Cheffois, Vendee

This small village in the south east corner of the Vendée is three kilometres from la Chataigneraie and does not normally appear in most guide books to the Vendée, yet it has three amazing treasures. The first of these treasures is actually a commercial enterprise, it is Ripaud a nursery which runs along either side of the road between La Chataigneraie and Cheffois and beyond. The nursery specialises in topiary trees and conifers and sports a vast quantity of sculptured trees in various stages of cultivation. The nursery rivals the very best of botanical gardens and one can drive through it. Rarely does a commercial site have such a large welcomed visual impact, and this has inspired the local population so much that every roundabout, garage forecourt and other numerous sites for many miles around use the same trees and landscaping techniques to amazing effect.

The second and perhaps best known attraction of Cheffois is however the XIII century fortified church of St.Peter. During the feudal medieval times churches were often the only place of refuge from attack and so many were fortified, and here at Cheffois is one of the best examples in the Vendée. The architecture is in Gothic style and has Angevin vaulted ceilings and a fortified portcullis.

Carriere du Rocher. Cheffois's other treasure is the old Quartzite quarry which closed in 1953. The Conseil General of the Vendée in 1993 turned this site into a nature reserve and the site is now a paradise for nature lovers with great walks around its perimeter.

Two excellent restaurants are to found in and around Cheffois.

Cheffois host a music festival in August.

Photo Gallery of Cheffois

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