Is hiking accessible?

Yes, it’s short and easy, ideal for all audiences.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes , it’s a fun and educational experience.

Do I need to know anything about astronomy?

No, the signs explain each stage in simple terms.

How long will it take?

Approximately 1 hour , depending on your pace and how much time you spend reading the signs. Allow 3 hours if you also include the History of the Universe loop.

What's so special about this route?

It represents the real distances of the solar system on a reduced scale.

Can the loop be done in both directions?

No , the direction is counter-clockwise to respect the logic of the solar system (from the Sun to Proxima Centauri).

Can I do another activity afterwards?

Yes , the History of the Universe loop. We even recommend integrating the Solar System tour into the History of the Universe tour. You can also enjoy a session at the Planetarium .

Travel through the Solar System, The Path to the Stars | Pays de Fontenay-Vendée Tourist Office

Become an explorer of infinity... without leaving Earth!

What if you could cross the Solar System in an hour? Here, each step propels you from planet to planet, from the Sun to the farthest reaches of space. Mercury, Jupiter, Neptune… everything stretches out beneath your feet in a dizzying scale-up.

An immersive, fun and accessible adventure in Star Land, where the immensity of the cosmos finally becomes comprehensible. Get ready: your mission begins at the Sun… and only ends at the stars.

About your adventure…

Start of the route in the countryside at La Chapelle-aux-Lys

The Solar System hike starts out on paths in the middle of fields.
1.7 km (exactly 1,675 metres) – approx. 1 hour – counter-clockwise loop
Concept: 1 metre covered = 5 million km

For simplicity’s sake, we advise you to go to the general starting point for the Chemin aux Étoiles hike: place de l’église in La Chapelle-aux-Lys (Terval).
The total “Solar System” and “History of the Universe ” loop is 6.3km (around 3 hours).

Free access all year round

Accessible to all

Free public car park at the start of the Chemin aux Étoiles route

Place de l’église 85120 Terval (La Chapelle-aux-Lys)

3 heroic reasons to take the plunge!

Feel the distances of space

Between Earth and Neptune, you’ll be walking… for a long time. And finally understand the immensity of the void.

Become an explorer of the cosmos

Each stage is a new planet, a new mission, a new challenge.

A rare and memorable experience

You don’t come across a full-size solar system at every turn.

Your adventure in detail

The start: at the heart of the system

Your adventure begins at the Sun. The starting point, the centre of gravity, the source of all life. In front of you, a simple signpost… but behind it, a gigantic star.

A few steps are all it takes to reach Mercury, then Venus. Before you know it, you’re on Earth. You’ve covered barely 30 metres… and yet you’re already 150 million kilometres from the Sun. The scale is starting to play tricks on you.

The nearby planets… then the great void

All the way to Mars, everything still seems “close”. One planet after another, the distances are still accessible.

Then comes the asteroid belt. And then everything changes. The steps get longer. Spaces become emptier. You walk further… to reach fewer planets.

When Jupiter finally appears, you realise one thing: in space, emptiness is the norm.

The giants and immensity

Jupiter, Saturn… the giants of the solar system mark your progress. But between them, the distances become impressive.

Uranus, then Neptune. Each stage requires more walking. Silence sets in. Isolation too. Here, you’re no longer just traversing a route. You physically feel the distance, the solitude and the immensity of the cosmos.

To the edge… and beyond

After Neptune, the adventure becomes even more breathtaking. Halley ‘s comet , Pluto… then Voyager, the symbol of human exploration.

And finally, the final stop: Proxima Centauri.
Another star. Another system. You’ve just left the Solar System… on foot.

In just 1.7 km, you have travelled billions of kilometres. An experience that completely changes your perception of space.

Your mission starts here

Meet at the church in La Chapelle-aux-Lys (Terval). Free public car park at the start of the Chemin aux Étoiles route.

Calculate my route

Good advice from the Tourist Office!

Look at distances, not just planets

It’s between the stages that the experience really comes into its own.

Make this loop inside the one on the History of the Universe

Two complementary missions: time on one side, space on the other (common link: the Sun)

Bring the kids along… and test their reactions

Their amazement at the distances involved is well worth the diversions.

Prepare your mission!

Is hiking accessible?
Yes, it’s short and easy, ideal for all audiences.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, it’s a fun and educational experience.
Do I need to know anything about astronomy?
No, the signs explain each stage in simple terms.
How long will it take?
Approximately 1 hour, depending on your pace and how much time you spend reading the signs.
Allow 3 hours if you also include the History of the Universe loop.
What's so special about this route?
It represents the real distances of the solar system on a reduced scale.
Can the loop be done in both directions?
No, the direction is counter-clockwise to respect the logic of the solar system (from the Sun to Proxima Centauri).
Can I do another activity afterwards?
Yes, theHistory of the Universe loop. We even recommend integrating the Solar System tour into the History of the Universe tour.
You can also enjoy a session at the Planetarium.