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Located only a few minutes away from the Atlantic Coast and in the heart of the Breton Marsh, Challans is a city where life is pleasant. Starting point of the second stage of the 2005 Tour de France, it benefits from a privileged geographical location. Existing since prehistoric times, as can demonstrate the presence of the Vérie menhir, Challans gets its name from a pre-indo-European term "kal" meaning stone, shelter, village. Built during the 11th century on the current “place des Maronniers”, the first church was threatening to fall apart. The reconstruction of the Notre Dame church was undertaken in 1862 starting with the bell tower, the chorus and the sacristies. But, in 1893, a brand new building was built directly facing the old one which had become too dangerous. The new church of neogothic style, was completed in 1897, but since funds were missing, the old church’s bell tower was preserved. This is why the bell tower is located 50 meters away from its church! Inside, one finds one of Vendée’s oldest Christian relics, a Merovingian cross dating from the 6th century. Between land and sea, Challans and its surroundings offer multiple facets and prospects, landscapes for all tastes and rhythms. Inland, the "Blue" marsh offers a wonderful terrain for photographers, hikers, fishermen and hunters. A strange and fertile ground, the Breton Marsh is a natural boundary between land and sea and many pedestrian paths allow you to discover it. Legend has it that the duck of Challans was born in 1650 from a cross between wild ducks and ducks brought by Dutchmen or Spanish sailors. Thereafter, crosses with other duck species have improved the race and succeeded in breeding very large birds. Challans quickly became the recognized capital of the duck thanks to a significant poultry market. With the development of the train, the notoriety of the duck of Challans spread to the capital. Initially named "canard de Nantes" (duck from Nantes), because its shipping to Paris was done at the Nantes station, it was later named “canard de Challans” (duck from Challans), its true breeding being possible only in the marshes. Vendee’s history can be discovered through Les Essarts’ numerous castles, homes, mills and churches. Its forests, rivers and ponds also hold surprises at every turn. Les Essarts welcome the 2005 Tour de France for the first time and will be the town of arrival of the Tour’s second stage. Les Essarts’ castle’s history begins during the 9th century. At the beginning of the 13th century, the local lords built it in stone. The current church was built during the 19th century replacing an old Roman church of the Saint-Peter priory. The Roman building, built during the 11th and 12th century, was burnt during the Vendée Wars, by the Infernal Columns. Only the entry gates made out of granite stone remain. In addition to its stained glass windows, each one representing an episode of Peter the apostle’s life, the church keeps a remarkable treasure: a procession cross made out of solid silver. Dating from the 12th century, the crypt was preserved and classified as a historical monument in 1971. It should be noted that the St-Peter church of Les Essarts is the only Vendean church to have two bell towers. During the 19th century, the modern castle was built along with the house often called by Essartais the "country cottage". Nowadays, it is the castle’s caretaker’s lodge. The Mill of Ansonnière is one of the last remains of the old windmills.
links
L'office de tourisme de Challans
L'office de tourisme des Essarts
Comité Départemental de la Vendée |
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