Discover Foussais-Payré

Foussais-Payré lies on the edge of the Mervent Forest and on the banks of the Vendée River. Since 2000, it has held the status of Petite Cité de Caractère. For travellers wishing to include Romanesque architecture, local history and a hike in their travel plans, the town brings together several distinct themes. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can first consider whether historic buildings, outdoor activities or cultural attractions will shape your itinerary.

Heritage and architectural history

The present-day priory house of the Prieuré de Foussais was rebuilt in the 15th century. The priory has been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 1984. Another landmark is the Église Saint-Hilaire: its portal dates in part from the 12th century and is considered a masterpiece of Romanesque art. The blind arches beside the central portal depict the Deposition from the Cross, the Meal at Bethany and the risen Jesus. The church has been classified as a historic monument since 1862.

The Maison François Laurens is also among the town’s historic buildings. It was built in 1557 by the Protestant merchant François Laurens and has been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 1989. The market halls of Foussais were built in 1599 under an edict of Henry IV. The Arbre de la Liberté is also part of the townscape: the plane tree has a circumference of more than five metres and has been awarded the Arbre Remarquable de France distinction.

The dates range from the church portal, which partly dates from the 12th century, through the rebuilding of the priory house in the 15th century, to the market halls of 1599. In Foussais-Payré, different architectural periods stand side by side.

Scenery and activities

A practical option for your plans is the Sentier des Belles Vues: the trail is 12 kilometres long, marked in yellow and starts at the town hall car park. The walk takes about three hours. After crossing a stream at Ribelouc, the trail reaches a viewing table. The distance and approximate walking time help you estimate how long the hike will take. Check the trail information locally before setting out; conditions on the ground may vary.

If you would like to include a hike with a stated distance and approximate walking time in your plans, the Sentier des Belles Vues is a specific option. The sculpture trail offers a different focus and is open year-round.

Crafts and events

Les Ateliers du Goût offers handmade chocolate and confectionery in Foussais-Payré, as well as demonstrations and educational activities. Alongside the historic buildings and the hike, this adds an offering centred on production and learning to your travel options.

At the Symposium de Foussais-Payré, artists design and create their works live before an audience. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the event dates, as the programme may vary in the future.

Discover more destinations: Sainte-Gemme-La-Plaine, Saint-Hilaire-Des-Loges, Montaigu, Maillezais, La Jaudonnière, Saint-Denis-du-Payré, La Guérinière, Les Herbiers

For the broader travel guide: Vendée.