Audardière Trail No. 12

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Starting Point: Gué Gorand Parking Lot, Rue des Goélettes
This route begins in downtown Coëx at the Gué Gorand parking lot, located below City Hall, across from the garden and the Salle du Parc. Head toward downtown, pass by the church and Place Georges Clemenceau, then turn left onto Rue de la Clergerie. Continue straight ahead until you reach the curve marking the start of Chemin de la Lucillière. At this point, continue straight ahead again. Then take the first left (Chemin de la Procession). At the stop sign on Rue du Bocage, turn right, then immediately left onto Chemin de l’Eponge.

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Chemin de l’Eponge, old mill
Follow Chemin de l’Eponge for 650 meters, then as soon as you see the railroad tracks, turn left to follow them. You’ll pass by a pond. Continue along the path until you reach an intersection, where you’ll turn right (Saint Anne) and cross the railroad tracks again. Continue to the next intersection, turn right onto Chemin de l’Eponge, then left. Walk 650 m, and when you reach Sainte Marie (a dead-end street with a bed-and-breakfast), go straight ahead. After walking 550 m, you’ll reach an intersection with an information sign about the Château de l’Audardière. Head to the right and walk for about 1 km. (Tip: use a mountain bike)

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La Brosse Sanson
When you reach Route de Coëx, turn right and continue for a little over 1 km (watch out for traffic—there’s no sidewalk; it’s dangerous because cars drive very fast—not recommended with children). Take the first left. Continue and turn right, following the yellow arrow. Follow this shaded path through the countryside until you reach La Brosse Sanson, where you’ll turn left. Pass by a pond. After about 1 km, you’ll come to an intersection where bike paths cross. Go straight ahead toward Coëx.

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Rue de la Clergerie
You’ll then recognize the route you took at the start of this loop, so continue straight ahead toward Rue de la Clergerie. Then, at the stop sign, turn right toward the Gué Gorand parking lot.

Recommended gear for your hike Backpack containing: a water bottle some snacks a fully charged phone a first-aid kit, if necessary. Sun protection during the summer: a cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Appropriate hiking shoes: comfortable, closed-toe, and with good traction.

Clothing appropriate for the weather: a waterproof jacket, warm clothes, or sun protection, depending on the season.

Before setting out, check the weather forecast, choose a route suited to your skill level, and let a friend or family member know if you’re going on a long or remote hike.

A Few Tips for a Safe Hike

Before you set out, be sure to pack gear appropriate for the length of your hike and the weather conditions. Wear shoes that are suitable for walking, comfortable, and provide good traction, as well as clothing appropriate for the season (a waterproof jacket in case of rain, sun protection on hot days, and warm clothes when it’s cool).

Also bring a bottle of water, a few snacks if needed, and make sure your phone is charged in case of an emergency.

While on the trail, stay alert to your surroundings: some sections may be slippery after rain.

Be considerate of other trail users (hikers, cyclists, horseback riders), stay on the marked trails, and help preserve nature by taking your trash with you.

Finally, check the weather forecast before you set out and adjust your route to suit your skill level and physical condition.

Enjoy your hike!

From Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie to Coëx:

By car: The 12-kilometer drive from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie to Coëx takes about 15 minutes. Take the D6 toward La Roche-sur-Yon, then follow the signs to Coëx. The route gradually takes you away from the coast into the wooded countryside of the Vendée. By bike: Coëx is accessible from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie via a route that mainly follows small country roads. This route lets you discover another side of the region, passing through marshes, farmland, and bocage landscapes.

Coëx, an authentic village nestled among the Vendée’s bocage and heritage sites

Located in the heart of the Vendée’s retro-littoral region, just a few kilometers from Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Coëx invites you to discover a region where bocage landscapes, sunken paths, and rural heritage come together. This charming town offers a true escape into nature, perfect for walks or bike rides.

As you stroll through the village, let yourself be charmed by the village center, dominated by the Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, then set out to explore the rolling landscapes shaped by hedgerows and waterways. Coëx also boasts a remarkable natural heritage, notably the Coëx metarhyolites, a site listed in the Vendée Geological Heritage Inventory.

Don’t miss the Municipal Garden, a true oasis of greenery that invites you on a sensory journey through its plants and scenic settings. With its blend of nature, heritage, and a relaxed way of life, Coëx is an ideal stop to take the time to explore another side of the Vendée, far from the hustle and bustle of the coast.

Treasure Hunt - Louise and the Witch of Gué Gorand

For a fun family adventure, set off on a quest with “Louise and the Witch of Gué Gorand,” a treasure hunt that invites children to explore Coëx while having fun. Accompanied by Louise, young detectives will have to solve puzzles, observe their surroundings, and take on challenges to unravel the mysteries of the village and Gué Gorand.

The scavenger hunt booklet is available free of charge at the Coëx town hall as well as at the tourist information offices in the Pays de Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. It’s a unique way to explore the town with your family, combining a walk, imagination, and a spirit of adventure.

Discover the town: https://www.payssaintgilles-tourisme.fr/destination/nos-destinations/coex/