In the Mervent-Vouvant forest, adventure can be found at every turn.
Paddle on the lake, hurtle down the mountain bike trails or tackle the hiking paths. From wilderness and sporting challenges to medieval legends and mining epics, there’s something for everyone.
So, what kind of hero are you?
The Mervent-Vouvant forest offers a host of walking trails to explore its deep valleys, lookouts and peaceful riverbanks. From forest paths to panoramic views over the River Mère and Lake Mervent, each trail reveals a different facet of the massif.
Whether you’re an occasional walker, an experienced hiker or a trail enthusiast, the signposted routes invite you to immerse yourself totally in nature.
Randonnée en forêt de Mervent-Vouvant
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Randonnée en forêt de Mervent-Vouvant
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Randonnée famille en forêt de Mervent-Vouvant et autour du lac
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Circuit VTT en forêt de Mervent-Vouvant
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Sortie VTT avec Ride And
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Circuit VTT en forêt de Mervent-Vouvant
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With its rolling hills and varied forest paths, the Mervent-Vouvant forest is an ideal playground for mountain bikers. A number of signposted trails criss-cross the forest, alternating between technical sections, challenging climbs and fun descents. A dynamic way to explore the forest and discover its landscapes in a different way.
For those who want to feel more at ease or improve their skills, it’s also possible to take part in mountain bike outings supervised by professionals who know the massif’s trails inside out.
In the heart of the forest, Lac de Mervent offers a refreshing break surrounded by wooded hills. On the water, the forest reveals a different, calm and spectacular perspective.
Canoeing, kayaking, paddling and electric boating are all available at the Base de loisirs de Mervent for gentle exploration of the lake.
For a fun outing, pedal boats are also available from Le Chill Out restaurant.
However, swimming is not permitted in Lac de Mervent. Just 10 minutes away, theEspace de loisirs du lac de Chassenon welcomes visitors all summer long for a swim in the great outdoors.
There’s much more to the Mervent-Vouvant forest than its footpaths. Spectacular lookouts, remarkable trees, the remains of the Château de Mervent and the Déluge bridge dot the massif. At the gateway to the forest, the medieval town of Vouvant, the village of Foussais-Payré and the former mining area of Faymoreau complete the exploration.
The Mervent-Vouvant forest is located in the south of the Vendée, at the gateway to the Marais Poitevin and 10 minutes from Fontenay-le-Comte. It covers the communes of Mervent, Vouvant and Faymoreau and is the largest forest in the department.
There are two maps to help you prepare your discovery of the Mervent-Vouvant forest.
The forest discovery map, which is free of charge, shows the main sites, viewpoints and places not to be missed in the massif. It is available at all our visitor centres or can be downloaded online.
For walkers, a hiking map detailing the signposted routes is also available (€1.50) from our reception points or from our online shop.
The forest offers a wide range of activities: hiking, mountain biking, water sports on Lake Mervent, rock climbing at Pierre Blanche and discovering the heritage of characterful villages such as Vouvant.
No, swimming is not permitted in Lac de Mervent. If you want to enjoy a swim in the great outdoors, the Chassenon lake leisure area, a ten-minute drive away, is open all summer.
Before your walk, we recommend that you consult the hunting calendar and zones in the Mervent forest.
Hunting is generally open from mid-September to the end of February.
Current hunts are indicated locally by signs near the forest parking areas.
There is no hunting in the Mervent forest on Sundays.
