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At only 7 km (4.3 miles) from the Puy du Fou, Les Herbiers is an attractive tourist centre. With its sound and light show, "Cinéscénie®", and its Great Park, the Puy du Fou attracts over 1.4 million visitors each season. An opportunity for the latter to make a detour to Les Herbiers to discover its heritage:
- The Abbaye de la Grainetière: Benedictine abbey dating from the XIIth century, founded in 1130 by the monks of Saintonge. Abbé Prévost wrote several pages of his novel, Manon Lescaut, here.
- The Mont des Alouettes: Legendary hill overlooking the town of Les Herbiers and the Vendée countryside from an altitude of 232 m (761 feet). In the past up to 8 windmills were active on its summit. Today, you will find a neo-gothic chapel celebrating the Vendée wars, and three remaining windmills, one of which is still working and grinds grain to make flour. The latter is open to the public from May to September.
- The Château d'Ardelay: Fortification dating from the early XVth century, built on a primitive motte, which has now become an exhibition centre.
You can also visit these remarkable sites: The Chateau des Herbiers, surrounded by public gardens, the Chateau du Boistissandeau, the Chateau du Landreau, the ancient public baths, etc.
The railway in the Vendée
Discover the upper Vendée bocage on board a steam train between Mortagne-sur-Sèvre and les Herbiers.
Tel. +33(0)2 51 63 08 01
e-mail: chemindefer.vendee@wanadoo.fr
Website: www.vendee-vapeur.fr
You can also visit the cultural and tourist sites of the Pays des Herbiers. Find all of the information at the Tourist Office of the Pays des Herbiers
More information about tourism in the Vendée.
Trekking
On horseback, foot, or bike, trekking is the best way of discovering and appreciating the beauty of our region. Numerous itineraries are available from the Tourist Office of the Pays des Herbiers, which also offers guided tours during the summer season.
Office de Tourisme du Pays des Herbiers
2 Grande Rue Saint Blaise - Tel. +33(0)2 51 92 92 92
e-mail: contact@ot-lesherbiers.fr
Leisure centre
Near Les Herbiers, in the commune of Mesnard-la-Barotière, you can relax as a family around the lake of la Tricherie: "Accrobranche" (tree climbing with ropes and pulleys), Paintball, etc.
Office de Tourisme du Pays des Herbiers
2 Grande Rue Saint Blaise - Tel. +33(0)2 51 92 92 92
e-mail: contact@ot-lesherbiers.fr
