In the heart of the secret Vendée, the day begins with wooded paths, granite chaos and ancient legends. Welcome to the Piquet and Pierre aux Fées valleys, a corner of unspoilt nature where hiking, gastronomy and heritage discovery go hand in hand.
Walking in the heart of nature
Get your trainers on in the morning and set off for the Vallée d'Yon. The starting point is the Piquet car park, accessible from the D50, a 20-minute drive from Domaine de Buchignon. This is the start of a 6.85 km route from the Guinguette de Piquet. The well-marked trail takes you through a setting that is both peaceful and wild.
You'll soon cross the Petit Rochereau district and climb up to the belvedere, a natural balcony overlooking the valley. The views are spectacular. Continuing towards Grand Rochereau, the path opens out onto a landscape frozen in time. One landscape follows another, but no two are alike.
💡The walk, which is accessible to all, will take around 2hrs 10mins, not including breaks, which you will surely be tempted to multiply as the surroundings invite you to contemplate. You can find the itinerary on Visorando by searching for walks in the Tablier area.
At the end of the loop, you reach the Chaos de Piquet, a striking site where the Yon reveals its true face. This is where legend takes shape: it is said that Gargantua, Rabelais's giant, confronted Lucifer in a frenzied game of shuffleboard. The rocks are said to be the remains of this mythical duel: a place that feeds the imagination.
A tasty stop at the guinguette
After the effort, the comfort: head for La Guinguette de Piquet, located just a few minutes from Chaos de Piquet. In a friendly country atmosphere, take a seat on the terrace: it's the place to be for walkers, families and local regulars.
On the menu, generous Vendée cuisine that showcases local produce: melt-in-the-mouth mogettes, smoked ham, homemade prefou, onion soup, not forgetting desserts such as French toast brioche. The relaxed, bucolic setting invites you to take your time, toast, laugh and enjoy.
Wine discovery at Château de Rosnay
Just 5 minutes away by car, extend your day with a stop off the beaten track at Château de Rosnay. This characterful wine estate offers a guided tour of the château and cellars, followed by a tasting of wines from their own vineyards.
The welcome is warm and personalised, and the setting authentic. A visit that combines heritage and the pleasures of the senses, immersing you in the local history while awakening your taste buds.
💡 Guided tours last approximately 1? hours. It is advisable to contact the château directly to confirm times, prices and book your slot. All practical information is available on their official website.
A moment to savour slowly, ideal for those who like to discover a region in a different way, by taking the time to listen to it and taste it.
💡 Good to know: for horse lovers, Château de Rosnay is offering an exclusive and unique package in partnership with Le Haras du Plessis riding school, also located in Rosnay. The programme includes a 2-hour horse ride through the vineyards, followed by a wine tasting session and a tour of the estate.
This unusual activity, ideal for lovers of nature and wide open spaces, does however require booking and represents a larger budget. For full details, please contact the château directly.
After a busy day, it's time to head back to the Domaine de Buchignon. With your head full of memories, your legs a little heavy and your taste buds still alert, treat yourself to a well-deserved rest... in the heart of nature, as an extension of this emotionally-charged day.
@Chateau de Rosnay
