The Girouard: a hidden treasure
The municipality of Girouard is certainly the most picturesque of our territory. Located outside the axes of passage, one does not come there by chance. This small village, which has managed to preserve and enhance its built heritage, worth a stop to discover its hidden treasures.
An emblematic monument of the town, the Chateau Gaillard is revealed in all its splendor to the visitor who arrives by the Grosbreuil road. This building with the appearance of miniature castle is actually a presbytery restored at the end of the 19th century.e century in an original style.
We therefore better understand its location near the church. gardens of Château Gaillard, the visitor can enjoy the view of the Chive Valley. Here winds the small stream of the same name which contributes to the bucolic aspect of the surroundings.
Le dovecote and bread oven located a few steps from Château Gaillard were once used by the inhabitants of the presbytery. Built in the 1870s, they were restored from 2016 to 2017 and complete this original ensemble.
A castle without a knight?
Since the summer of 2024, a digital tour route allows you to discover these buildings grouped around the Rocher Gaillard. So, all you have to do is download the Legendr® application as well as the route entitled "The fabulous story of the castle without a knight". This free tour combines cultural mediation, interactive games and short quizzes. It starts in front of the church and is aimed primarily at a family audience. Despite its amusing title, the digital tour is based on historical research serious, carried out in the parish archives.
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The Girouard church is dedicated to Saint-Généreux. The current building dates from 1900 and replaces a smaller and simpler church, demolished due to its poor condition. A stone integrated into the facade of the house at 9 Impasse du Château Gaillard comes from the previous building and evokes in Latin its donor Claude Robert, Lord of Chaon. The current church, in neo-Gothic style, has a fairly simple interior, but houses some sculptures and liturgical objects of interest. Visits are possible during the European Heritage Days.
Another remarkable religious heritage: a hosanniere cross from 1607 which dominates the current cemetery. Made of granite and raised on a base of tombstones, it comes from the old cemetery which was located to the right of the church.
Small rural buildings tell the story of the daily life of our ancestors.
For an in-depth visit, we recommend combining the Legendr® digital tour with the educational path « Le P'tit Val Gaillard » which evokes the hedge in the Vendée landscape. This trail starts at the parking lot located below Rue de la Vigne.
Other treasures...
So you will also discover
- La caves,
- La Lavarie fountain and its washhouse,
- The old communal scale,
- The lodge with straw roof rebuilt in the old way.
Witness of a rich man pass, this heritage completes the idyllic picture of a small rural town!
August 22, 2025 at Château Gaillard: heritage, music & good humor!
To end the summer in style, The Girouard hosts the Heritage Aperitifs in the exceptional context of Chateau Gaillard. On the program: a offbeat theatrical tour, live music outdoors, a refreshment bar and aperitif boards prepared by local producers. A friendly and surprising moment to enjoy with family or friends, in a rustic and festive atmosphere.
