Vélo rail de Commequiers

At the crossroads of Coëx - La Roche sur Yon, Challans and Saint Gilles Croix de Vie lies the Vélo Rail station at Commequiers. Created in 1890 as a tribute to the architecture of the SNCF with its brick structure, this unique hub has been a monument to rail travel ever since.

In 1985, the intense traffic of trains carrying fertiliser, cereals, building materials, coal and above all livestock meant that an old house had to be converted into a hotel. Located just in front of the station entrance and named "Hôtel du chemin de fer", this new accommodation offered a moment's respite to weary travellers. The same year also saw the arrival of another establishment: The station restaurant.

Initially closed in 1940, the line was reopened under the Occupation until 1970. Closed again, it was reopened in 1982.

The line was initially closed in 1940, then reopened during the Occupation and ran until 1970. Stopped again for 12 years, rail service finally resumed in 1982. Currently closed, in the direction of La Roche sur Yon, only a section of the old line between Commequiers and Coëx has been preserved, and is now used by the Vélo rail draisines, for tourist use.

Come and experience an unforgettable moment near the campsite

Today, the Vélo rail has a station, as the original building is currently used as a home. It's a place where travellers meet: some buy their ticket at the ticket office, others return from an original ride.

The track vehicle allows you to move around the railway. This vehicle allows you to carry out track inspections by transporting technicians and the equipment needed for maintenance. These track cars use different forms of power: muscular (arms or legs), steam or diesel.

Today, the Commequiers bike rail uses 20 cyclos-draisines. These use the muscular strength of the legs of two passengers. They carry 2 to 4 or even 5 people, including 1 child under the age of 12.

Get into this unusual vehicle!

This route allows you to discover and savour the charm of the green coastline and the typical homes of the lower bocage. The route is close to our Commequiers campsite passing through Saint Maixent sur Vie to finish its adventure in the small town of Coëx. Above all, it's a very friendly experience, with a great atmosphere along the way. The Vélo rail guarantees an original and friendly walk to share with friends or family!

You will cross the viaduct over the Vie, made of ramparts with rivets, like the Eiffel principle. A place where the cadenced noise of the bicycle rail on the track and the torpor of this place so full of tranquillity mingle.

The Vie is a Vendée river that flows through the marshes. It has 14 kilometres of navigable waterway. Its name dates back to the 11th century, "Via", which may come from "Vigia", meaning wet. It is populated by white fish (Ablettes and roach) and carnivorous fish (pike, carp, perch, etc.).

After travelling 14 kilometres on the railway for approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, you will arrive at the Commune de Coëx. You'll use the turntable to turn your draisine around and start making your way back to our 4-star campsite in the Vendée.

For further information: www.velorail-vendee.fr