Located in the south-eastern part of the Pays des Achards, the municipality of Sainte-Flaive-des-Loups takes advantage of the proximity of the expressway between La Roche-sur-Yon and Les Sables d'Olonne in VendéeHowever, it has retained its character as a rural commune in an exceptional wooded landscape.
Discover Sainte-Flaive-des-Loups
In the village of Sainte-Flaive-des-Loups, some large private residences like the Logis du Gué, open during the European Heritage Days, allow you to imagine the face of the town in the past. The church pink granite dominates the central crossroads. A second look at the building reveals that its bell tower remained unfinished during the reconstruction at the end of the 19th century.e century and therefore has no arrow.
With a body of water suitable for fishing, a city stadium, an open-air fitness park for older children and a playground suitable for younger children, the Chenaie Park is the place where residents walk and festivities in the town.
La Vendée Vélo cycle path crosses the park and the town of the commune. It allows you to reach La Roche-sur-Yon, Brétignolles-sur-Mer and Les Sables d'Olonne.
Hiking in Sainte-Flaive-des-Loups
Today, visitors enjoy the large nearby forest with several hiking trails. THE Pond Trail is aimed at a family audience and allows you to observe the biodiversity of small bodies of water. The Trails of Afforestation of the Lière (8 km), from Donut (9 km), from Abalone (11.5 km) and Not from Hell (14 km) combine hollow paths, remarkable trees and small rural buildings for a real disconnection in the middle of nature.
The followers of Geocaching can try the treasure hunt on the Journey of the Wolves. With 33 caches hidden over 8 km, it is the longest in the Pays des Achards.
A little history …
The name of Sainte-Flaive-des-Loups plot. Referring back to distant centuries, it evokes the legend of Saint Flavia Domitilla, a Christian martyr who died in the year 95. The mention “Wolves” was added much later, evoking the beasts in the surrounding woods. Even today, two stone wolves placed in front of the town hall are a nod to this name.
Sainte-Flaive-des-Loups is also known in the region for Living Memory, an association whose aim is to collect and preserve historical testimonies of the town. The term “living” is well chosen. The association has in fact organized in 2023 one of the largest gatherings evoking the parachuting of weapons in Vendée in 1943 and life during the Second World War.