Discovering the mills of the Vendée

After learning more about the history of the Rairé and Gourmands windmills, head for La Guérinière on theisland of Noirmoutier, the Petit-Moulin de Châteauneuf and, finally, Les Herbiers, to discover the majestic Moulins du Mont-des-Alouettes and the panoramic views over the Vendée bocage. Great ideas for outings from your Plein Sud campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Monts.

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The Moulins de la Guérinière still offer their wings to the wind

Located on theisland of Noirmoutier, the 4 mills of La Guérinière dominate the small valley overlooking the ocean. But they’re not the only ones! Among the many distinctive features of theisland of Noirmoutier, the numerous windmills take center stage. In the 19th century, this island on the Atlantic coast of Vendée was a major grain producer! Today, only 23 remain, of which only 4 have been partially demolished. An exceptional density for western France .

Erected like lighthouses on the dunes, windmills were also invaluable to sailors. They gave them indications of wind speed and direction. Conversely, the sails of fishermen’s boats enabled millers to foresee a “bad gale” and adjust the mill wings accordingly. Visit the 4 windmills in the courtyard of La Guérinière during your seaside vacation! Les Moulins de la Guérinière – 85680 La Guérinière. Further information on ile-noirmoutier.com

The Moulins du Mont-des-Alouettes, listed as a historical monument

Perched 232 meters above sea level, the last two windmills of Mont-des-Alouettes dominate the Vendée valley. From here, the winds of history have shifted.

Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, after having escaped several wars, notably the Vendée wars, these last two windmills (of the eight formerly present) are a place of memory and passage.

The memory of the Vendéens who fought in the wars and, thanks to the mills, were able to send coded messages. It’s also a place of passage, once a royal road and now a much-visited stop-off point on the Départementale 160, adjacent to a pretty chapel built in 1823 at the request of the Duchesse d’Angoulême, daughter of Louis XVI.

This unique heritage attracts many tourists every year. Its proximity to the Puy-du-fou – voted the world’s best park several times over – and to the “Sèvre et Maine” long-distance hiking trail, make it an ideal place for observation. One of the two windmills can be visited. Every summer, on Wednesdays, the miller at Mont-des-Alouettes invites you to join him in discovering the site and the Maha forest, its history, fauna and flora, during his Nature Walks.

Le Mont des Alouettes – route de cholet – 85500 Les Herbiers. More info on lesherbiers.fr

Le Petit-Moulin de Châteauneuf: one of the oldest

Since 1703, when it was built, it has constantly offered its wings to the wind to grind grain. Visited for many years, it has unfortunately closed its doors to the public. But you can still stop and contemplate this majestic heritage.