Ideas for outings

Every year in July and August - 15 min walk from Rabelais

Rediscover the Vendée river and relax along the Rives d'Été! From Place du Marronnier to Quai Poëy d'Avant, take advantage of the "offbeat" furnishings for moments of relaxation and celebration.

Large-format deckchairs, nets suspended over the river, tropical ambience, guinguettes... Everything is in place to ensure you have the best summer ever!

Every year, between July and August.

The Street Arts Festival returns to set the pace for your summer. Not only Fontenay-le-Comte, but also the towns of Bourneau, Doix lès Fontaines and L'Orbrie will be hosting clown shows, unusual tours, concerts and more.

No fewer than 11 dates hosted by 14 companies are on offer for a joyful, all-ages program.

©Photo credit: Mehdi-media

Every Wednesday and Saturday morning - 15 minutes' walk from Le Rabelais

Stroll through the streets of Fontenay-le-Comte, browsing food stalls and local producers. Follow the scents and let yourself be transported by the vacation atmosphere of this market. Take the opportunity to extend your stroll with a little detour to the shops in the town center and the emblematic sites of the historic town.

Visit the Halles market every Wednesday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.: food, clothing, accessories, crafts and more.

On Saturday mornings, the market also extends to Place Chevolleau and Place Thiverçay.

©Credit photo : D.Herbreteau for Office de Tourisme Fontenay Vendée

Every year in September.

Whether you're a runner or a supporter, come and enjoy this urban trail. Choose your distance and format: 7.5 km, 15 km, 2 x 8 km relay or 25 km for the most daring.

Cheer on the athletes along historic streets and through public gardens and parks. And don't miss the traditional Vendée crossing!

To continue the festivities, take advantage of the evening food stalls, refreshment stands and wine bar.

Every year in October - 5 min walk from Rabelais.

Join us in Fontenay-le-Comte for 3 days of contemporary music. For fans of rock, hip-hop, electro, rap and dub, 19 concerts take place on the stages of the Espace Culturel René Cassin (4 with free admission on Saturday and Sunday afternoons).

©Credit photo: studio-max.fr

Less than 30 minutes by car from Le Rabelais

The Marais Poitevin invites you to a magical, timeless discovery. Come aboard and explore its shady canals. La Venise verte boasts more than twenty landing stages where you can rent a boat, with or without a guide. Set off on an original voyage of discovery amidst picturesque green landscapes.

©Credit photo : A. Lamoureux - Vendée Expansion

Fontenay-le-Comte: a cultural interlude

Fontenay-le-Comte is a town of art and history, and one of France's most beautiful detours. François 1st dubbed it the "gushing fountain of fine spirits". The town boasts a large number of Renaissance residences and townhouses: the Maison Billaud, the Hôtel de la Sénéchaussée, the Hôtel Grimouard and the Maison Beaux-Esprits...

The Fontaine des Quatre-Tias has become the town's emblem. It's up to you to wander around old Fontenay in search of it. An illustrated tour of Fontenay's rich heritage. Discover all the guided tours, bike rides and activities available in Fontenay, Vendée.

15 min drive from Rabelais

A hiker's paradise, the Mervent-Vouvant forest offers well-maintained, signposted walking and mountain bike trails. Its undulating terrain offers walkers magnificent views.

Timeless walks await you along the Mervent trails. Immerse yourself in the heart of this green lung, and listen to the sound of the leaves on the trees and the animals... Stroll, zoo, water sports on the lake... Between nature and legend, the Mervent forest is full of surprises.

Less than 20 minutes by car from Le Rabelais

Just a stone's throw from the Mervent-Vouvant forest, discover a medieval village nestled in a meandering river. Stroll through the narrow streets of Vouvant and walk along the ramparts to the foot of the Tour Mélusine.

The story goes that Vouvant, a medieval town surrounded by ramparts, was created by the fairy Mélusine from a gulp of water and as many stones as her apron could hold...

The Romanesque church of Sainte-Marie, with its chiseled portal, the flower-filled lanes leading down to the river Mère, the charming squares and the Mélusine tower, a vestige of the feudal Lusignan castle, were all the result of her magical talents and the genius of mankind.

About 15 minutes by car from Le Rabelais

Head south of Fontenay-le-Comte to discover two exceptional architectural treasures. The abbeys of the Marais Poitevin are jewels of the past, whose remains invite visitors to immerse themselves in the Middle Ages.

The abbeys of Maillezais and Nieul sur l'Autise are also ideal backdrops for seasonal shows. Just 9 km apart, you can combine the discovery of these two nuggets of southern Vendée heritage in a single day.

A 10-minute drive from Rabelais

The Mervent zoo, north of Fontenay-le-Comte, is home to almost 300 animals of 60 different species. Enjoy a family day out in a peaceful setting.

Natur'Zoo is more than just a fun day out:

• guiding the public to a better understanding of the animals' living conditions;
• biological conservation of species;
• research and inventory of local biodiversity.

©Photo credit - 16/9

Less than 10 minutes by car from Le Rabelais

Emblematic of Fontenay-le-Comte, the Château de Terre-Neuve is one of the masterpieces of the former capital of Bas-Poitou, also known as the Renaissance city. Although still inhabited, the 16th-century building is open to the public. Visitors can immerse themselves in the décor of yesteryear and discover the history of the Renaissance château.

Less than 15 minutes by car from Le Rabelais
Nestled in the heart of the forest, the Mervent leisure park offers a wide range of activities. Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, electric boats, mountain biking, archery, climbing: you're bound to find something to suit your taste. Go for a stroll on the Lac de Mervent or for a sporting challenge in the shade of the largest forest in the Vendée. Mervent invites you to disconnect for a moment of fun in the heart of nature.

©Photo credit - 16/9

About 1 hour's drive from Rabelais

Futuroscope is a family theme park based on technology, science and fun, just outside Poitier. Attractions combine sensory approaches and image projections.

Discover over 40 different attractions. From travel to thrills and games, there's something for everyone. During your visit, you can enjoy an exceptional night-time show available every evening the park is open.

Less than 1 hour's drive from Le Rabelais

Make the most of your stay in the South Vendée to visit the "World's Best Theme Park" and explore history through 18 timeless shows and 4 villages set in the heart of a century-old valley.

Immerse yourself in the world of Le Puy du Four and make your stay with family, friends or loved ones a unique experience!

Every year in October and November.

The Festival Les Mélusicales is a musical event in the heart of the Vendée. The Festival brings together renowned artists and emerging talents. From classical to jazz and world music, the diverse program offers an experience rich in discovery.

Every year in December.

What could be better in December than finding original gifts or warming up with a glass of mulled wine at a Christmas market? Family events, shows, storytelling, concerts, Santa Claus motorcycle rides... A host of markets await you around the Rabelais to immerse you in the magic of the festive season!

©Photo credit - Mehdi Média

Every year in June - Less than 10 min drive from Rabelais

For the past 20 years, the not-to-be-missed Terre-Neuve theater festival has taken place in the heart of Fontenay-le-Comte, at the Château de Terre-Neuve. Performances take place in the courtyard of the 16th-century château, providing a magnificent backdrop for the shows.

©Photo credit - Tourisme Fontenay Vendée

Less than 1 hour from Le Rabelais.

You know the pleasures of a swim in the sea and a lazy session on the beach. But have you ever taken the time to contemplate a sunset over the sea? Choose a spot with an unobstructed view, perhaps a bench? Make yourself comfortable and take the time to observe this incredible moment. The changing colors, the sounds, the shift to a totally different atmosphere. It's a moment you'll never forget.

Less than 30 minutes by car from Le Rabelais.

Recognized as a "Remarkable Garden" and listed as a Monument Historique, discover this magnificent garden in the heart of the Vendée.

In 1985, the estate's owner, Mr. William Christie, set about creating a garden as remarkable as it is eclectic, inspired by the art of French and Italian gardens of the 17th and 18th centuries.

In summer, the gardens host the "Festival in the Gardens of Williams Christie". An event combining the pleasure of music and the beauty of gardens.

©Photo credit - Les Arts Florissants

15 min drive from Rabelais.

Immerse yourself in the history of this unique and exceptional heritage site built in 1732, located in the heart of the Autize Valley.

Let us tell you, young and old, the story of the milling industry through a scenographic tour "In the footsteps of the Mill". In the course of a 10-stage audio tour, two buildings and their surroundings come to life, forming the Maison de la Meunerie.

Virtually or during demonstrations, meet the baker, the miller and his assistant...

©Photo credit - Vendée Tourisme