Le Poiré-sur-Vie is a town in Vendée, in Pays de la Loire, 10 km northwest of La Roche-sur-Yon.
Its vast territory of 72 square kilometers is crossed by the course of life, a coastal river that flows into the Atlantic in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, and has the distinction of being at the crossroads of four county roads.
The village developed on a promontory overlooking the Life and an environment marked by the Vendée.
Became a town of about 8600 inhabitants, a population growth linked to its near the capital city and its economic dynamism, Le Poiré-sur-Vie preserved a quality living environment and highlights its historic and natural heritage.
A 40 km from the coast and its beaches, leisure offer makes a pleasant stop during a stay in the region.
The Stone of Merlière, also known as Peter the Leprechauns, is the oldest heritage element of the commune. Historical Monument in 1939, the heavy granite block of 12 tons has been written by men between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age (between 5000 and 1000 years BC). 120 signs were identified cross-shaped, human silhouettes and designs evoking the zodiac signs. This stone has led to moult legends... It can be seen northwest of the village, a picnic area have been built on the site.
In the city itself, to see then, the Saint-Pierre built on a granite soil and whose Gothic choir dates from the thirteenth century (as well as a sculpture on one of the highest bell tower in 1826 and faces which the boom is 46 m high). The rest of the building was rebuilt in 1870.
We note in front of the door a stone cross 1760 that supports a terminal from a former manor on which arms are visible (a salamander evoking Francis). Recently restored, the church finally has a monumental organ (its highest hose is 5 m) built in 1896 by the Abbey manufactory of Versailles. The instrument was transferred to Poiré-sur-Vie in 1982 after being stored for decades in Issy-les-Moulineaux. This organ is now classified.
Other sites of interest to be included in a discovery tour: Castle Life Bridge, once headquarters of the Republican armies during the Vendée wars in 1795, once built near one of the few bridges over the river, and that has only one entrance pavilion and a tower, the main building has been razed, and the castle of Metairie, restored nineteenth on the foundations of a fifteenth building.
In another, the "Moulin à Elise" was built in the 1860s, after the stream was laid out the route that activates the mechanism. The town bought the water mill and restored in 1988. Volunteers will produce different types of flour. The site also includes a children's playground, a picnic area and a pond. Visit the mill in early April to late October. Price: 2 euros. Information at +33 6 83 02 47 51.
Finally, during a walk in the charming center of the city, you can not miss the mural of 150 sqm painted on the gable of a house, at the request of the municipality. The work represents "Married the Poiré-sur-Vie", an enlargement of a little naive painting by Leon Darnis.
In regard to sports, the city has a swimming pool open all year particularly well equipped: there has a swimming pool, but also play areas with slides, sauna and solarium landscape. Price: 3.10 and 4.10 euros. Information +33 2 51 31 63 54.
Moreover, at the sports complex of Idonnière Street Plum, a vast playground of 1400m² and a skate park are open to visitors, and Montparière complex, Petit Bois street, a stabilized ground and outdoor tennis courts are also open to the public. Information at +33 2 51 31 80 14.
For hiking enthusiasts, various circuits have been developed to apprehend the hedgerow landscape and the remarkable sites of the municipality. One of them is the first trail "hiking aircon" Vendee, along the course of the Ruth stream, and can observe the impacts of climate change on trees and shrubs. Accessible to walkers as mountain bikers, all circuits are connected to the mill and Elise in the center of the city.
Finally, for fans, these developments are coupled with two courses specifically dedicated to orienteering. Maps and information +33 2 51 31 89 15.
The 3rd Sunday of May, flea market.
The day before the music festival in June, "Music Fest" program different styles concerts (folk, rock, pop and rap).
The last weekend of August, the "Festi'Arts Elise" program on the site of the mill concerts, outdoor film show, entertainment and the traditional World Championship aquatisme, a friendly meeting and zany where all participants end up in the water!
In late September and early October, over a week, the Acoustic Festival has become a popular meeting place for guitar lovers where famous artists (like Maxime Le Forestier and Jean-Louis Aubert in the recent past), or the new generation, follow one another on stage with guitar as always common.
