The history of these three villages has long been linked to their maritime heritage, their proximity to the Atlantic, the Baie de Bourgneuf and the former Golfe de Machecoul, now covered by the Marais Breton Vendéen. Located less than 20 minutes from Pornic and 40 minutes from Nantes and Noirmoutier, today's Villeneuve is a dynamic community. Villeneuve covers an area of almost 74km2 and has around 5,000 inhabitants. The Marais Breton Vendéen is a natural area made up of wet meadows, salt marshes and soft marshes: a terrestrial ecosystem but also an aquatic one, with its canals and étiers. An étier is a narrow channel, some of which are used to supply seawater to the salt marshes, but they can also be used for other purposes (separating agricultural plots, draining water from a marsh, for example). This unique environment, a haven of peace and tranquillity, is a land of history and of the future. It offers 6 walking and cycling routes through the bocage and the Marais Breton Vendéen. Villeneuve also offers a historic urban trail. In addition to its walks, there are many tourist activities: to find out all about local history and the trades of yesteryear, visit the Musée du Pays de Retz. To find out how salt is harvested in the "White Gold" region, don't miss a visit to the salt works. If you are over 18, discover our wine estates and enjoy a wine tasting session with the winemakers. Epicurean? Good wine goes hand in hand with good food! To find out more about our good addresses, visit our local producers, the Villeneuve educational farm or the farm market.... Villeneuve is a pretty and attractive commune, with plenty of ideas for events (garage sales, traditional festivals, popular festivals, fireworks displays, concerts, exhibitions, etc.). There's something for everyone all year round !
Maryline, a committed soap-maker, shares her encounters, her favourites and the remarkable wealth of her community. Could you tell us about La Savonnerie de Marcel ? "Located in the heart of the marshes, it's an artisanal, family-run workshop. family-run workshop. It all started with Marcel, my grandfather. At time, he made his soap by hand and considered plants and his and his garden as treasures. He passed on his passion to me, and his values in our business. And now, there are two of us, my husband Manuel and myself. Artisan soap-makers, we make soap by hand, without machines, using simple, high-quality ingredients. simple, high-quality ingredients. We've been awarded the "Nature & Progrès" label Progrès" label, which guarantees 100% organic, local and fair-trade ingredients. What is the story behind your new soap "Le petit Mousse" ? "Released in September 2022, our "Le petit Mousse" soap is the result of a local collaboration that was very close to our hearts. We were lucky enough to meet Emmanuel Violleau, a salt worker at the Salines de Millac in Moutiers-en-Retz. A passionate and enthusiastic man, Mano harvests a grand cru salt by hand in the Marais Breton Vendéen, reviving a long tradition of salt production in the heart of the unspoilt natural environment of the former 'Baye de Bretagne' (now the Baie de Bourgneuf). The carnations in the salt pans are covered in clay, rich in minerals and trace elements. Petit Mousse is a gentle, superfatted soap, made by cold process, suitable for even the most sensitive skin. A daily thalasso !
For Maryline, Villeneuve is synonymous with: wine-growing (Moulin de la Touche), savoury delights (tome from Ferme du Marais champs and camembert from GAEC de La Belle étoile), walks along the six signposted circuits and the urban circuit, and the Musée du Pays de Retz to discover local history. Villeneuve is a great place to explore the countryside, but you can also wander through its charming market town to visit the shops, craftsmen and producers and delight your guests over a large meal with a taste of the Pays de Retz ! In the heart of the marshes, early in the morning or at dusk, the colours of the sky are reflected in the water of the wet meadows: it's time for a photo shoot away from the coast !
Did you know ? The commune of Villeneuve-en-Retz, and in particular the Bourg de Bourgneuf, gave its name to the ancient "Baye de Bretagne"; the commune was known from the 11th century onwards for the salt trade, long before its smaller sisters, Guérande and Noirmoutier.
Marie's favourites : - Step through the porch of the Musée du Pays de Retz to discover the history of the Baie de Bourgneuf and the secrets of the salt trade! - Visit our cellars to discover the specialities of our winemakers : Grolleau rosé, Grolleau gris, Chardonnay... to accompany your seafood! - Discover the town's producers and market gardeners and savour our local produce: fleur de sel, salicorne, cheese, bread, fruit and vegetables... - And don't forget to spoil your nearest and dearest by packing some of Marcel's delicately scented soaps...
