Le Boupère is a commune in the Vendée department, in the Pays de la Loire region, 13 km southeast of Les Herbiers.
Its vast territory of 43 km² is located in the heart of the natural region of the Vendée bocage.
Crossed by the course of the Lay, the locality has preserved rural landscapes dedicated to agricultural activity: it is covered with various agricultural areas (39% of its surface area), arable land (28%) but also meadows (14%) and some forest areas (5%).
Cattle breeding (production of milk and derivatives or meat) is traditionally anchored there.
The town appeared in the early Middle Ages, then called "Alba Petra" (the white stone), a name which became by derivation Le Boupère.
Comprising a number of hamlets, the commune now has nearly 3,200 inhabitants. Its heritage and its leisure offerings in a green environment will delight hikers in particular. An hour from the beaches and close to famous sites (Le Puy du Fou), a good idea for a stopover in any season!
The locality has an important heritage, including several sites protected as historical monuments.
A discovery trail can begin in the center of the town with the Saint-Pierre church, famous for its fortified character. The building was built from the 12th century in a Romanesque style, following a plan in the shape of a Latin cross and equipped with a choir with a flat apse. The church then depended on the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Jouin de Marnes, in the current department of Deux-Sèvres. From the second half of the 14th to the beginning of the 15th century, the Hundred Years' War caused major construction because the church was intended to shelter the surrounding villagers and peasants during the unrest. Buttresses pierced with loopholes and gunholes and topped with watchtowers fortify the facade dominated by a wall walk. This is protected by a crenellated parapet and overlooks the square by 20 m. Furthermore, we observe niches in the shape of loopholes in the wall. At the same time, the development of the wall walk made it necessary to widen the nave via an aisle. As a result, the door is moved, but not the initial oculus, above, which gives the facade an asymmetrical appearance... For other reasons this time, in the 19th century, the transept was enlarged and the current bell tower built in 1890. In the meantime, the church had been classified in 1862. And in 1926, a stained glass window was placed on the oculus representing Saint Peter in his boat and sitting in Rome, "fisherman of fish and men". With its facade reminiscent of a fortress, the church is worth the visit. An audio guide is available.
On the square, on the right side, we will also notice a beautiful contemporary fountain with symbols referring to the Romanesque style (such as capital decorations).
In terms of civil heritage, a legacy of the feudal era, several castles or manor houses are also worth a detour. In the south of the territory, this is the case of the Fief-Milon castle which was integrated into the defense of Pouzauges. Built in the 14th century on a high position, it dominated the region as far as the Gâtine mountains. In the 19th century, the medieval ensemble (a central body and its two large round towers) was remodeled according to the style of the time. False machicolations were installed and a new building made it possible to connect the castle and the outbuildings. Listed in the Inventory, the still private estate now hosts receptions. Information on +33 2 51 91 31 42.
To the south-west of the town, to see next, the Château de la Pelissonnière which has retained a Renaissance style and which, again, was remodeled in the 19th century. We will also mention the Logis de la Biffardière (with 17th century elements), that of Beignon (with its 18th century chapel) and the Logis de la Baussonnière, going to Pouzauges (fortified house from the 16th century bought by merchants in the 17th century).
On the cultural side, several rooms (like that of the Bocage) host shows and community events: contact the town hall on +33 2 51 91 41 65. The library, for its part, has a program of readings, meetings and activities, particularly dedicated to young audiences: information at +33 2 51 57 00 31.
For sports enthusiasts, an outdoor tennis court is accessible near the Goussaud stadium (reservation at the Café des Sports), and a city stadium is located at the Verger complex (route de Saint-Mars -La-Réorthe).
The region and the landscapes of the town lend themselves to this: for a bike ride, it is useful to contact the local cycle touring club on +33 6 18 61 38 49.
Hikers (on foot or mountain bike) are pampered: ten marked circuits (all departing from Place de l'Église), 7 to 16 km long, are available, including heritage elements and forays into the bocage, the Vendée hills and the undergrowth, with superb views to boot. Maps and information (with the possibility of downloading the files) on +33 2 51 91 41 65 or +33 2 51 91 82 46.
It is also worth mentioning the Promenade Pierre Barouh, in homage to the author, composer and performer who had installed his studio in the town. The 2 km route winds through the wooded areas of the village and the bocage and allows you to discover the artist's world.
Certain paths are punctuated by picnic areas: at the Verger complex, on the site of the Gilleraie quarry, near the Grand Chêne of the Pélissonnière forest or finally near the grove of the year 2000 (next to the Bocage room).
We will also mention that fishermen have free access to the Etang du Verger (day pass: 5 euros, to be collected at the Café des Sports).
When returning from a walk, it is also pleasant to meet an art craftsman. The workshops of Alexandre Lamotte, sculptor (contact +33 2 51 64 52 83), Guy Ageneau, art cabinetmaker (info on +33 6 22 68 27 42) or Adelaide pottery (inquire at 06 11) are accessible. 50 06 83).
