Discover Les Landes-Genusson

Les Landes-Genusson brings nature watching and local history together in ways that are easy to explore. The Cité des Oiseaux, a protected area with ponds, observation points, and walking trails, is at the heart of its natural attractions. Churches, a chapel, and the Grand Calvaire add architectural periods, historic features, and preserved details to the picture.

Watch nature at the Cité des Oiseaux

The Cité des Oiseaux is a 56-hectare protected natural area consisting mainly of two ponds. One covers 23 hectares and the other 7 hectares. The site lies along one of the major north–south bird migration routes. At the observatory, a viewpoint, and along walking trails, you can watch and listen to waterbirds and migrating songbirds.

The area open to the public around the Maison de l’étang and on the Grand Étang dam is freely accessible. Access may be temporarily adjusted for safety reasons or site management, so check current access conditions before your visit.

Routes and other activities

The Circuit des Oiseaux is an easy 10-kilometre route that takes three hours. It is intended for walkers and mountain bikers and starts at the Godelinière car park. While the Cité’s walking trails let you focus on watching and listening to birds, the Circuit offers a tour with a clearly specified distance and duration.

The family game “La quête du Phenix” is for families with children aged four and up. The game’s availability and conditions may change. Another cultural attraction is the photo exhibition “Origami Sauvage” by Jonathan Rebouillat. It is free to visit outdoors and in a designated indoor space. The exhibition programme may also change.

Architectural history and historic details

The present-day parish church of Les Landes-Genusson was built in 1858 using stone from its predecessor buildings. The Chapelle Saint-René has its own history: it was built in 1680, restored in 1801, then demolished and rebuilt on a larger scale in 1904. This sequence gives the chapel a different historical context from the church.

Inside the Chapelle Saint-René are the Vierge de l’Assomption, which comes from the former parish church, and the granite tombstone of René Desraoul (1630–1695). Confirm on site before your visit whether the interior is accessible.

The Grand Calvaire was built in 1891 on the site of an earlier monument destroyed in 1840 and was completely renovated in 1959 for a mission. Four statues flank the cross: Notre-Dame des sept douleurs, Saint Jean, le Père de Montfort, and Saint François-Xavier. At the Château de la Godelinière, a preserved section of the moat can be seen outside.

There are different options to suit different interests: the Cité des Oiseaux offers opportunities for birdwatching, the Circuit des Oiseaux is described as a three-hour tour, and the historic buildings tell the story of specific periods of renovation and preserved details.

Discover more destinations: Challans, Apremont, Saint-Michel-Mont-Mercure, La Gaubrière, La Tranche-Sur-Mer, La Pommeraie-Sur-Sèvre, La Chaize-Le-Vicomte, Froidfond.

For the regional travel overview: Vendée.