Grand Châtellerault

A lovely, varied route under pleasant trees, interspersed with views of the countryside. Take the time to observe the local heritage. Coussay-les-Bois is unusual in that it has two churches a few metres apart, one of which has a twisted bell tower.

A short route to explore outside the village centre with beautiful passages through the undergrowth and lovely panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The village of Coussay-les-Bois is notable for its bell tower, which you can see after your walk.

As you follow the path, you’ll walk along the banks of the Vienne, then pass through the woods of La Rabellerie, La Pagerie and Valençay, before skirting the magnificent Maisonneuve Park to rejoin the Vienne.

Set amongst plains and hills, discover charming little villages and breathtaking views along beautiful grassy paths around this picturesque village!

This walking trail will take you to discover an exceptional complex of 12th- and 17th-century fortifications perched on a steep plateau: the Château and the Tower of Marmande. A little further on, you’ll find the Gentilhommière de la Rie, whose barn and porch were listed as historic monuments in 1976.

As you follow this route, you’ll be taken back in time. Imagine yourself in the Middle Ages in these parts – it certainly seems it was worth a visit! It was around 1152 that the monk Guillaume from the Abbey of Saint-Denys in Paris was exiled to Vaux and left a very detailed description of the joie de vivre that reigned in these lands: ‘‘My valley is crowned with delights’.’ As well as this rather cheerful atmosphere, you’ll discover the Church of Notre-Dame, the Priory and the ancient oak at the Moulin de Chapt.

Stunning views of the Vienne Valley and the village of Vaux along beautiful woodland paths. You can also admire the vineyards, an old priory and charming hamlets.

Beautiful panoramic views, from Barbelinière Castle to Masssardière Castle, passing through pretty hamlets. This route will also take you past the former home of Maurice Bedel, La Genauraye.

History buffs, you’re in for a treat! This magnificent walking trail, overlooking the Creuse valley, will take you to the Ganne Tower, the sole remaining part of the fortifications of the castle built by Richard the Lionheart in the late 12th century. You’ll also be able to explore the impressive troglodyte cliff. These intriguing dwellings, carved into the rock, bear witness to human settlement dating back to prehistoric times.

As you walk through Ambigaria (the former name of the commune of Saint-Genest), you’ll pass through market gardens and fields of asparagus. Along the way, you’ll come across Puygareau Castle, fortified from 1434 onwards, with its two towers and 15th-century residential quarters. At the Château d’Abin, you’ll see an old hemp kiln; the hemp-growing industry was a major part of the local economy in the 19th century.

A varied route offering the chance to visit a few local producers along the way!

Landscapes and shaded, undulating paths characterise this route. There are some beautiful viewpoints and natural sites, such as the remarkable oak tree.

You start your walk at the foot of the Haut-Clairvaux keep, built in the 11th and 12th centuries, where you can admire the many panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see! You will then descend towards Bas-Clairvaux, where your path will cross the famous greenway cycle route, the ‘Ligne Verte’, a former railway line linking Châtellerault to Loudun, before heading back up towards your destination.

You’ll walk along part of the old railway line linking Pleumartin to Yzeures-sur-Creuse and come across a few wayside crucifixes.

A picturesque village in a style somewhere between Poitou and Touraine, where you’ll notice the famous tuffeau stone and its slate or flat-tiled roofs! Beautiful views over the Guerche Forest, which you can then explore along magnificent paths.

This walk will introduce you to the various architectural treasures of the town of Oyré. In the Guerche Forest, you’ll be greeted by finches, robins, wrens, yellowhammers and great spotted woodpeckers.

Start with some superb views over the Vienne Valley, continue past a few wayside crosses and 15th- and 18th-century castles, making sure to take a detour to see Chitré Castle, and finish the route by passing the famous “Lépine” oil mill and its press. A picnic area awaits you in the hamlet of Prinçay.

Several notable hamlets dot this route. The former Chavard dairy, established in the early 20th century, is now a residence for artists.

With its many panoramic views of the villages, the pretty surrounding hamlets and its paths that are by turns wooded and undulating, this route certainly lives up to its name.

Magnificent views of Moussais Castle and Colombiers Forest. This route has it all, from botany to built heritage, from the arboretum along the green corridor to the Beaumont Tower and the Madeleine Chapel. You'll be amazed!

As the name suggests, on this route you’ll discover, as you walk along beautiful woodland paths, numerous crosses dotted along the way: those of Saint-Christophe, Le Pin, Birocheux, and so on. You’ll also enjoy magnificent views of the Chitré Forest, the village of Chenevelles and the town of Châtellerault.

As you walk along the path, you’ll discover the charming little village of Mondion and its church. This church was mentioned by Pope Alexander III in 1163 as a dependency of the Priory of Saint-Denis-de-Vaux. You’ll then enjoy a nature walk through the unspoilt countryside, amidst Fontainebleau service trees, a beautiful and remarkable species.

Magnificent views of the Creuse valley dot your route. You’ll also discover a picturesque hamlet with its flower-filled fountain, as well as lovely wooded paths.

An old port on the left bank of the Creuse, nestled on the border between Poitou and its neighbours Berry and Touraine. This route offers the chance to discover vineyard huts, beautiful views over the Creuse valley and to cross the magnificent Gué de la Reine stream.

Start by following the banks of the Creuse along a thoroughly idyllic path and continue on your way to the mule track, ending through the woods, passing by the famous Saint-Hilaire Fountain and its listed portico!

This 100% nature walk will introduce you to all the flora and fauna of the Guerche Forest. Take a break at the picnic area near the fountain in the picturesque hamlet of Les Montants.

A country walk awaits you with its pretty undergrowth, small bridges, a beautiful stream and magnificent views over the hillsides of Indre-et-Loire.

Set amongst plains, beautiful old houses and scenic viewpoints, follow these paths, some of which run alongside theGR®655. Then take a moment to explore the town hall’s magnificent wooded park and the heritage trail.

A lovely walk around this picturesque village. Nature is in abundance here, with its many hedgerows and varied tree species lining these diverse paths.

Come and discover the beautiful views over the villages of Leigné-les-Bois and Coussay-les-Bois, and stop for a relaxing break by the Saint-Rémy Fountain!

This route will take you on a tour of the Bois des Marineaux and the former estate of the Marquis Pérusse des Cars!

A largely wooded walk, followed by unobstructed views of the countryside and Piolant Castle. Option to finish at the fitness trail, where there are a few tables for picnicking. Not recommended during wet weather when the paths become muddy.

Take a break in nature along these beautiful wooded paths.

A lovely family walk through the woods with beautiful views over the Envigne valley and Haut-Clairvaux.

If you love rolling countryside, you’ll be in your element! You’ll discover a 12th-century church, the Château de la Gabillière and magnificent rolling, wooded landscapes overlooking the stunning Ozon Valley.

Signs along the route will tell you everything you need to know about Cenon. This village will hold no more secrets for you! You’ll also discover the mini-marina with its electric boats, the magnificent Parc de la Grand Maison, the old harbour and the splendid Parc de Forclan, where the Vienne and Clain rivers meet.

This route takes us along the ancient Roman road and introduces us to the remains of the Gallo-Roman site of Old Poitiers. Take the time to stop for a break in the magnificent Parc de la Grande Maison and, if time allows, take a trip on an electric boat.

You’ll stroll through fields and woods, ending up on the lovely banks of the Creuse with its Henri IV bridge, its lock and its beautiful church.

This village, through which the Creuse flows and which marks the boundary between Vienne and Indre-et-Loire, will introduce you to the “Notre-Dame de Vaugiraud” spring, which owes its origin to the legend of a calf in a pasture that refused all food. It moved away and is said to have struck a patch of earth with its hoof, causing a fountain to gush forth.

This pretty hillside trail offers remarkable views over the Vienne valley. This walk will delight lovers of nature outings.

A hike not to be missed! Walking along the banks of the Anglin, you will discover the village from the lower town viewpoint, then find yourself on a wooded, bucolic path, ending up at the superb Château des Certeaux!