The Manoir de la Chevillonnière in Saint-Hilaire-le-Vouhis is a manor house dating from the early 15th century, which was extended in the second half of the 15th century. Inside, interior plasterwork, traces of painted decoration and original interior elements have been preserved.
Anyone planning a stay in Saint-Hilaire-le-Vouhis can search specifically for a holiday apartment to rent.
Culture
The “Ici le temps s’est arrêté” Museum displays vehicles and everyday objects from various periods between 1886 and 1980. Guided tours are offered there by prior arrangement from 1 April to 15 October.
The Musée des Outils d’Antan displays agricultural tools as well as tools from the many occupations that once shaped life in the villages. The museum is open year-round by prior arrangement.
The bell tower of the church of Saint-Hilaire-le-Vouhis, standing on a hill, is said to have served as a navigational landmark for sailors before the Vendée marshes were drained. The birthplace of Henri Adolphe Archereau is located in the hamlet of La Roulière near the Petit Lay. In Saint-Hilaire-le-Vouhis, he is credited with having been the first to illuminate the Place de la Concorde in Paris electrically.
Nature
The area known as “Vallée de la Vouraie et vallons annexes” is a continental ZNIEFF type 2 and includes Saint-Hilaire-le-Vouhis. The slopes near La Ritaudière are of particular interest for their insect and plant life; one of the few known sites of Veronica triphyllos in the Armorican Massif is located there.
The wooded valley bottoms of the Vallée de la Vouraie, some of them deeply cut, provide a habitat for otters and genets, among other species.
Trails and Activities
The Sentier de la Vouraie runs around the lake and offers 15.8- or 12.7-kilometre routes; it is accessible to hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders. The Sentier des Bruyères is an easy 6.1-kilometre hiking trail that begins at the Place de la Mairie in Saint-Hilaire-le-Vouhis.
The impressive surroundings of the Chevillonnière in Saint-Hilaire-le-Vouhis host national driving competitions every year. The village also has a geocaching destination called “La passerelle de la Javelière”.
More local pages: La Roche-Sur-Yon, Le Bernard, Saint-Martin-De-Fraigneau, L'Île-d'Olonne, Saint-Prouant, La Verrie, Chaillé-Les-Marais, Saint-Mesmin.
