Discover Saint-Julien-Des-Landes

Saint-Julien-Des-Landes offers several clearly distinct themes to consider when planning a stay: Lac du Jaunay, with its hiking trails and water activities; horseback riding at Centre équestre La Garangeoire; and the history of Château de La Bassetière. Trail lengths and walking times help you get a sense of the routes, while the lake and the riding centre grounds offer other ways to spend your leisure time. You can therefore choose to focus your stay on nature, outdoor activities, or heritage.

Hiking Trails and Nature at Lac du Jaunay

Lac du Jaunay is a protected and preserved natural area covering 114 hectares. Six hiking trails offer different ways to explore the lake: one route goes all the way around it, while walks follow the shore, pass through the bocage countryside, and take paths above the lake. So when planning your visit, it is not just the lake itself to consider, but also the choice between lakeside paths, bocage, and higher sections. If you want to combine nature and hiking, these varied landscapes offer a practical basis for choosing a route.

The walking time for the Sentier de la Guyonnière is specified: the trail is 2.9 kilometres long and takes 45 minutes according to the stated estimate. It starts in Saint-Julien-Des-Landes, is designated as a PR hiking and walking trail, and can be used on foot or on horseback. The Sentier des Villages is considerably longer, at 9.2 kilometres. It includes an observation bridge with educational panels about local wildlife and plant life. This makes it possible to compare the two trails by length; the Sentier de la Guyonnière also has a stated walking time, while the Sentier des Villages features a bridge with information about nature. Before setting out, it is advisable to check current trail conditions.

Water Activities and Horseback Riding

Leisure activities on the shores of Lac du Jaunay include canoeing, pedal boating, and sailing. As activities may vary by season, it is best to check in advance which options are available during your travel dates.

Centre équestre La Garangeoire offers animal-assisted activities, pony tasters, riding lessons, and horseback rides. Its preserved grounds cover 200 hectares. The rides pass through woods, forest, and private trails around the estate’s ponds, providing a sense of the landscape along the way. The activities offer different experiences, from pony tasters to horseback rides. If your plans depend on a particular activity, check the times and prices in advance, as these may change.

The History of Château de La Bassetière

Château de La Bassetière was partially damaged by a fire during the Revolution and was subsequently rebuilt. One wing dating from the 16th century survived. The combination of damage, reconstruction, and older building fabric gives local history a tangible architectural connection. If you are interested in historic architecture as well as hiking and leisure activities, this offers another focus alongside the nature and riding options.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Les Landes-Genusson, La Ferriere, Saint-Mesmin, Maillezais, Le Fenouiller, Les Epesses, Le Boupère, Chaix.

For the main travel overview: Vendée.