Sion-les-Mines and its hidden lakes: 6 gems to discover by campervan

Nestled between the Vendée bocage and old mining secrets, Sion-les-Mines hides turquoise lakes and quirky sites. Perfect for a nature getaway in a campervan.

Head to the Vendée, far from the crowds, to explore Sion-les-Mines and its surroundings. Here, former mining sites have become crystal-clear lakes, forests hold legends, and villages reveal surprising heritage. Get your van ready, as we take you on the road to these lesser-known, accessible treasures, ideal for campervans.

Lac de la Roche aux Fées

This lake, with its emerald-green waters born from an old quarry, is an ideal spot for swimming and picnics. Its wooded setting and shaded trails make it a peaceful haven for nature lovers.

Where to sleep nearby

Parking at Arboretum in Gâvre Forest in Le Gavre Parking ★ 4.9 Dense forest and nearby pond, free overnight stay under the stars. 7 minutes by car (6 km), absolute peace. › Camping de la Foret Campsite ★ 4.5 Shaded forest campsite, pond and centuries-old oaks. 47 minutes on foot, rated 4.5/5. › Camping & Gîtes du Canal de Blain Campsite ★ 4.2 Family-friendly campsite by the canal, warm atmosphere. 7 minutes by car (6 km), 4.2/5. › Day parking castle canal Blain Parking ★ 4.5 Natural parking area near the castle and canal. Flat ground, 7 minutes by car (6 km). › Waterfront parking Saffré Parking ★ 4.4 Pond and Nantes-Brest canal, free and shaded overnight stay. 8 minutes by car (8 km), spacious. ›

Les anciennes mines de fer de Sion-les-Mines

Dive into the village’s industrial past by exploring the remains of the iron mines. Information boards and the lunar landscapes of the spoil heaps transport you back to the region’s mining era.

Where to sleep nearby

Lakeside parking Saint-Sulpice-des-Landes Parking ★ 4.8 By two ponds, absolute calm. 5 minutes by car, free and well-rated (4.8). › Parking by the Chère river in Mouais Parking ★ 4.7 Former riverside campsite, tables and bins provided. 6 minutes by car, free (4.7). › Woodland parking with pond Sion-les-Mines Parking ★ 4.5 Pond and nearby trails, compost toilets. 6 minutes by car, free (4.5). › Accessible pond parking PMR Sion-les-Mines Parking Close to the mines, simple and accessible parking. 5 minutes by car, no reviews but practical. ›

Lac de la Provostière

This man-made lake, surrounded by forests, is perfect for a family walk or a paddleboarding session. Its developed banks offer stunning views over the water.

Where to sleep nearby

Parking by the lake Joué-sur-Erdre Parking ★ 4.8 Peaceful lakeside spot, rated 4.8. 5 minutes away (5 km), flat and quiet ground. › Parking by pond Trans-sur-Erdre Parking ★ 4.4 Large shaded grassy area near the Erdre. Free, 5 minutes by car (4 km). › Lakeside parking Riaillé Parking ★ 4.3 Hidden pond, walking trails 11 minutes on foot. Shaded and flat ground. › Free motorhome area Rue de la Benate Riaillé Motorhome area ★ 4 Free municipal area, 5-6 shaded spaces. 48 minutes on foot, near shops. › Lakeside parking La Meilleraye-de Parking ★ 3.6 Equipped parking (toilets, play area) by a pond. 6 minutes by car (6 km), variable. ›

Église Saint-Pierre de Sion-les-Mines

This 19th-century church, with its slender steeple, towers over the town. Its simple interior and history tied to the mining boom are well worth a visit.

Where to sleep nearby

Lakeside parking Saint-Sulpice-des-Landes Parking ★ 4.8 Free parking by two ponds, calm and restful. 5 minutes away (4 km). › Parking by the Chère river in Mouais Parking ★ 4.7 Former campsite by the River Chère, tables and bins. 6 minutes (6 km). › Woodland parking with pond Sion-les-Mines Parking ★ 4.5 Parking by a pond with walking trails, toilets. 6 minutes (5 km). › Accessible pond parking PMR Sion-les-Mines Parking Simple and nearby parking, ideal for a quick overnight stay. 5 minutes (5 km). ›

Forêt de la Gâchere

A dense and mysterious forest crisscrossed with hiking trails. Ideal for a nature break between stops, with picnic areas scattered throughout.

Where to sleep nearby

Les Légumes du Champ Campsite ★ 4.9 Rural permaculture setting, 15 minutes by bike from the beach. 2 enclosed pitches, rated 4.9, 24 minutes on foot. › Prom. Georges Pernoud, Les Sables-d'Olonne Motorhome area ★ 4.5 Free campervan parking, 5 minutes from Paracou beach. Calm, 4.5/5, 28 minutes on foot. › Seaside view parking Le Château-d'Olonne Parking ★ 4.2 Exceptional sea views at Puits de l'Enfer, sunset spot. Free, 4.2/5, 6 minutes by car. › Camping Domaine Les Rousselières Campsite ★ 4.6 Family-run farm campsite, heated pool. 4.6/5, 5 minutes by car, shaded pitches. › Shaded parking Gillard area Olonne-sur-Mer Parking ★ 4.2 Shaded area with tables, forest and beach 1 km away. Free, 4.2/5, 43 minutes on foot. ›

Château de la Preuillère

This 15th-century castle, surrounded by a moat, is an architectural gem. Guided tours reveal its medieval past and remarkable gardens.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping rural Coin de ciel Campsite ★ 4.7 Family-friendly 4.7-star campsite, spacious and shaded pitches. 48 minutes on foot, open all year. › Park parking shops Montaigu-Vendée Parking ★ 4.5 Free and shaded parking, 5 minutes by car (4 km). Bakery and shops nearby. › Cemetery parking in city center Clisson Parking ★ 4.5 Free parking at the town centre’s doorstep, 7 minutes by car (7 km). Close to the castle and hiking trails. › Saint-Hilaire-de-Clisson Parking ★ 4.4 Natural parking by the pond, 6 spaces. Toilets and water (sometimes off), 37 minutes on foot. › Heavy vehicles parking Aigrefeuille-sur-Maine Parking ★ 3.9 Large stabilised parking area, calm day and night. Public toilets nearby, 7 minutes by car (6 km). ›

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