La Garnache is a commune in the Vendée, in the Pays de la Loire region, 4 km north-east of Challans, which it borders on.
Its vast territory of 60 km² borders the natural region of the Breton Vendée Marshes, which ensures the transition between the former provinces of Brittany and Poitou.
90% covered by agricultural land (crops, meadows), the locality has a decidedly rural character even if its proximity to Challans has boosted its demography since the end of the 20th century. La Garnache now has around 5,000 inhabitants.
Already occupied during Prehistory and then in Antiquity, from the year 1000, La Garnache became the seat of a powerful seigneury dependent on the Viscounts of Thouars and its lands included the coast (Île d'Yeu, Noirmoutier). A powerful castle was built in the heart of the city, and several families succeeded each other at the head of the fiefdom. The heyday of the seigneury ends with the Wars of Religion: La Garnache is a time conquered by the partisans of the Reform. The stronghold was taken over in 1588 by the future King Henri IV and finally, Louis XIII had the fortress dismantled in 1622.
After the Revolution, it was in La Garnache that the future head of the Catholic army settled and royal, François de Charette, but he was defeated and shot in Nantes in 1796.
Of these historical chapters remain testimonies in terms of heritage. But it is above all for its environment and its "natural" leisure activities that La Garnache is appreciated today, which makes it a pleasant stopover about twenty kilometers from the coast and the beaches.
In terms of heritage, it is the Pierre de Diable menhir, still isolated in the open field near the locality of Sallertaine, to the south of the village, which is the oldest site protected as historical monuments in the town.. Discovered at the end of the 19th century, the megalith attests that the places were occupied since prehistoric times.
Chronologically, then comes the tumulus (artificially formed heap of earth) of the Cavalier Mound, 40 m wide and 10 m high: the site was built in the Celtic period and Merovingian sarcophagi have been unearthed there..
In the village, it is the remains of the old seigneurial castle that can be observed. There remain two towers and elements of the keep: the rest of the fortress was destroyed in the 17th century by order of Louis XIII advised by Richelieu, who feared that Protestants would remain in the city. The castle was built in the 13th century on the basis of a first building from the 10th century. At its peak, the seat of the seigneury of La Garnache had six round towers and a square tower connected by curtain walls. The city had developed around, protected by enclosures. Some elements of these fortifications are still visible in a very fragmented way.
We will also note the manor of Charette (hamlet of Fonteclose), neo-Gothic style, the Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire chapel (former Saint-Léonard chapel), Gothic style, restored after the Wars of Religion for celebrate the Battle of Lepanto, or different castles and manors in the vast countryside surrounding the village, mills and bread ovens. Finally, back in the center of the town, we can discover inside the parish church of Notre-Dame, rebuilt at the turn of the 20th century in a neo-Romanesque style, some works of interest: a sculpted evocation of the Assumption (18th century), a wooden Christ, a high altar and a contemporary way of the cross.
On the cultural side, the Espace Jacques Prévert located in a green setting hosts shows and exhibitions throughout the year (information on +33 2 51 91 11 08) and the library for its part programs activities (readings, meetings) : contact on +33 2 51 93 11 08.
As far as "sports" and "nature" leisure activities are concerned, the Equaizière park near the town is intended as a place to walk and relax (playgrounds and picnic area) built around a 3.5 hectare body of water accessible to fishermen. Information on +33 2 51 93 11 08.
Grass fields and tennis courts are also accessible on rue du Genêt and, within the perimeter of Parc de l'Equaizière, a skate park and a bi-cross field have been opened. landscaped. Visitors and tourists are welcome there.
Unless they prefer to join the outings of the local mountain biking club (information on +33 2 51 35 41 10) or discover the green countryside during a horseback ride: contact the Cavaliers Garnachois equestrian center on +33 6 03 92 27 94.
For lovers of fishing in ponds or rivers, find out about the regulations and suitable sites on +33 6 47 31 77 84.
A dozen marked trails are available to hiking enthusiasts. Traced on the vast municipal territory, 7 to 13 km long, they allow you to discover the charms of hamlets, wetlands, and a rich biodiversity. One of the trails partly follows a route that once led to Santiago de Compostela and another is dedicated to heritage. Wider loops can lead to the Atlantic coast. Maps and information on +33 2 51 93 11 08 or +33 2 51 93 19 75.
