The Church of Saint-Hilaire is one of the most characteristic examples of 15th-century religious architecture in the Vendée.
Culture and history
The Church of Saint-Hilaire contains an oil painting by Sartoris from 1838 depicting Saint Hilaire, as well as an oil painting by Jean Chevolleau entitled “Le Golgotha”. There are also two stained-glass windows by Jean Chevolleau from 1964 depicting the Crucifixion and the Virgin with the Innocents.
The first known mention of the priory of Breuil-Barret dates back to the 12th century. In the 19th century, Breuil-Barret experienced industrial growth; the already numerous weavers exported renowned flannel fabrics.
Anyone choosing Breuil-Barret as a travel destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment there.
Trails and landscapes
The Voie verte de Breuil-Barret follows a former railway line that transported passengers and goods between Bressuire and Fontenay-le-Comte for more than a century. As a trail, it is shaded and has a paved surface; it is used by walkers and cyclists. The Circuit de Faymoreau à Breuil-Barret also follows an old railway line on its way to Breuil-Barret.
The Viaduc de Coquilleau was built from 1883 onwards by the Archambault company and opened to railway traffic in 1890. It crosses the Mère, resting on two quartz veins. The quartz formations associated with the Viaduc de Coquilleau rise above bocage landscapes and the Mervent forest.
Hiking and activities
The Sentier de l’Escapade is a 19 km hiking trail that begins at Place Saint-Hilaire in Breuil-Barret. It is marked in yellow, runs clockwise and offers two variants.
At the Viaduc de Coquilleau, you can bungee jump from 52 m above the water.
Other places: La Faute-Sur-Mer, L'aiguillon-Sur-Vie, Sainte-Gemme-La-Plaine, Challans, Beauvoir-Sur-Mer, La Chapelle-Hermier, Pouzauges, Saint-Hilaire-De-Loulay
