Balade Historique et Gourmande à La Tourlandry/Les Gardes

Come and discover the history of the Vendée insurrection in the heart of the Mauges and the history of reconstruction!

The Association pour la Valorisation du Patrimoine Local (AVPL) invites you to take part in its "Balade Historique et Gourmande", a day of discovery, conviviality and sharing of local history.

The meeting point is at 9.30am in the parish hall of La Tourlandry, to the right of the church. Participants will be welcomed with a complimentary coffee before a presentation of the programme and the six guides who will be leading the day. An introduction will provide an insight into the history of La Tourlandry during the Vendée Wars.

The morning will be devoted to discovering the local heritage, with a visit to the Old Bell Tower, a presentation of the presbytery and the incredible treasure unearthed in 1984 (assignats, Stofflet bonds, chalice, etc.), as well as an evocation of key figures such as Jean Réveillère and François Hy. The "Prisoners' Walk", illustrated by projections of period documents, and a visit to the church of La Tourlandry will complete this historical tour.

An aperitif hosted by the AVPL in the presence of local councillors will bring the morning to a close, before lunch served in the town hall restaurant, at the home of Kévin and Aurélie, in La Tourlandry.

The afternoon will continue with a heritage walk featuring several stops: the Chapel of the Thirteen Crosses, the Church of Saint-Georges in Saint-Georges-des-Gardes and its historical presentations, the Chapel of the Sisters and the history of the creation of the abbey, before discovering the sanctuary of Les Gardes.

The day will end at around 6.30pm at the Salle des Énergies in Les Gardes with a snack and a friendly drink, in a setting conducive to exchanges and contemplation of the site.

The day will be led by six local history enthusiasts from La Tourlandry, Chemillé and Saint-Georges-des-Gardes, who will share their knowledge and their attachment to this exceptional heritage.

Lunch included. By prior arrangement only with the AVPL.

This walk is part of an overall programme of 10 Historical and Gourmet Walks in the Mauges. Organised by local associations, these walks invite you to discover, with the help of passionate historians, the Vendée Wars and the reconstruction of our villages.