Bournezeau: Walking Trails, Water and Heritage

When looking for a hotel in Bournezeau, the interests guiding your trip can be a useful starting point. Options range from circular trails by lakes and artistic sound installations to buildings with varied historical connections. To make a practical comparison, consider whether you would prefer to focus on a particular trail length, activities in a natural setting, or individual landmarks from the town’s history. The following places and trails offer some tangible points of reference.

Water Trails and Forest Route

The Sentier de la Vouraie is open to walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders, and allows you to walk around the lake. You can choose between 12.7 and 15.8 kilometres; the two circuits differ by 3.1 kilometres. This makes it possible to weigh up the planned distance based on the route length.

The Sentier d’Amanéa offers a different focus: this 2.5-kilometre forest trail runs around a lake and features 22 artistic installations with sound experiences created from stone and wood. In direct comparison, this route is shorter than both Vouraie circuits; it also has an artistic dimension. Check the local signs before setting off.

The reservoir at the Barrage de la Vouraie, built in 1998, lies within the boundaries of the communes of Bournezeau and Saint-Hilaire-le-Vouhis.

Abbey and Historic Buildings

The Abbaye de Trizay was founded as a Cistercian abbey in the 12th century and has been listed as a historic monument since 1989. Several parts are protected: the former abbey church, the remains of the east wing of the convent building, the southern building dating from the 18th century, and the ground of the former cloister. The dates answer different questions: when the abbey was founded, when it was listed as a monument, and what period a protected building dates from.

The natural surroundings of the Abbaye de Trizay offer plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling. This allows you to complement exploring the building’s history with outdoor activities; these are different focal points for your stay.

The Logis de Beauregard dates from the 17th century. Compared with the abbey’s southern building, which dates from the 18th century, it therefore belongs to an earlier period.

Trails to the Château and Memorials

The Sentier des Châteaux starts at Place de la Mairie in Bournezeau and leads to the Château de la Corbedomère. This provides a specific starting point as well as a destination for your route. The trail also includes a stele in honour of the aviator Joseph Goëtz. The château and the stele offer different historical perspectives: a building and a memorial to a person.

The church in Bournezeau has a 57-metre-high spire. The Vieux château de Bournezeau is linked to the Boucle des Vieux Chênes.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Prouant, Saint-Révérend, Le Langon, Saint-Mesmin, La Jonchère, Le Mazeau, Le Fenouiller, Cugand.

For the wider travel overview: Vendée.