Travel Guide Avrillé

A town for prehistory lovers ! Avrillé is proud to have nine menhirs classified by the Monuments historiques, and many others not listed. The first and most famous of them, called "Le Roi des Menhirs" (The King of Menhirs ), is the menhir of "Camp de César". It isthe highest in the Vendée and one of the highest in France: it is 7 m high and weighs about 85 000 kg. It stands in the park of the town hall. A hiking trail, which starts next to the tourist office, allows you to discover most of the megalithic treasures of Avrillé over 9 km. Among the other megaliths to see: the menhir of the Stone, a line of 3 menhirs along the road, classified as historical monuments; on the road to Beaulieu, the menhir of Beaulieu, an imposing block of 9 m in circumference, 4.30 m high. One of the most imposing menhirs: 5 m high and a circumference of 9.50 m for a weight of 100,000 kg! On the Route des Sables, at the Château de la Guignardière (paying access), is the menhir of the Bois du Gourgon: a group of 5 menhirs, the largest of which are 6.40 m high . Other curiosities include the Saint-Gré fountain, the wash house and the market hall. If you are a fan of prehistory, Saint-Hilaire-la-Forêt is home to the Préhisto'Site du CAIRN, which will tell you about prehistory in the Vendée and will involve young and old in fun activities. To be seen here, the Château des Aventuriers, in the park of the Château de la Guignardière