pays de la Loire
Population: 15,500 inhabitants, known as the "Herbretais(es)",
Surface area: 8,878 ha (22,000 acres)
Economy: 11,800 jobs with an unemployment rate of 5.3%
Tourism: 1.4 million tourists on the site of Puy du Fou (7 km away (4.3 miles)), 600,000 visitors in the factory outlet clothing shops
Associations: 270 associations, 4,700 members in sport clubs
Road access: A87: Exit at Les Herbiers (n°29)
Weather: 2,313 hours of sunshine per year, comparable to the south of France
Coordinates: Latitude: 46° 52' 12'' North, Longitude: 1° 0' 36'' West
Altitude: 110 m (360 feet)
Community of Communes: In 1995, the 8 communes of Les Herbiers joined forces to create the Community of Communes of the Pays des Herbiers, in order to share resources and expertise. It comprises around 27,500 inhabitants from the communes of Beaurepaire, Les Epesses, Mesnard-la-Barotière, Mouchamps, Saint-Mars-La-Réorthe, Saint-Paul-en-Pareds, Vendrennes, and Les Herbiers. Web site of the Communauté de Communes
Ville des Herbiers
6 rue Tourniquet - BP 209
85 502 Les Herbiers
Tel: +33(0)2 51 91 07 67
Fax: +33(0)2 51 64 99 45
E-mail: mairie@lesherbiers.fr
Opening hours of the Town Hall:
From Monday to Friday, from 9 am to midday, and from 2 pm to 6 pm
Saturday from 9 am to midday at the registry office and cemetery.
