Le Givre: Menhir, château history and walking routes

In Le Givre, paths lead through forests and meadows as well as the commune’s many villages. Historic landmarks include the Menhir dit des Petites Jaunières and the Château de la Brunière. For excursions, there is also the signposted “Circuit Le Givre” circular walking route and the “Ça roule dans le bocage” cycling route.

Walking through the landscape

The green-marked Circuit Le Givre is 6.7 kilometres long and takes about one hour and 45 minutes. The circular route starts and ends at Place de l’Église. Along the way, it leads to a viewpoint with panoramic views of the villages of Les Chaponnières and Le Givre, as well as the surrounding area. The distance and approximate duration give you two specific points of reference for planning. Check the route information before setting out.

Megalithic history and architecture

The Menhir dit des Petites Jaunières is located in La Brunière near Le Givre and is considered a Neolithic monument. On 3 December 1980, it was listed as a historic monument. Le Givre was also included in the completed “Terres Mégalithes” programme: the commune was one of ten where 17 monuments were enhanced along circular routes totalling 63 km.

The original Château de la Brunière was built in the hamlet of “La Brunière” around the 13th century. A new Renaissance building was later constructed at the rear, on the ruins of the older building. Henri IV spent a night there before becoming king. The château has been listed as a historic monument since 1984, is privately owned and opens on Heritage Days. Check in advance whether a visit is possible on those days.

The Église Saint-Martin du Givre is also part of the local cultural heritage. It is dedicated to Saint Martin of Vertou; his image is depicted in the central choir window.

Cycling route and route options

The “Ça roule dans le bocage” cycling route is 44.7 kilometres long and can also be ridden as loops of 18 and 8 kilometres. Around 15 signs along the route provide information about notable places in the region, including the sunken lanes of Le Givre. Cycling route details may change; check the route information before setting off.

Walking and cycling offer different ways to plan: for the Circuit, both the distance and an approximate duration are given; for the cycling route, you can use the total length or one of the two shorter loops as a guide. This makes it easy to assess your planned activity using the route details provided.

Getting around the commune

In the south of the commune, departmental roads intersect, connecting La Roche-sur-Yon with La Tranche-sur-Mer and Luçon with Les Sables. As a result, all four towns are less than 30 minutes away. Actual journey times may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Hilaire-Le-Vouhis, Foussais-Payré, La Barre-De-Monts, La Châtaigneraie, Saint-Prouant, La Meilleraie-Tillay, Bazoges-en-Paillers, Sainte-Hermine.

For the main travel overview: Vendée.