Découverte de la forêt et du lac de Mervent-Vouvant
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In the Mervent-Vouvant forest, some trees are more than just plants. Through their history, their silhouette and the stories they tell, they have become real landmarks.
Three remarkable oaks alone embody the soul of the forest: the Chêne des 5 Jumeaux, the Chêne Marinier and the Chêne à l’Ermite.
A witness to the time when the forests of Mervent provided wood for the Rochefort arsenal, this three-hundred-year-old oak has escaped being cut down. Standing 32 metres tall, it is now listed in the national forest inventory.
The most unusual tree in the forest, it is made up of five offshoots from a single trunk. Weakened by time, it has been given a second life thanks to the artistic work of Sébastien Krampe. Nestling in a clearing, it exudes an almost mystical atmosphere.
Nicknamed the “Tree of the Hanged”, it is said to be a reminder of the violence committed during the Wars of Religion. A tree steeped in history, which naturally imposes silence.
Built at the end of the XIXᵉ century for forestry purposes, the Déluge bridge rises 22 metres above the Verreries stream, which is often dry in summer.
The initials of Arsène de Villeneuve, the Water and Forestry engineer who built the bridge, can still be seen on one of its piers.
Pont du Déluge forêt de Mervent-Vouvant Vendée
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Overlooking the lake and forest, the remains of Mervent castle are a reminder of the site’s strategic role. The panorama, with its wide open views over the massif, is well worth the diversions.
A staircase takes you down into the heart of the ramparts. From here, a lookout offers a bird’s-eye view of the lake and surrounding forest. There is also a short path along the base of the ramparts.
Legend has it that, as in Vouvant, the fairy Mélusine built Mervent castle in the course of a single night, erecting several of the region’s fortresses before dawn.
Open your eyes wide and let the landscape do the rest. The lookouts in the Mervent-Vouvant forest offer spectacular views of the forest, the lake and the relief of the massif. Perfect places to take a break, breathe in the air… and appreciate the full power of the scenery.
At the Mervent dam lookout, the experience goes even further: information panels give a better understanding of the history of the dam, its role, its uses… and even the legend of the Mélusine fairy.
Château de la Citardière Mervent Vendée
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Château de la Citardière Mervent Vendée
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Surrounded by a moat and marked by its gargoyles framing the drawbridge, the Château de la Citardière imposes its large main building at the heart of the landscape. According to local tradition, it was the former home of the Baron de Chantoizeau, a feared character whose name once inspired fear throughout the region.
Today, the atmosphere has changed. Calm and particularly photogenic, it seduces with the reflections of its architecture in the water and now hosts receptions, weddings and seminars in a timeless setting. (Private website)
A place of calm and meditation, the grotto of Père de Montfort is closely linked to the story of Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort. An apostolic missionary, he is said to have retired here in 1715 to meditate. Canonised in 1947 by Pope Pius XII, he founded three religious congregations during his lifetime.
Situated on the Pierre Brune plateau, the grotto has become a popular place of pilgrimage. Inside, votive offerings and candles bear witness to the fervour of visitors. A chapel and a calvary complete the ensemble, adding to the peaceful and unique atmosphere of the site.
Grotte du Père de Montfort forêt de Mervent-Vouvant à Pierre Brune
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Grotte du Père de Montfort forêt de Mervent-Vouvant à Pierre Brune
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Yes, a tourist map dedicated to the forest and lake of Mervent makes it easy to see the main points of interest in the massif. It includes lookouts, remarkable trees, the remains of the castle, the dam, the Père de Montfort cave and the other places mentioned on this page.
The printed map is available free of charge from our visitor centres in Fontenay-le-Comte, Maillezais, Vouvant, Mouilleron-Saint-Germain, Mervent and Damvix.
Yes, the forest and its main sites are accessible all year round. The atmosphere varies greatly according to the season, offering very different experiences.
No. The Grotte du Père de Montfort is not a speleological cave. It is a small cavity in the rock, easily accessible, where you can simply enter to meditate or take a quiet break.
Château de la Citardière is a private site: it is not open to the public, but can be seen from the surrounding area.
