Chavagnes-les-Redoux: Lake, Trails and Local History

Chavagnes-les-Redoux can be explored through its landscape, Lac de Rochereau and historic landmarks. A vast plateau, views of Pouzauges and the hills, water sports and named hiking trails appeal to different interests. The town’s history also offers specific points of interest: the Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption is associated with several dates, alongside a washhouse and the history of a family cemetery. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Chavagnes-les-Redoux, you can first consider whether landscape and outdoor activities or historic sites should be the focus of your trip.

Landscape and Lac de Rochereau

The landscape is defined by a vast plateau surrounded by slopes. From there, views open out over the surrounding countryside, Pouzauges and the hills. The plateau and the surrounding slopes offer different perspectives on the landscape.

Lac de Rochereau covers 127 hectares. Fishing and water sports such as windsurfing take place on the lake, and a circular walking trail has also been laid out there. This means the same body of water offers both activities on the water and a walking route. The lake brings together several ways to spend time outdoors: water sports, fishing or a walk.

Hiking trails and directions

Two named trails are of interest to hikers, and their descriptions offer different points of reference for planning. The Sentier La Muletrie is a hiking trail recognised by the FFRandonnée. The Les Jarries hiking trail can be reached from Pouzauges via the D43 after 10 km. The two details answer different questions: for La Muletrie, the focus is on the trail’s recognition; for Les Jarries, it is on how to find it from Pouzauges.

Church and local history

The Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Chavagnes-les-Redoux is first mentioned as a place of worship in 1096. An inscription on a stone in the south wall gives the year 1636. The portal appears to date from the 13th century; the church is also thought to have been built around that time. The dates refer to different aspects: its mention as a place of worship, an inscription, and the uncertain dating of the portal and church building.

The washhouse on Rue du Lavoir is also part of the commune’s architectural heritage. It is among the unprotected architectural heritage of Chavagnes-les-Redoux. Alongside the church, it is another point of reference for local history and broadens the picture of the commune’s varied buildings.

The former family cemetery of Pierre PREAU was sold to the commune in 1873 and 1874. The family cemetery ceased to be used in 1913; since then, Protestants and Catholics have been buried in the communal cemetery. Together, these details offer a glimpse into the history of the commune’s cemeteries: the former family cemetery was sold in 1873 and 1874, while the end of its use and the burial of both denominations in the communal cemetery from 1913 mark a later chapter.

Discover more destinations: La Pommeraie-Sur-Sèvre, La Chaize-Giraud, Saint-Hilaire-La-Forêt, Antigny, Grosbreuil, Le Perrier, Draps, Coëx.

For the broader travel overview: Vendée.