Discover Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon

Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon combines Lac du Graon and outdoor activities with a rich local history. There are several options to consider for your stay: cycling, hiking, canoeing, fishing, farm tours, and historic sites. If you are looking for a hotel in Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon, your travel plans can help determine whether the lake, the trails, or the history takes centre stage for you.

At Lac du Graon and on the trails

Lac du Graon is a natural site in Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon. The construction of the dam on the lake, near the town centre, significantly changed the landscape of the municipality in 1972. The lake is therefore both a natural area and a prominent landmark in the history of the landscape.

The Circuit Autour du Lac du Graon is a hiking trail that loops around the lake and lies within the municipality. It starts and ends at Place de l’Église. Fishing is possible along the circuit with a fishing licence.

The Base Nautique du Graon offers canoe trips on Lac du Graon. Seasonal offerings may change. Check before your visit whether canoe trips are available on your chosen date.

Getting around by bike

There are two distinct points of reference for planning a cycling trip. Vendée-Vélo route 20 starts at Église Saint-Vincent and runs alongside part of Lac du Graon. The Vendée-Vélo route from Talmont-Saint-Hilaire to Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon follows roads and paths typical of the retro-littoral Vendée. Route 20 is specifically defined by its starting point and the section alongside the lake; for the route from Talmont, the focus is instead on the character of its roads and paths.

Local history and historic sites

The centre of Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon lies on an ancient Gallic oppidum. The town’s history therefore encompasses both this early settlement and more recent, dated changes to churches and monuments.

The church of Saint-Vincent was destroyed during the French Revolution. In 1802, its ruins were returned to use for worship. In 1873, a statue of Saint Vincent was added to the church façade. These events form a chronological sequence of destruction, the renewed use of the ruins, and a later addition to the façade.

The Menhir de la Chenillée is protected as a historic monument; it was listed by decree on 4 February 1988. The Fuie de Saint-Sornin was listed as a historic monument on 16 June 2021.

The church of Saint-Sornin also offers a distinct historical connection: the original church is documented at this site from the 11th century, and the church was completely rebuilt in 1864. Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon thus brings different periods together—from the ancient oppidum and the medieval site to later building and monument histories.

Farm visits and gourmet walks

La Plume Au Vent welcomes visitors in Saint-Vincent-sur-Graon for farm tours and gourmet walks. This is a separate reason to visit, alongside the activities by the lake and the historic sites, and can be taken into account when planning your stay.

Discover more destinations: Commequiers, Saint-Prouant, Saint-Étienne-Du-Bois, Sainte-Gemme-La-Plaine, Grues, Saint-Mesmin, Sainte-Foy, Bourneau

For the broader travel overview: Vendée.