Welcome to the European Heritage days anno 2019! On the 3rd weekend of September, everywhere in Europe including our lovely Département du Vendée, we are given a great opportunity to visit popular historical locations and monuments as well as sites that are rarely open to the public for free or at a reduced rate.

Historically, how did the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine or European Heritage days begin?
The French Ministry of Culture began the event  La Journée Portes Ouvertes in 1984. In the following year, at the 2nd European Conference of Ministers responsible for Architectural Heritage, the French Minister of Culture proposed that the project be internationalised under the European council. The Netherlands joined with their own Open Monumentendag in 1987, followed by Sweden and Ireland in 1989, and Belgium and Scotland in 1990. In 1991 the events were united as European Heritage Days at the initiative of the Council of Europe.

Why do we love the Journées du Patrimoine? For the younger generations it's important to learn, for tourists an interesting way to travel deeper, and by travelling local, expats embark on yet another avenue in the multi-faceted integration process. Heritage = treasure! Plan ahead to make it an adventure on 21 and 22 September this year [2019]!

ABOUT THIS LIST: we have done our best to mine the Internet for as much information as possible. We may have missed some locations, but there are simply so many events - we think no matter where you are in the Vendée, this will allow you to build a comprehensive itinerary for both days! Please use the 'directions' links to plug in your point of departure to get directions specific to you!

Angles (85750)
**Donjon De Moricq FREE
    The current square tower was built anno 1435 by Régnault Girard, mayor of La Rochelle to protect the port of Moricq which exported wine, grain and timber to La Rochelle and Bordeaux. More information
    Directions
**Eglise Notre-Dame des Anges FREE - registration at tourist office (space limited)
    Romanesque architecture. A guided tour of church and crypt will bring the public between history and legend in one of the most beautiful religious monuments of Bas-Poitou.
    Guided tour from 10h00 to 11h30 on Saturday 21st (exceptional opportunity)
    Directions
**Le Pavillon de l'Octroi FREE - registration at tourist office (space limited)
    Between the villages Grues and Angles, visitors will discover a building whose role was the collection of indirect taxes levied for the benefit of the communes on food for local consumption.
    The pavilion of Octroi still mysteriously hides its construction date. (exceptional opportunity)
    Guided tour from 15h00 to 15h30 on Saturday 21st
    Address: Route de Moricq 85750 ANGLES
Apremont (85220) 
**Château D'Aprémont FREE
    Renaissance castle, on the site of a medieval fortress.
    Directions
Avrillé (85440)
**Château De La Guignardière (20% OFF CASTLE VISIT, 40% OFF PARK)
    Also known as Chateau des Avonturiers with some prehistoric monuments on site.
    Open 11h00 to 19h00.
    Directions
Bazoges-En-Pareds (85390)
**Donjon de Bazoges-En-Pareds (DONJON 2EUROS; MEDIEVAL GARDEN AND MUSEUM FREE)
    Measuring 30 meters high and composed of six levels, this castle rises from the Vendée countryside like a medieval skyscraper. More information
    Open 10h00 to 19h00 Saturday and Sunday.
    Directions
Beaufou (85170)
**Eglise Romane de Beaufou FREE
    Romanesque church of Our Lady of the Annunciation (XIIth century), belonging to the Abbaye de Marmoutier-les-Tours (Indre-et-Loire). In March 1568, the church was burned by the Huguenots. restored in 1652.
    Directions
Bessay (85320)
**Château de Bessay (TICKETS 5 EUROS = -2EUROS)
    XVI and XVIIth centuries including a square dovecote and a Renaissance round tower with medieval character and Italian Renaissance decoration.
    King Henri IV stayed there in 1589. 
    Directions // Tickets online
Bois-De-Céné (85170)
**Abbaye De L'Île-Chauvet (3 EUROS)
    Gothic architecture. Only the church remains of this XIIth century monastery. The old dormitory is now a museum.
    Open: 14h00 to 19h00 both days
    Directions
Bourneau (85200)
**Château de Bourneau FREE
    Highly recommended! Erin and Jean-Baptiste, the lovely and hard-working owners of the château, invite you for a Petit Salon de Thé (coffee, tea and cakes at minimum charge to benefit the château's chimney restoration fund) along with an exhibit organised by Mingaco, a group of professional artisans in Vouvant, Vendée. You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens of the château.
    Open: Saturday from 14h00 to 18h00; Sunday from 10h00 to 18h00
    Directions
Bournezeau (85480)
**Abbaye De Trizay FREE
    Former Cistercian abbey founded in the XIIth century by monks of the abbey of Pontigny.
    First opening to the public since 2011. Free visit of the exteriors and some interior rooms.
    Saturday, September 21 from 14h00 to 18h00 
    Sunday, September 22 from 10h00 to 12h00; 14h00 to 18h00
    Directions
Cézais (85410)
**Eglise De Cezais FREE
    XIIth century Romanesque
    Directions 
Challans (85300)
**Chapelle De La Bloire FREE
    Built between 1857 and 1859 with bishop's permission by Marie Pontoizeau because the village was far from the parish church. 
    Admire the stained glass made by Charles Lorin, Maître Verrier in Chartres.
    Directions
**Chapelle De La Commanderie De Coudrie FREE
    The chapel was once the sanctuary of an old commandery of Templiers, built in 1130 by Hugues de Payns, founder of the Order.
    Only the church remains, the rest of the commandery having been burned in the XV^th century by the Huguenots.
    Directions
Chantonnay (85110)
**Manoir De Ponsay (sorry, no info)
    Restored after the revolution, this 17th century manoir retains her dovecote. It has been passed down from father to son since. 
    Directions
**Parc De L'Auneau
    The Domain of the L'Auneau Park is situated in the Petit Lay river valley. The Villa-Castel, an Italian inspired 19th century mansion by architect Joseph Libaudière, responsible for castles in the Vendée, Loire Atlantique and Maine et Loire. Website
    Open 14h00 to 19h00 Saturday and Sunday
    Directions
Chavagnes-En-Paillers (85250)
**Maison-Mère Des Ursulines
    Founded in 1802, by Louis-Marie Baudouin, then parish priest in the village and authorized by royal decree in 1826.
    Directions
Doix (85200)
**Eglise Saint-Pierre
    Built in the 19th century, this church has three naves and the central vault has a coffered ceiling.
    Directions
Faymoreau (85087)
**Centre Minier (50% OFF TICKET PRICE museum)
    From 1827 to 1958, men descended into the bowels of the earth to extract the "black gold" of the time.
    Guided visits at 14h00, 15h30, and 17h00 (at no extra cost) Website
    Directions
Fontaines (85200)
**Eglise Notre-Dame FREE
    Directions 
Fontenay-Le-Comte (85200)
*****be aware that some locations are only open on Sundays - check office de tourisme or mairie for more info*****
Our article on the city
**Château De Terre Neuve (DISCOUNT TICKET TOUR AND MUSEUM 8 EUROS; FREE UNDER 18)
    We LOVE château de Terre Neuve and highly recommend it; and we're happy to share that for the first time a discount is offered on Saturday AND Sunday; expect hundreds and hundreds of people here with longer wait times on Sunday afternoon.
    Website.  More information
     Open: 10h00 to 12h00 and from 14h00 to 18h00
     Directions
**Château d'Eau Tiraqueau FREE
    Video and exposition on Sunday from 14h00 to 18h00
    Directions 
**Collège Viète (Ancien) FREE
    Guided tours on Sunday from 14h00 to 18h30
    Directions
**Eglise Notre-Dame FREE
    14h30 to 18h30 Saturday (photography exposition Une Dame de Pierre)
    14h00 to 18h00 Sunday (organ visit Marie Reine du Ciel with a 30 minute organ concert at 16h00)
    Directions
**Lespinay de Beaumont FREE
    18th Century Open Saturday 14h00 to 19h00 ; Sunday from 14h00 to 19h00 with guided visits every 30 minutes and exposition in the old kitchen
    Directions
**Hôtel De Grimouard FREE
    18th Century Open Saturday 14h00 to 19h00 ; Sunday from 14h00 to 19h00 visit of reception hall and two-story vaulted cellars
    Directions
**Maison Billaud FREE
    A Renaissance home - Open Saturday 14h00 to 19h00 ; Sunday from 14h00 to 19h00
    Directions
**Musée Vendéen De Fontenay-Le-Comte FREE
    Open: Saturday 14h00-18h00 and Sunday 14h00-19h00
    Directions
**Rue Des Loges FREE
    Exposition. Open: Saturday/ Sunday from 10h30-12h30 and from 15h00-18h30
Foussais-Payré (85240)
**Eglise Saint-Hilaire FREE
    XIth century, restored in the XVth and burned down in the XVIth century. Beautiful Romanesque portal 
    Open: Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 18h00
    Directions
**Prieure De Foussais (Ancien) FREE
    Directions
L'Ile-D'Yeu
*****Reach the island by ferry*****
We found this comprehensive list for Journees Patrimoine 2019 Ile d'Yeu.
La Barre-De-Monts (85550)
**Le Daviaud FREE ENTRY
    Ecomuseum Marais Vendeen open from 14h00 to 19h00 - website
    Directions
La Bruffière (85530)
**Château De L'Echasserie (no info)
    Directions 
La Chaize-Giraud (85220)
**Eglise La Chaize Giraud
**Eglise Notre-Dame
    Directions
La Chaize-Le-Vicomte (85310)
**Eglise Saint-Nicolas
**Musée Ornithologique Charles-Payraudeau
    Directions to the village
La Flocellière (85700)
**Chapelle Notre-Dame De Lorette FREE
    Directions
La Garnache (85710)
**Château de La Garnache (1 EURO)
    The castle museum offers a beautiful set of headdresses, furniture and tools of the nineteenth and early twentieth century in the Vendée.
    Open Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd from 14h00 to 18h00
    Directions
La Guyonnière (85600)
**Manoir De La Roche Thevenin FREE
    Open Sunday 22nd only from 14h00 to 18h00
    Directions
La-Roche-sur-Yon (85500)
**Haras de la Vendée FREE
    Of man and horse - free visit of facilities and stables
    Saturday 14h00 to 18h00 with music and horse riding demonstrations;
    Sunday 10h00 to 19h  with horse riding demonstrations
    Directions
Le Bernard (85560)
**Eglise Saint Martin FREE
    Directions
**Tombes Mégalithiques FREE
    Nearby
Le Boupère (85510)
**Château Du Fief Milon FREE
    This lovely IVXth century castle with its two towers is exceptionally open to the public on Sunday 22nd September. It has XVth century features as well as IXXth century buildings that were added.
    Open Sunday 22nd Sept from 14h00 to 18h00 for guided visits
    Directions
**Eglise Saint-Pierre FREE
    A unique fortified church of which the front of the buttresses are pierced with archers and gunboats, and is connected by a covered walk protected by a crenelated parapet. The fortifications date from the XVth century.
    Audio-guides (1h visit) are available for free at the Café des Sports (19 rue du General de Gaulle - 02 51 91 41 39)
    Open Saturday: 9h00 to 18h00 and on Sunday from 9h00 to 13h00
    Directions
Le Givre (85540)
**Château De La Brunière FREE
    XVIth century castle - privately owned but exceptionally opened on this weekend
    Open Saturday and Sunday from 14h00 to 18h00 
    Directions
Les Essarts (85140)
**Château de Les Essarts (2 EUROS  guided visit + 3 EUROS spectacle)
    Behind the impressive XIIth century facade hide the ruins of a XVI th century Renaissance castle. Saturday and Sunday from 14h00 to 19h00. Spectacle "History of the Castle" 17h00 (both days)
    Directions
**Eglise Saint-Pierre Et Crypte FREE
    Directions
Les Herbiers (85500)
**Brochure for Pays des Herbiers 2019 Journees du Patrimoine
**Abbaye De La Grainetière FREE
   Open Saturday and Sunday from 14h00 to 17h45
    Directions
**Tour des Arts FREE
    Directions
L'Hermenault (85570)
**Château de l'Hermenault (5 EUROS - free visit)
    Sunday 22nd September only from 14h00 to 18h00 - Not to miss dovecote and absolutely stunning barn.
    Directions
Les Lucs-Sur-Boulogne (85170)
**Historial De La Vendée FREE
    Open Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to 19h00
    Museum website
    Directions
Les Magnils-Reigniers(85400)
**Eglise Saint-Nicolas FREE
    Directions
Luçon (85400)
**Visites commentées FREE
-  Évêché
- Hôtel de Ville Saturday 15h00 and 17h15; Sunday 10h30 and 15h00
- Jardin Dumaine Saturday 11h15; Sunday 11h15 and 16h00
- Quartier du Bourgneuf Saturday and Sunday 15h00
- Cathédrale Notre Dame de l'Assomption Saturday 14h00 and 17h15;Sunday 14h00 and 17h15
- Chapelle des Ursulines Saturday and Sunday 14h00 and 17h15
- Circuit des Chapelles (Sainte-Thérèse, Sainte-Madeleine, Jean-Paul II et Carmel) Saturday and Sunday à 14h30
**Visites libres FREE (Sat - Sun)
- Jardin Dumaine all day
- Théâtre Millandy costumes exposition, from 15h00 to 18h00
- Tombeau Dumaine, from 10h00 to 18h00
- Cathédrale Notre Dame de l'Assomption de 14h00 to 18h00 (outside the offices)
- Chapelle des Ursulines, from 14h00 to 18h00
    Directions to Lucon
Maillezais (85420)
**Ancienne Abbaye FREE
    Majestic, mysterious, glorious... are words to perfectly describe the cultural heritage site. Constructed on the ruins of an old chapel ca. 976, there are accounts of an established abbey anno 989. The abbey was the area's bishop's seat until 1648, but its monastic function continued until it was abandoned in 1666. The cathedral was destroyed during the Reformation and the Religious Wars. More information
    Open: Saturday from 10h00 to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 19h00
    Sunday from 10h00 to 19h00
    Directions
Mareuil-Sur-Lay-Dissais (85320)
**Eglise Saint-Sauveur FREE
**Musee De Dissais
   Directions to the village
Mervent (85200)
**Ecomusée Maison Des Amis De La Foret
    Directions
Mesnard-La-Barotière (85550)
**Ancienne Eglise Saint-Christophe FREE
    Directions
Mortagne-Sur-Sèvre (85290)
**Centre Historique Et Vallee De La Sèvre
    Directions 
**Chapelle Du Pont FREE
    Directions
**Chapelle Saint Lazare
    Directions
**Circuit Nocturne FREE
    Walk on the Pas de Montfort to Saint-Laurent-sur-Sèvre, holy city of the Vendée. The trail "On the trail of Montfort" is a discovery tour of  all the treasures of the city. Between historic sites and heritage, this route takes you from the Eiffel Bridge, to Grand Calvaire, through the communities, to the house of weavers, and the chapel of the Sisters of Wisdom.
**Eglise Saint-Pierre
Mouchamps (85640)
**Ancien Lavoir Communal
**Château De La Bobinière
**Château De La Guimenière
**Château Du Parc Soubise
**Eglise Saint-Pierre
**Lieu D'Inhumation De Georges Clemenceau
**Logis Lansonnière
**Logis Le Fief Goyau
**Monument Guilbaud
**Temple de Mouchamps
    Directions to the village
Mouilleron-Saint-Germain (85390)
**Crypt of the church FREE
    Art exposition  & Live music from Ireland  
    Saturday at 15 pm and 17 pm
    Sunday at 12 pm, 15 pm, and 17 pm
**Musee National de Clemenceau - De Lattre FREE
    Birth home of General de Lattre de Tassigny and the recently restored birth home of President Georges Clemenceau.
    Both homes are open (both days) 10h00 to 12h00 and from 14h00 to 18h00.
    Directions to Mouilleron(en-Pareds)-St-Germain
Moutiers-Les-Mauxfaits (85540)
**La Cantaudière - private but open on this weekend only
    Built in 1578, the building was initially a small fortress with four towers, ramparts, and a drawbridge (ramparts one tower were removed)
    The property was purchased in 1855 by Charles Duchaine and is, to this day, owned by his descendants
    Directions
Mouzeuil-Saint-Martin (85370)
**Eglise De La Trinité FREE
    Direcctions
Nieul-Sur-L'Autise (85240)
**Abbaye Saint-Vincent FREE
    Founded in 1068, it was declared a royal abbey in 1141 by King Louis VII, husband of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Except for the Romanesque cloister, it was largely destroyed in the Wars of Religion, and restored. 
    Open Saturday from 10h00 to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 18h00. Sunday from 10h00 to 18h00. Recommended! 
    Directions 
**Enceinte Préhistorique De Champ-Durand FREE
    Located on private property - This site of 3 ha probably sheltered a place of commercial exchanges. This site is accessible via Rue Champ Durand (follow the signs). More detailed information panels on site.
    Directions
Noirmoutier-En-L'Ile (85330)
**Musée Du Château FREE
    Built in the XIIth century, this medieval castle is one of the most well-preserved in western France.
    Free visit of the castle-museum with the exhibition "A Musée-vous +!" and demonstrations of Viking fights in the courtyard.
    Open from 10h00 to 18h00
    Directions
Olonne-Sur-Mer (85340)
**Château De Pierre Levée
Directions
**La Jarrie - FULLY BOOKED
    XIIth century fortified house occupied by German troops in WWII. Currently the Mairie of Olonne-sur-Mer
    Address: Rue des Sables
**Musée des Traditions Populaires - Mémoire des Olonnes FREE
   In a school built in 1891, discover the daily life in Pays d'Olonne in the early twentieth century with traditional crafts, costumes and headdresses, a rural interior, tools of the trade of farmers and vintners, the still, a classroom, WWI. At 15h00 join a historical walk from the museum through the narrow streets of Olonne-sur-Mer to discover its mansions, its listed church, its bourgeois houses and the work of sculptors Jan and Joel Martel.
   Directions 
Oulmes (85420)
**Eglise Notre-Dame FREE
**Mausolees
**Moulin De Pacouinay
    Directions to the village
Petosse (85570)
**Eglise Saint-Julien FREE
    Directions
Pissotte (85200)
**Église Saint-Remi FREE
    Directions
Pouzauges
**Eglise Notre-Dame Du Vieux Pouzauges FREE
**Eglise Saint-Jacques FREE
**Vieux-Château FREE
    XIth century fortress with its 350-meter long curtain walls. The donjon, built in the Poitou stone, is 26m high and was transformed into a residence by Catherine de Thouars, wife of the famous Gilles de Rais (Bluebeard) in the XVth century, with a granite spiral staircase, carved fireplaces and windows. 
    Directions
Puy-De-Serre (85240)
**Eglise Saint-Marthe FREE
    Directions 
Puyravault (85450)
**Eglise de Puyravault FREE
    Directions
Réaumur (85700)
**Chapelle Ste Marie De Reaumur FREE
    At the origin of this chapel lies the legend of the Virgin Mary to have provided a spring to quench the thirst of a knight.
    Guided tour on Saturday 21st September from 16h30 to 17h00
    Directions
**Manoir Des Sciences (REDUCED RATE 4 EUROS, OR 3.5 EUROS 12 TO 16)
    Discover everything from the Age of Enlightenment; the 18th century, the laboratory etc etc with guided tours
    Open Saturday 14h00 to 18h00; Sunday from 11h00 to 19h00
    Directions
**Prieuré Saint-Pierre
Sables d'Olonne (85100)
**Abbaye Saint-Jean d’Orbestier FREE
    Recently restored, the abbey was built in the twelfth century under the leadership of William IX, Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Poitou. The nearby forest was Richard de Lionheart's favourite hunting ground.
    Guided tour by Yanice Michaud Saturday at 15h00 (FULL) and Sunday at 17h30 
    Reservations by phone Tel:02 51 23 16 00
   Open from 11h00 to 19h00
   Directions
**Maison de Père Baudouin FREE
    200 years ago it was a place of hospitality, prayer and celebration. Father Louis-Marie Baudouin returned from exile on August 15, 1797 to lead a clandestine life in France in this modest house.
    Saturday 10h00 to 18h00
    Sunday 15h00 to 18h00
    Directions 
**Prieuré de Saint Nicholas FREE
    Erected by the religious of Holy Cross of Talmont in the XIth century, the priory was looted during the Wars of Religion, restored by Richelieu, and for 100 years (XVIII and IXXth) became a fort, guard house and powder magazine
    Saturday/ Sunday 10h30 to 12h30 and 14h30 to 18h30 - includes art exhibit
    Directions
**Eglise Notre dame du Bon Port FREE
    Church is open daily but at 16h00 (both days) there is a guided tour by the Association of Friends of Religious Heritage.
    Be aware this church is undergoing restoration at the moment
    Located on Place d'eglise, Rue Bisson (near the boardwalk - walking distance from large car parks in the city)
Saint-Aubin-La-Plaine (85210)
**Eglise Saint-Aubin FREE
    Directions
Saint-Benoist-Sur-Mer (85540)
**Eglise Saint-Benoist FREE
    Directions
Saint-Hilaire-Le-Vouhis (85450)
**La Chevillonniere (2 EUROS pp; children FREE)
    The manor of the Chevillonnière XVth century has been restored since 2008, but the XIVth century ramparts have only recently been discovered and completely reassembled: 110 m long with 2 small corner towers overlooking the river Le Petit Lay. 
    Open with guided tour - LOOKS INTERESTING!
    Friday, September 20 - 15h30 to 17h30
    Saturday, September 21 - 11h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 18h00
    Sunday, September 22 - 11h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 19h00
    Directions  GPS 46°41'23.2"N 1°07'49.9"W
Saint-Juire-Champgillon (85210)
**Château De Saint-Juire (NO INFO)
    Private. Tour of manoir and grounds - open from 11h00 - 19h00 on Saturday and from 12h00 - 17h00 on Sunday (tours every hour)
    Directions
Saint-Michel-En-L'Herm
**L'Abbaye Royale (REDUCED RATE 3 EUROS pp, FREE UNDER 7)
    We cannot recommend this enough (see our article). Guided tour of the gardens, refectory, scriptorium, the chapter house as well as (uniquely) the dining room and the other old buildings. Includes musical interludes.
    Saturday 10h00, 10h30, 11h00 and from 14h30 to 17h00 every half hour; and on Sunday 14h30 to 17h00 every half hour
    Directions
Saint-Michel-Le-Cloucq (85200)
**Château De La Baugisière (3 EUROS, CHILDREN FREE)
    Constructed in 1741 for Maximilien Boutou, lord of the Baugisière. Guided visit by the owners on the history of the castle the chapel and the park.
    Open on Saturday and Sunday from 10h30 to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 17h30
    Directions
Saint-Pierre-Du-Chemin (85120)
**Eglise Saint-Pierre FREE
**Lavoir FREE
    Directions
Saint-Pierre-Le-Vieux (85420)
**Eglise De Chalais FREE
    Exhibit of sculptures by a local artist from 10h00 to 18h00
    Directions
Saint-Prouant (85110)
**Prieuré de Grammont FREE
    Exhibit 'Abbeys from the sky' photography images in this beautiful little abbey (see article) with its murals, inner courtyard etc... (highly recommend!)
    Open Saturday from 14h00 to 19h00 and Sunday 10h00 to 19h00
    Directions
Saint-Sulpice-Le-Verdon (85260)
**Logis De La Chabotterie FREE
    Typical residence of Bas-Poitou   with live classical music
    Open Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to 19h00
    Bonus Activities: Harp and flute duet SHEANN ; Legends of the Vendée told by the Atelier du Coutumier (Saturday and Sunday); and on Sunday a painters contest open to amateurs and professionals (registration 08h00), as well as Jazz trio "Salt Pin-Ups" at 15h30 and 16h45
    Directions    
Sainte-Florence (85140)
**Espace Gaston Chaissac (REDUCED RATE 2 EUROS/ FREE under 18)
    Art workshops, wooden toys, hidden talent exhibit, guided tours and or self-guided. Website 
    Open Saturday from 14h00 to 19h00; and on Sunday from 10h00 to 19h00
    Directions
Sainte-Gemme-La-Plaine (85400)
**Logis De La Chevallerie (3 EUROS pp/ FREE under 13)
    History and website. Open for guided tours from 9h30 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 18h15 on Saturday and Sunday
    Choir on Sunday morning
    Directions
Sainte-Hermine (85210)
**Guided village tour FREE
   Discover historical places such as the remains of the church St. Hermand (XIIth century), the Clemenceau monument, the Protestant temple (open to the public on Sunday from 10h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 18h00)...
   Tour from 10h00 to noon with departure at the bus stop in front of the Mairie.
   Directions
Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard (85520)
**Maison de Georges Clemenceau FREE
    Visit the home where the beloved French President (First Minister at the time), who oversaw the negotiations surrounding the Treaty of Versailles (1919), retired after many years in public office and a well-lived life. 
    See our article In the Footsteps of Georges Clemenceau, which functions as a travel itinerary you can perfectly do on this Journées Patrimoine weekend. Expect queues. Highly recommend. Picnic tables next to the house.
    Open from 10h00 with guided tours of the famous garden at 10h30, 14h30, and 16h30.
    Directions
Sallertaine (85300)
**Moulin a Vent De Rairé (REDUCED RATE 4 EUROS ADULTS; 2 EUROS AGE 5 TO 12)
    Built around 1555, the Moulin de Rairé originally belonged to the lord of the Garnache, Jacques de la Touche. The windmill was spared from the wars in the Vendée and is in fact the only windmill in France which has never stopped functioning. Website
    Open Friday 20th through Sunday 22nd September from 14h00 - guided tour
    Directions
Sigournais (85110)
**Château Féodal (REDUCED RATE 3 EUROS ADULTS, 1 EURO FROM AGE 12)
    Remodeled in the 15th century on the foundations of a castle built around the year one thousand, with moats, polygonal enclosure, towers, covered walkway, latrines and much more. This feudal castle is one of the best examples of medieval military architecture in the Vendée and not to miss!
    Saturday from 14h30 to 18h30 with guided visits at 15h00, 15h45, 16h00, 17h30
    Sunday from 10h00 to 19h00 with guided visits at 10h00, 11h00, 12h00, then every half hour from 14h00 to 18h15
    Our article on Castles in the Vendee for more info.  Website
    Directions
Soullans (85300)
**Musée Charles Milcendeau Jean Yole De Soullans FREE
    Welcome to the world of painter Charles Milcendeau, pupil of Gustave Moreau.
    Saturday and Sunday from 14h00 to 18h30
    Directions
Talmont-Saint-Hilaire (85440)
**Château Des Granges Cathus FREE
    Evidence of a Xth century castle, rebuilt in XVIth century by Jean Cathus in "Renaissance" style. The castle was restored and refurbished in the 19th century and now belongs to the Rochethulon family.
    Superb remains of the original castle's gate, and beautiful renaissance carvings in the spiral staircase.
    Sunday 22nd September only from 09h30 to 12h and from 14h00 to 18h00
    Directions
**Château de Talmont FREE (crossbow shooting 1 Euro)
    Guided tours at 10h45, 11h30, 14h15, 15h30 and 17h00.
    New 2019: unusual appointments at 11h30, 14h00, 15h00, 16h00 and 17h00 (on reservation Tel: 02 51 90 27 43, limited places. Website)
    Directions
Thiré (85210)
**Eglise Saint-Pierre FREE
    Directions
Tiffauges
**Château De Tiffauges FREE
    Geoffrey Thouars built the castle in the 12th Century, its ramparts and towers protecting the village by the Crume river; but it is perhaps more (in)famous for Gilles de Rais or Bluebeard.
    Castle is open on Saturday and Sunday with free entry and demonstrations of the war machines (no other animations)
    Open 14h00 to 19h00 ; more info see our article
    Directions
Vouillé-Les-Marais (85450)
**Eglise Saint-Maixent FREE
    Directions
Vouvant (85120)
**Maison De Mélusine FREE
    Directions
Xanton-Chassenon (85240)
**Eglise Saint-Pierre FREE
    Directions

** Check our Facebook Group for event announcements/ locations we found interesting.
NOTE: this weekend offers the opportunity to visit historical locations not normally open to the public - often because they are privately owned. Sometimes it may be necessary to make a reservation.