Why is this region called "Land of Stars"?

The name “Terre d’étoiles” is a recent one. It refers to the exceptional quality of the night sky in the Châtaigneraie region. Far from the big cities, the low level of light pollution makes it easy to observe the constellations and the Milky Way. This commitment to preserving the sky is recognised by the national label “Territoire de Villes et Villages Étoilés” (Starry Towns and Villages) . The name also evokes the many experiences on offer to discover the universe: planetarium, Chemin aux étoiles, astronomy courses and observations of the night sky.

What is the "Star Towns and Villages" label?

The “Starry Towns and Villages” label is awarded by the Association Nationale pour la Protection du Ciel et de l’Environnement Nocturnes (ANPCEN). It is awarded not to a single municipality, but to an area that is collectively committed to reducing light pollution and preserving the night sky. In the case of the Pays de la Châtaigneraie, it is all the communes involved that contribute to this recognition. The label is awarded on the basis of a practical analysis of public lighting practices across the region. A number of factors are taken into account: Lighting schedules (total or partial switching off in the middle of the night) The type of luminaires used (ground-level, glare-free lighting) Light intensity and colour Limiting unnecessary lighting (buildings, low-traffic areas) Consistency of actions between local authorities

How are stars awarded for communes?

The classification ranges from ★ to ★★★★★ (1 to 5 stars). It is based on a precise assessment using a number of criteria: Night-time switching off of public lighting (total or partial) Orientation and intensity of luminaires Limiting unnecessary lighting (signs, monuments, low-traffic areas) Use of energy-saving technologies (adapted LEDs, colour temperature) Raising residents’ awareness of night-time issues The more action a local authority takes, the more stars it gets.

Where can I go stargazing in the Vendée Marais Poitevin?

The Pays de la Châtaigneraie boasts a particularly well-preserved night sky, recognised by the Territoire de Villes et Villages Étoilés (Starry Towns and Villages) label. Far from the cities and light pollution, there are many starry villages where you can admire the Milky Way and the constellations with the naked eye: Marillet, La Chapelle-aux-Lys, La Tardière, Puy-de-Serre, Saint-Pierre-du-Chemin, Cheffois, Saint-Hilaire-de-Voust, Loge-Fougereuse, Saint-Maurice-des-Noues, Le Breuil-Barret, Cezais, La Châtaigneraie, Mouilleron-Saint-Germain and Bazoges-en-Pareds. Take part in a course or a discovery evening at the Chapelle-aux-Lys observatory

Can I visit a planetarium in the Vendée?

Yes, the Planetarium at La Chapelle-aux-Lys offers immersive 360° dome sessions throughout the year. These projections allow you to discover the solar system, the history of the universe and the major astronomical phenomena, in a format accessible to all.

What is the Chemin aux Étoiles?

The Chemin aux Étoiles is an open-air educational trail in La Chapelle-aux-Lys. It consists of two walks: one devoted to the History of the Universe up to the Big Bang (4.6 km) and the other to discovering the Solar System (1.7 km) . A fun way to learn more about the universe.

Terre d’étoiles: look up to the infinite | Pays de Fontenay-Vendée Tourist Office

An area that shines differently

When night falls in the Châtaigneraie region, the show begins. Here, the night sky reveals a rare purity. This quality is recognised at national level thanks to the “Territoire de Villes et Villages Étoilés” (Starry Towns and Villages) label .

Awarded by theANPCEN, this label rewards the local authority’s commitment to rational management of public lighting, respecting biodiversity, nature and the well-being of local residents.

The result: deep nights, star-studded skies and a peaceful atmosphere in which to rediscover the beauty of the night.

14 towns awarded the “Starry Towns and Villages” label

★★★★ Marillet, La Chapelle-aux-Lys, La Tardière, Puy-de-Serre
★★★ Saint-Pierre-du-Chemin, Cheffois, Saint-Hilaire-de-Voust, Loge-Fougereuse, Saint-Maurice-des-Noues, Le Breuil-Barret
★★ Cezais, La Châtaigneraie, Mouilleron-Saint-Germain
★ Bazoges-en-Pareds

Your adventures in Terre d'étoiles

In Terre d’étoiles, curiosity is your best compass.

Some will explore the universe at the Planetarium in La Chapelle-aux-Lys, or take a walk along the Chemin aux Étoiles (Star Trail) back to the Big Bang. Others prefer to travel through the centuries, from prehistory to the great figures ofFrench history. And then there are those who simply choose to look up, in an area where the night sky is exceptional.

So, what kind of hero are you?

New explorers

Guardians of nature

Explore Mill Hill – EN

Leave your mark: walks for nature lovers – EN

Discover our protected natural areas – EN

Storytellers

Space exploration at the Planetarium

In La Chapelle-aux-Lys, the universe invites itself to the smallest village in the world equipped with a planetarium.

Take a seat under the dome and let yourself be carried away by an immersive 360° projection, with commentary by astronomy enthusiasts.

In just a few minutes, you can travel through the solar system and discover the mysteries of the cosmos in a spectacular experience accessible to all.

Taking to the stars

A journey through the centuries

It’s often said that to look at the stars is to observe the past. In Terre d’étoiles, this idea takes on its full meaning: from prehistory through the Middle Ages to the great figures ofFrench history, the region also invites visitors to step back in time.

From prehistoric remains to medieval fortresses and extraordinary destinies, these emblematic sites tell the story of an area that has been shaped by man for thousands of years.

Cistus des Cous

Bazoges-en-Pareds keep

Clemenceau De Lattre Museum

The Path to the Stars Two walks on the scale of the Universe

At La Chapelle-aux-Lys, the Chemin aux Étoiles offers two timeless educational walks. The first (4.6 km) traces thehistory of the Universe back to the Big Bang. The second (1.7 km) invites you to explore the Solar System and gain a better understanding of the planets that surround us.

Two walks accessible to all, taking you on a journey into the infinitely large.

Exploring the Chemin aux Étoiles

Walks in the bocage in Terre d'étoiles

With its hedgerows, sunken lanes and gentle hills, the Vendée bocage offers ideal terrain for walking. There are no fewer than 25 signposted local loops for exploring these landscapes.

On foot, the paths invite you to slow down and observe nature.

Discover the walks

The secrets of the sky with an astronomy enthusiast

Do you still have your eye on the Milky Way?

At La Chapelle-aux-Lys, astrophotographer Olivier Sauzereau welcomes you to his observatory in the Vendée bocage for astronomy courses and evenings.

Observe the sun, discover the constellations, explore the night sky through a telescope… an immersive experience to learn how to read the universe alongside an enthusiast.

Take part in an astronomy course

Frequently asked questions

Why is this region called "Land of Stars"?
The name “Terre d’étoiles” is a recent one. It refers to the exceptional quality of the night sky in the Châtaigneraie region. Far from the big cities, the low level of light pollution makes it easy to observe the constellations and the Milky Way. This commitment to preserving the sky is recognised by the national label “Territoire de Villes et Villages Étoilés” (Starry Towns and Villages).
The name also evokes the many experiences on offer to discover the universe: planetarium, Chemin aux étoiles, astronomy courses and observations of the night sky.
What is the "Star Towns and Villages" label?
The “Starry Towns and Villages” label is awarded by theAssociation Nationale pour la Protection du Ciel et de l’Environnement Nocturnes (ANPCEN).
It is awarded not to a single municipality, but to an area that is collectively committed to reducing light pollution and preserving the night sky.
In the case of the Pays de la Châtaigneraie, it is all the communes involved that contribute to this recognition.
The label is awarded on the basis of a practical analysis of public lighting practices across the region.
A number of factors are taken into account:
- Lighting schedules (total or partial switching off in the middle of the night)
- The type of luminaires used (ground-level, glare-free lighting)
- Light intensity and colour
- Limiting unnecessary lighting (buildings, low-traffic areas)
- Consistency of actions between local authorities
How are stars awarded for communes?
The classification ranges from ★ to ★★★★★ (1 to 5 stars). It is based on a precise assessment using a number of criteria:
- Night-time switching off of public lighting (total or partial)
- Orientation and intensity of luminaires
- Limiting unnecessary lighting (signs, monuments, low-traffic areas)
- Use of energy-saving technologies (adapted LEDs, colour temperature)
- Raising residents’ awareness of night-time issues
The more action a local authority takes, the more stars it gets.
Where can I go stargazing in the Vendée Marais Poitevin?
The Pays de la Châtaigneraie boasts a particularly well-preserved night sky, recognised by the Territoire de Villes et Villages Étoilés (Starry Towns and Villages) label.
Far from the cities and light pollution, there are many starry villages where you can admire the Milky Way and the constellations with the naked eye: Marillet, La Chapelle-aux-Lys, La Tardière, Puy-de-Serre, Saint-Pierre-du-Chemin, Cheffois, Saint-Hilaire-de-Voust, Loge-Fougereuse, Saint-Maurice-des-Noues, Le Breuil-Barret, Cezais, La Châtaigneraie, Mouilleron-Saint-Germain and Bazoges-en-Pareds.
Take part in a course or a discovery evening at the Chapelle-aux-Lys observatory
Can I visit a planetarium in the Vendée?
Yes, the Planetarium at La Chapelle-aux-Lys offers immersive 360° dome sessions throughout the year. These projections allow you to discover the solar system, the history of the universe and the major astronomical phenomena, in a format accessible to all.
What is the Chemin aux Étoiles?
The Chemin aux Étoiles is an open-air educational trail in La Chapelle-aux-Lys.
It consists of two walks: one devoted to theHistory of the Universe up to the Big Bang (4.6 km) and the other to discovering the Solar System (1.7 km). A fun way to learn more about the universe.