Saint-Paul-Du-Bois: Culture, Hiking and Theatre

Saint-Paul-Du-Bois can be explored through three distinct highlights: the history of the Chapelle de Haute Foy, hiking trails with stated distances, and a look at the work of an amateur theatre company. A wooden viewpoint, geocaching and a leisure area by the water round out the selection. You can plan your visit around your interests or the time you have available: the trails list approximate walking times, while the pilgrimage takes place on a set date and theatre visits have their own arrangements. This gives you a clear picture of the themes that can shape a stay in Saint-Paul-Du-Bois.

Chapelle de Haute Foy: History and pilgrimage

The Chapelle de Haute Foy was built around the 13th century. Two stained-glass windows dating from 1957 are dedicated to the Vendée Wars. The chapel’s construction in the 13th century and the windows from 1957 mark two clearly distinct historical periods. On 15 August, the chapel continues to welcome more than 2,000 pilgrims for the annual pilgrimage. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the current programme in advance. The pilgrimage gives the date special significance in the annual calendar, while the chapel’s origins and the stained-glass windows provide the historical points of interest.

Hiking options for different time budgets

The green-marked Sentier de la chapelle is 17 kilometres long and takes about four hours and 30 minutes to walk. The Sentier des Bois de la Gaubertière is a blue-marked circular trail covering ten kilometres, with an approximate walking time of two hours and 20 minutes. The two routes differ by seven kilometres and just over two hours of walking; the circular trail is the shorter option. If you are fitting the walks into a day of travel, you can take the difference in duration into account alongside your other plans. Check the current trail conditions for both routes before setting off.

More outdoor activities

At the Chapelle de Haute Foy, a wooden viewpoint offers views across the surrounding area. This complements the historic features with a chance to take in the landscape. The Aire de Pique-nique et Plan d'eau de la Fontaine de Boisdon has beach volleyball courts. This adds a specific leisure option to the cultural attractions and hiking. Geocaching adds a playful activity to the range of things to do in Saint-Paul-Du-Bois. Unlike the marked hiking trails, it centres on searching for individual caches. The availability of individual caches may change; check the current status in advance if you are interested.

A look behind the scenes of amateur theatre

At Costumes et Théâtre Saint-Paul-du-Bois, visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look and discover how a renowned amateur theatre company works. This backstage insight offers a different cultural perspective from the history of the Chapelle de Haute Foy. If you plan to visit, check the visiting and booking arrangements before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Les Ponts-De-Cé, Saint-Georges-des-Sept-Voies, La Salle-De-Vihiers, Morannes, La Chapelle-Sur-Oudon, La Fosse-De-Tigné, Tillières, Vezins.

Return to the regional travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.