What is the difference between the GR®364 and the GRP® de Mélusine?

The GR®364 is a long-distance footpath that crosses several areas: from the Vienne to the Vendée coast. The GRP® de Mélusine is a Grande Randonnée de Pays itinerary, organised in loops around a specific area: the Mervent-Vouvant forest and part of the Vendée bocage.

Can these routes be done in several stages?

Yes, these routes have been designed to be walked over several days. The GR®364 is a 500km itinerary, including more than 252km in the Vendée, which you can adapt to your own pace. The GRP® de Mélusine can generally be completed over 2 to 5 days , depending on the loop or loops chosen.

How difficult are the routes?

The routes are suitable for regular walkers. Some parts of the route are quite steep, particularly in the valleys and forests, with positive gradients.

Are the routes well signposted?

Yes. GR®364: red and white markings GRP® de Mélusine: red and yellow markings

Where can I find the route maps?

Detailed PDF files are available for sections of the GR®364 around Vouvant: Marillet → Vouvant | Vouvant → La Caillère-Saint-Hilaire All the routes are available on the website of the Fédération Française de Randonnée . Detailed maps of the GR®364 and GRP® de Mélusine are also available from the Office de Tourisme Vendée Marais Poitevin or from the online shop : Mervent-Vouvant forest walking map (€1.50) Terre d’étoiles – bocage walking map (€1.50)

GR®364 and GRP® de Mélusine 2 major routes for keen walkers

Put on your shoes, tighten your rucksack. Here, every step brings you closer to a quest.
The GR®364 and GRP® de Mélusine invite you to explore the Vendée Marais Poitevin in a different way: on foot, at the pace of nature, between the Vendée bocage and the Mervent-Vouvant forest.

Logo Gr364 du Poitou à l'Océan

FFRandonnée

GR®364: cross the Vendée from Poitou to the Ocean A mythical route revisited

Completely redesigned in 2021, the GR®364 now runs for almost 252 km in the Vendée, on a total route of 500 km linking : La Roche-Posay, Poitiers, Lusignan, Parthenay, Mervent-Vouvant, La Roche-sur-Yon and Les Sables d’Olonne.

A real red thread for hikers in search of wide open spaces.

Two stages, two atmospheres

In the Vendée Marais Poitevin, the GR®364 can be experienced in two stages around Vouvant. Two stages, two worlds… but the same promise: to move forward and feast your eyes.

Marillet → Vouvant (25 km | D+ 270 m)

A gradual climb towards one of the most beautiful villages in the Vendée.

Passing through Foussais-Payré, a Petite Cité de Caractère with a remarkable heritage.
Crossing the Mervent-Vouvant forest, between shady paths and rolling hills
Views of Lake Mervent and its panoramas
Arrival at Vouvant, a listed medieval town

A rich stage, between heritage and forest immersion.

Vouvant → La Caillère-Saint-Hilaire (22 km | D+ 300 m)

A section between rivers and open bocage landscapes.

Leaving from Vouvant, in the heart of its medieval atmosphere.
Trails along the banks of the River Mère
Crossing varied landscapes between the plain and the Vendée bocage

A stage with a nice positive difference in altitude that sets the pace for the walk.

Prepare your route

Marking: red and white
PDF files available with zoom on our 2 sections
Destination accommodation

Perfect for visualising your route before you set off!

GRP® by Mélusine Follow in the footsteps of a legendary fairy

The GRP® de Mélusine offers two complementary loops… with one special feature: they share a common section.
The result? You can choose your own route… or combine the two to create one big loop.

Mervent-Vouvant forest loop (55 km)

Crossing the Mervent-Vouvant forest, between rolling hills and shady paths
Views of the valleys, Mervent and Chassenonlakes
Passage through Vouvant, a listed medieval town

Bocage loop between the Vendée and Mère rivers (67 km)

Trails along the Vendée and Mère rivers
Crossing steep, wooded valleys
Alternating landscapes between hedged farmland and unspoilt countryside

Signposting: red and yellow

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the GR®364 and the GRP® de Mélusine?
The GR®364 is a long-distance footpath that crosses several areas: from the Vienne to the Vendée coast.
The GRP® de Mélusine is a Grande Randonnée de Pays itinerary, organised in loops around a specific area: the Mervent-Vouvant forest and part of the Vendée bocage.
Can these routes be done in several stages?
Yes, these routes have been designed to be walked over several days.
The GR®364 is a 500km itinerary, including more than 252km in the Vendée, which you can adapt to your own pace.
The GRP® de Mélusine can generally be completed over 2 to 5 days, depending on the loop or loops chosen.
How difficult are the routes?
The routes are suitable for regular walkers.
Some parts of the route are quite steep, particularly in the valleys and forests, with positive gradients.
Are the routes well signposted?
Yes.
GR®364: red and white markings
GRP® de Mélusine: red and yellow markings
Where can I find the route maps?
Detailed PDF files are available for sections of the GR®364 around Vouvant: Marillet → Vouvant | Vouvant → La Caillère-Saint-Hilaire
All the routes are available on the website of the Fédération Française de Randonnée.
Detailed maps of the GR®364 and GRP® de Mélusine are also available from the Office de Tourisme Vendée Marais Poitevin or from the online shop:
- Mervent-Vouvant forest walking map (€1.50)
- Terre d’étoiles – bocage walking map (€1.50)