Two loops in the French wine region of Mareuil sur Lay
The French wine region of Mareuil offers two interesting wine tours to discover the AOC classed wines of the Southern Vendée. You will appreciate a warm welcome from the Winegrowers who are delighted to share their passion and heritage… grapes times!
"Terroir of the Fief vendéen of Mareuil" wine circuit
A Wine tour of 35km – prepare your picnic with local produce
As part of the wine routes of the Loire Valley, this circuit will enable you to discover the region of Mareuil and its Fiefs Vendéens by bike. Prepare your picnic by buying traditional produce from Mareuil’s local shopkeepers: rillon (strips of pork) served with freshly baked baguette, and the famous Brioche Vendéenne for dessert. Then its back on your bike for the next stage!
On these small paths that crisscross the vineyards, stop-off at one of the wine estates to taste the Fiefs Vendéens appellation produced in the region. Here, you will encounter one of the Winegrowers and be able to visit their cellar. Why not take treat yourself to a bottle of red, white, or rosé Mareuil wine!
As you pass through Eveillerie, you will cycle alongside some beautiful stone houses which enhance the charm of this delightful Vendean village.
Setting off again, you will arrive at Conservatoire de la Négrette, where you will discover some old grape varieties. The picnic area on-site, provides an ideal spot to enjoy your lunch, with a little glass of Mareuil’s wine to wash it all down!
Further to the north, this loop takes you to the Chaussée de Chavagnes. At this point you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the Yon, a tributary of the Vendée’s Lay River. Before returning to Mareuil, take the opportunity to try out other wines in the surrounding estates.
New wine tour : Mareuil’s Fief Vendéen heritage
A new French Wine tour of 60 km – with a hint if heritage!
Part of the wine tours in France, this wine circuit is by car, alternating between wine estates, offering wine tasting of AOC classed wines from Mareuil and its heritage.
The quaint village of Mareuil sur Lay Dissais is delightful. A gentle start to the day at the Port des Gabares with a boat or a pedalo trip along the river.
Then heading towards the Lavaud bridge which is just a few kilometres from Mareuil you will discover one of 16 bridges built by Gustave Eiffel. At lunchtime stop off at one of the nearby restaurants overlooking the bridge. On the menu, a perfect duo: Vendean ham accompanied by wine from Mareuil.
Continue the tour “en route” for the Conservatoire de la Négrette, where you will discover 41 rows of an old grape variety that had virtually disappeared. Further north, visit the Rambourg mill, a former water mill and a dragonfly observation site.
For the return trip, you can visit one of the Mareuil regions, many wine estates and encounter these Winegrowers passionate about their profession. That way it gives you the opportunity to visit the cellars before tasting. If time permits, take a little detour to the Barrage du Marillet (a dam) to catch a few fish (don’t forget to bring your fishing rods). From here you can admire the sunset over the Pont de Mareuil!
"La route des vins" is available all year round ... So don't forget that our Winegrowers, will always be happy to welcome you to their estates and wine caves !