Martinet

Martinet between the bocage and the Jaunay

Martinet is shaped by a distinctive bocage landscape: numerous wooded areas and old, largely unchanged paths define the surroundings. This gives the choice of destination for a trip a clear connection to nature. At the same time, the Église Saint-Pierre, the old washhouse and the Feu de la Saint-Jean offer specific cultural and historical points of interest. If you are looking for a hotel in Martinet, you can first consider whether nature trails, cycling, fishing or local history should shape your stay.

The Jaunay, recreation and fishing

One specific way to experience the natural surroundings and river is at the Zone de Loisirs des Ouches du Jaunay. The site covers seven hectares along the Jaunay River and has a discovery trail. The Jaunay forms the boundary between Martinet and the neighbouring commune of La Chapelle-Hermier; its banks are used for recreation and fishing. This is distinct from the Les Ouches pond in Martinet, which is reserved exclusively for fishing. The difference in how the two places are used can help you choose between them: along the Jaunay, riverbanks, recreation and fishing come together; at the pond, fishing is the sole focus.

Walking and cycling trails

The Sentier des Chênes-lièges is eleven kilometres long and begins and ends at the Zone de Loisirs des Ouches du Jaunay. Along the way are the Château de la Malvergne and the Pierre du Chevalier à Garreau. The Sentier du Coudray has a different focus: it is mostly shaded, there is a place to stop for a picnic near the Chapelle de Garreau, and you can spot signs of small game along the trail. The difference is clear when choosing a route: the Chênes-lièges trail stands out for its length and two places along the way, while the Coudray offers shade, a picnic stop and signs of small game.

Martinet also has numerous mountain bike trails, cycle paths and routes for bike rides. If you would like to make cycling a bigger part of your stay, you can consider these options as a focus in their own right, alongside the nature trails.

Local history and an event

The history of the Église Saint-Pierre is marked by destruction and reconstruction. The church was partially destroyed during the Revolution; it was rebuilt in the second half of the 19th century in the Neo-Romanesque style. Neo-Romanesque architecture draws on Romanesque forms; the name of the style also places the rebuilding in an architectural context. Another local history point of interest is Martinet’s old washhouse: a youth project restored it in the summer of 2003. It is set in a location shaped by the bocage landscape. The timeline therefore stretches from the 19th-century rebuilding to the restoration in the summer of 2003.

The Feu de la Saint-Jean in Martinet is a recurring event. Since 2009, it has been held with a communal meal and a concert, attracting more than 1,000 people. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates before making your plans.

Discover more destinations: Angles, Chaix, Île d'Yeu, Maillezais, Chantonnay, La Chaize-Le-Vicomte, Bouin, L'aiguillon-Sur-Vie

For the broader travel overview: Vendée.