Sainte-Flaive-Des-Loups: Heritage and Bocage Landscape

Sainte-Flaive-des-Loups has preserved its rural character in a bocage landscape. The town is also known for its neo-Gothic church, the historic Logis du Gué, Parc de la Chênaie and the Vendée Vélo cycling route. These different highlights give you a clear basis for choosing the town for a stay.

Heritage between the church and Logis du Gué

The church of Sainte-Flaive-des-Loups is neo-Gothic and was built in 1895 by architect Libaudière. A pipe organ was added in 1990. The Logis des Bâtiments du Gué dates from the late 15th century; the seigneurie has been mentioned since the 13th century. Together, these buildings represent different historical periods, which you can distinguish as you explore the local heritage.

The protected Bâtiments du Gué complex includes the moats, gardens and the stretch of stream bordering the garden. The complex was listed by decree on 28 August 1995. The Logis is privately owned, and access may be restricted. The private Logis du Gué opens during the European Heritage Days; check the current event programme for specific access information. When planning, this helps you distinguish a visit to the historic site from a freely accessible walk.

Leisure at Parc de la Chênaie

Parc de la Chênaie brings together several leisure facilities: a children’s playground with a zip line, swing and climbing frame, a multisport court and a fitness area. You’ll find several ways to be active and spend time outdoors in one place. Fishing is also possible in the park’s pond if you have a fishing permit, which is available from the tourist office. As conditions may change, check the current rules locally before fishing.

The park is also a venue for local events such as the Jaunay'Stivales festival, flea markets and fireworks. Check the current municipal or tourist calendar for event dates. If you’d like to tie your trip to a particular event, check the dates there rather than assuming a specific programme will be on during your stay.

Cycling and horse-riding routes

The Circuit No. 61 horse-riding route is 31 kilometres long and is intended for riders and horse-drawn vehicles. Eighty-seven percent of the route follows paths; it is rated easy, with no climbs. It starts and ends at Moulin du Beignon. There is a horse-riding station at La Joussenière, with tables and hitching rails. The distance, proportion of the route on paths and start and end points give riders practical information for planning the route.

For a cycling trip, the Vendée Vélo cycling route passes through Sainte-Flaive-des-Loups and the intercommunal forest. As well as the designated horse-riding route, there are cycling opportunities in the surrounding area to consider during your stay. The rural character of the bocage landscape provides a setting for these routes, though the two options are for different ways of getting around.

Local shopping and getting here

La Ferme du Petit Grain offers direct sales by prior reservation; ordered goods are collected on site. Its products include poultry such as chickens and guinea fowl, as well as rolled oats and muesli from organic farming. If you’re looking for specific products, plan for reservation and collection, and check the range in advance, as it may change.

Sainte-Flaive-des-Loups is near the highway between La Roche-sur-Yon and Les Sables d’Olonne in the Vendée. Check road conditions and signs before setting off. When choosing a hotel, you can decide what kind of place Sainte-Flaive-des-Loups is for you by considering whether you want to focus on its heritage, leisure facilities at Parc de la Chênaie, or the designated cycling and horse-riding routes.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Malô-Du-Bois, Saint-Mesmin, Barbatre, Saint-Paul-en-Pareds, Saint-Germain-l'Aiguiller, Bretignolles-Sur-Mer, La Chaize-Giraud, Palluau.

See the wider travel guide: Vendée.