Castle Islands and History
The Château de La Forêt-Sur-Sèvre stands on two islands surrounded by the Sèvre. The château is on one island, and the remains of the former outbuildings are on the other. The château is partially protected as a historic monument. This protection covers the façades and roofs, as well as the ground of both islands with the château and former outbuildings, and the surrounding water areas. It was listed by decree on 19 July 1963.
During the Vendée Wars, the château was looted and burned down. Reconstruction began in 1810; the restoration was completed in 1837. These dates mark the destruction, rebuilding and completion of the restoration as separate stages.
Chapel, Church and Manor House
The Chapelle de l’Ouvroir was consecrated on 14 September 1845 and extended in 1851. The extension tripled its area. Its altarpiece depicts the Passion of Christ and a Pietà, and has been listed in the register of historic monuments since 2014. The chapel thus brings together architectural history and religious art.
In the church of La Forêt-Sur-Sèvre, the chalice and paten have been protected as movable historic objects since 8 November 2001. This protection applies to individual furnishings and complements the view of the buildings and their history.
The Logis de la Jobtière is in La Ronde, within the commune of La Forêt-Sur-Sèvre. It is said to have been rebuilt around 1480. The manor house and the long outbuildings form a courtyard surrounded by ditches; this courtyard, in turn, lies within a complex of water-filled ditches. Here, the courtyard and the larger ditch complex are two connected but distinct levels.
Hiking Route, Nature and Activities
The “Saint Marsault – La virée des pommiers fleuris” hiking route runs through La Forêt-Sur-Sèvre. Its paths pass through sunken lanes and Chiron landscapes. Along the way, the Pierre des Plochères can be seen beside distinctive houses; flowering apple trees may also come into view. The landscape features and individual viewpoints together make this route distinctive.
An oak cork tree known as the “Chêne liège du facteur” has been growing in the village centre for more than 80 years. It was planted by former postman Jojo Marsault. Its name thus reflects not only its age but also its connection to this local resident.
Carp fishing using the no-kill principle takes place at Le Pont de Bois. There is a rest area with picnic tables for anglers and their families. Fishing and leisure are expressly catered for together here.
The pump track in La Forêt-Sur-Sèvre offers a different kind of activity: it consists of a course with bumps and curves for mountain bikes and BMX bikes. Unlike the hiking route through sunken lanes and Chiron landscapes, it is designed for these bikes. The two activities thus differ in their mode of travel and focus.
Discover more destinations: Coulon, Le Retail, La Guérinière, Fressines, Bressuire, Clavé, Échiré, Oiron.
For the broader travel overview: Deux-Sèvres.
