Lakes and rivers for fishing and hiking

A region of water and rivers, the Pays de Chantonnay is also known for its river, “le Lay”, as well as its 3 lakes. The total water area covers 270 hectares, and offers many leisure activities.

The river le Lay and its source

On site

The “ le Lay” river and the source of la Solissonnière can be found at just 200 metres from the gîtes, just below the hamlet. Depending on the direction of the wind, the pleasant sound of cascading water may be heard either from the garden or the pool area.

LAiguillon-Lay-LaFaute

Le Lay, the most important coastal river in the Vendée

The “le Lay” meanders its way through the rolling hills of the bocage and then flows into the plains of the Southern Vendée, before reaching the ocean at Aiguillon sur Mer. It is the longest river in the Vendée, and is famous for its many fishing spots, and changing landscapes.

The natural source of la Solissonnière, has been known since Antiquity

The source of the “Solissonnière” emerges from an underground path. The fountain has been transformed into a wash house and was placed under the protection of the Virgin Marie which overlooks the grotto.

Débit rapide de l'eau de sourceLa grotte de la SolissonnièreLe bassin lavoir de la SolissonnièreLa source de la Solissonnière, un lieu énergétique apaisant

The geological explanation is simple

  1. Le The subsoil of the Chantonnay Basin is composed of limestone which has fractured or collapsed along a fault line called the “sillon houiller vendéen “, literally the Vendéen coal seam “. These faults – or cracks – have a funnel shape which speeds up the infiltration of rainwater into the rocks.
  2. The subsoil resembles a Gruyere (Swiss cheese): natural galleries dug into the limestone channel the water to the source of La Solissonnière. Geologically, this “gruyère” is called a karst, while the water rising towards the surface (the source) is referred to as the “resurgence”

Just for the record, the underground water flow rate is rather rapid: 5km per day. This natural spring water flows directly into the Grand Lay.
Within living memory, this natural source has never dried up, even during long spells of hot weather.

The unusual info

The source, high energy site of Vendee

A dowser told us how the source of La Solissonnière was recognized in the small world of geobiologists and radiesthesists. Some come from far away to recharge their batteries …

But why?

It seems that the source is a High Energy Place (HLE). Like the abbey of Nieul or the Ciste des Cous, it can recharge your energy as the vibration rate is high. Uninitiated people can also easily perceive the vibrations: the first symptom, tingling at the end of the fingers. Since this unusual statement, some of the cottage guests have confirmed the energy importance of the place.

Whether credited or not, the source is well worth the discovery if only for its quiet atmosphere … and rejuvenating properties.

Travail sur les énergies dans un lieu sacré
Barques au lac de Rochereau

The Rochereau lake

At 12 minutes from the gîtes

Rochereau Lake takes its name from the surrounding landscape, being partly composed of rocky hillsides. Furthermore, La Morlière a restaurant eponym, allows you to enjoy your meal while admiring the panorama view over the lake.

The lake is one of the best spots for fishing and hiking: many starting points enable you to enjoy a walk around the lake (a 9km trail)

The Touchegray Lake

At 15 minutes from the gîtes

The Touchgray Lake is well established alongside the Lay and passes through a succession of small valleys. It represents various landscapes and an almost Mediterranean flora along its rocky outcrops.

The walking trail around the lake allows you to gain height and admire the many beautiful views. It then heads towards the village of the Fuiteau and the wash-houses.

On the opposite side, another natural site deserves a visit: the l’Assemblée des Deux Lays, is the ford formed by the junction of the Petit and Grand Lay rivers.

Canoe Kayak

from 6 € / pers

From June to August, the Touchegray outdoor activity centre offers canoeing and kayaking. Several packages are possible: 1 hour walks, half-day outings or evening events to admire the sunsets.

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