“The country”
Located in the northwest part of the Pays des Achards, La Chapelle-Hermier draws its bucolic character from a dense bocage network and numerous groves.
La river and Jaunay Lake nearby offer a wide range of outdoor activities. This Vendée commune has preserved some interesting elements of its built heritage.
Discover La Chapelle-Hermier
- Saint Peter Saint Paul Church has kept old parts dating from the 12the and 15e centuries, with Romanesque and Gothic characteristics respectively.
- La Notre Dame de Garreau Chapel, located on the Martinet road, evokes an apparition of the Virgin. It has long been a major place of pilgrimage, bringing together faithful from all over Vendée.
- Le Josetterie washhouse, the old one Chiron windmill and many crossroads complete the built heritage of this rural commune.
![Eglise de la Chapelle Hermier]()
Saint Peter Saint Paul Church ![Patrimoine La Chapelle Garreau à la Chapelle Hermier]()
Garreau's Chapel
Outdoor activities
The donkey farm Câlins Ca-ânes is an unusual place to stop during the summer season. It is possible to go for a ride with a donkey or simply have a drink on the terrace of the “La Grignotte” bar-restaurant, with the animals nearby.
La fishing is practiced all year round on the shores of Lac du Jaunay which is renowned for its pike, zander, roach, carp, bream and perch.
In summer, it is possible to rent pedal boats, canoes and kayaks for nautical activities on the lake. A slipway located at a place called Le Pré allows you to launch your own boat.
Hiking in La Chapelle-Hermier
The surroundings of the town are particularly rich in hiking routes of all kinds.
- Le Botanical trail, Stem Trail and Meadow Trail are easy loops on the right bank of Lac du Jaunay.
- Le Garreau Trail is interesting for lovers of old stones. It leaves the church in the village and passes in front of the Notre Dame de Garreau Chapel.
- Finally, the Moulins Trail and Path between banks and heights are more physical, due to the height difference and the distance to be covered. Both allow you to stop at the observatory walkway, a small wooden bridge surrounded by lush vegetation and an ideal place to watch for lake birds.
Le GR® 364 “From Poitou to the Ocean”, linking La Roche-Posay in Vienne to Sables d'Olonne, crosses La Chapelle-Hermier and runs along the right bank of Lac du Jaunay.
For those who prefer to discover nature in a fun way, two trails Geocaching (blue and yellow) combine walking with a new generation treasure hunt.
Hiking
Cycle routes
Staying at La Chapelle-Hermier
Activities at La Chapelle-Hermier
Every summer, our Tourist Office organizes nature outings and activities under the title « Jaunay'Scapades » on the banks of Lac du Jaunay. Fishing initiations, fun discoveries of fauna and flora – the program changes every year. All activities are led by professionals who love nature.
In July and August, the Granary of the Meadow at Lac du Jaunay welcomes exhibitions of local artists. They are organized by the cultural association “Aux Sources du Pré”. We can still make out the old farm building: the plastered walls, wooden ceilings and exposed beams make it a warm place which highlights the works on display.
![Initiations pêche au Lac du Jaunay]()
Fishing initiation at Jaunay'Scapades ![Le Grenier du Pré à la Chapelle-Hermier lieu d'expositions]()
Exhibitions at the Grenier du Pré
Current programming
The Chiron mill, witness to the past
Old maps of La Chapelle-Hermier indicate up to 10 mills, which could be wind or water mills. Several names of localities, such as the Moulin des Rochelles or the Moulin de la Barbelinière, evoke this activity.
The only physical vestige still existing is that of Chiron Mill. A stone-framed windmill, it was the only one of its kind in the town. Dating back to the 1800s, it was used to make flour. Dismantled in 1886, the body of the mill was preserved and transformed into an observatory platform. It offers a pleasant stopover for hikers who use the nearby trails.
