Saint-Christophe-du-Ligneron is a commune in Vendée, in the Pays de la Loire region, 10 km south-east of Challans.
Its vast territory of 42 km² presents mainly a typical countryside of bocage, and is located at the gates of the Marais poitevin in the south. There are still 91% of agricultural land in the locality, where the Ligneron river has its source.
A quarter of an hour from the large beaches of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, to the west, the "nature" leisure offer will delight lovers of green tourism (hiking, fishing). We do not forget to mention also that Saint-Christophe-du-Ligneron which has some 2570 inhabitants spread over the town and many hamlets, has become famous for its summer flea fairs which attract thousands of visitors!
If only a section of the wall remains of the remains of the medieval castle of Chalonnière, the town has several heritage elements of interest.
This is the case of the Castel du Verger, a beautiful residence whose foundations date from the 15th century and which now offers guest rooms (information on +33 2 51 93 04 14) or elements of the old fortified castle (15th century) and its Protestant chapel (17th century).
Let us also mention the chapel dedicated to Saint-Jean which adjoins the source of the Ligneron and especially the parish church. Its history is eventful. The original church was replaced in 1844 by a large building which was literally destroyed in 1913 by a cyclone. Only four statues representing Saint-Christophe, Notre-Dame, Saint Jean-Baptiste and Saint-Augustin were saved. They are now sheltered and visible in the porch of a new church which was not consecrated until 1934. For 70 years, the faithful thus had to meet in a temporary room... Neo-Gothic style mixed with ancient Greek influences, Large in size, the church has a monumental white stone altar and a 15th century wooden Christ which is listed as an object.
Still to be seen in the town, the menhir known as the Pierre de Joséphine (on the activity area), only discovered in 1985 and the Breton-type calvary, on the picnic area, in the town. Finally, the Barillon cross, erected in 1967, perpetuates the memory of the faithful killed in 1791 because of their faith, a drama which is one of the first signs of the Vendée wars…
In terms of sports and leisure, the Abras park, in the heart of the village, includes a campsite and a lake near which a playground and picnic tables have been set up. A fitness trail is available and fishermen are also welcome (inquire about the regulations on +33 6 20 64 32 84).
The Reinet sports complex is home to several halls as well as a city-stadium and a bicross track. Information on +33 2 51 93 30 23.
For hikers, four paths and cycle paths are marked on the territory of the municipality. One of them, "Annette la Reinette", is dedicated in particular to the discovery of the fauna and flora of the marshes. Other loops follow the course of the Ligneron, cross the bocage or, for seasoned hikers, lead to Challans or even the beaches of the Atlantic, about twenty kilometers to the west!
Maps and information on +33 2 51 93 30 23 or +33 2 51 93 19 75.
Every Saturday, the market that takes place in the parking lot of the Hermitage allows you to understand the specialties of the Vendée region.
End of June, Saint John fireworks with musical entertainment and fireworks.
In July, threshing festival (known as the Métives).
On the 3rd Sunday in July and the 2nd Sunday in August, the Puces Ligneronnaises welcome some 250 professional second-hand and antique dealers. A fair of flavors and local products is offered in parallel.
In September, association forum.
In November, the Virée des Puces half-marathon.
