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Published route(s)
La vallée de l'Autise à Xanton
Une petite boucle sans difficulté avec des sentiers et des chemins qui traversent des prairies en longeant l'Autise jusqu'à Denant puis retour par une piste cyclable à travers les champs.
From Benet to Port d’Aziré
Starting from the Champ de Foire car park, near the Salle Polyvalente, you’ll climb up to the heights of Benet before reaching Port d’Aziré via a small road offering panoramic views over the cereal fields, then return via the Plaine de Pierre Plate and the hamlet of Villeneuve.
Chemin de la Mine and Bas de Soie
Starting from the Faymoreau Mining Centre, this route follows the mine path (an old railway line) and then continues through the countryside and orchards to reach the national forest (to be avoided during the hunting season).
The Père de Montfort Cave in the Mervent Forest
From the Saint-Luc roundabout, you will walk along long forest paths to a trail overlooking the Vergnes stream and leading to the Pierre Brune dam. You will then climb stone steps to the Grotte du Père de Montfort and finish the ascent via a wooden staircase. You will then walk along the Mère to the Diet Bridge and join theGR® de Pays de Mélusine, which will take you back to your starting point.
From Hermenault to the Bois de Saint-Maixent
A very pleasant walk in the Hermenault countryside, offering a variety of landscapes ranging from plains to undergrowth and bocage.
La Vergne Trail
A walk that follows theGR® de Pays de Mélusine and theGR® de Pays Sud Gâtine to the Bois de la Vergne and returns to Saint-Hilaire-des-Loges, offering unobstructed panoramic views.
Please note that this route has been altered and shortened via the D3 following a ban on access to the Bois de la Vergne
Paths to wash houses and fountains around Ardin
During this hike, you will discover numerous fountains and wash houses, of course, but also the castle and park of Dilay, the Doré, Saumort and Autize valleys, the Pouzay house and dovecote, the Chaillot arboretum and perhaps... La Galipote.
Boucle de Mairé
This route allows you to discover: the church of the former parish of Mairé, the porch of an old farm in Haut-Mairé, the old wash house in Bas-Mairé, the Motte Saint-Denis, the Saint-Pierre church and the 12th-century Hosannière Cross. All this while travelling through the countryside on pleasant flat paths that cross the Guirande (a tributary of the Sèvre Niortaise).
Marshlands and wash houses of Saint-Georges-de-Rex
This route will allow you to discover the rich flora and fauna of the marshes along the white paths, as well as the small protected and restored rural heritage in the heart of the village of Saint-Georges-de-Rex.
In Niort on the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise
Taking the cycle paths and theGR®36via Belle Île, you will follow the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise and the Noron lake. Numerous vegetable gardens and beautiful residences line part of this route.
In the developed Marais Poitevin
The villages of Vanneau and Irleau are situated in the heart of the Marais Poitevin Interregional Park, within a site designated a “Grand Site de France”. The Marais Poitevin, developed by humans since the 12th century, is one of the richest wetlands on the Atlantic coast.
Between the Sèvre Niortaise and the marshes in Magné
Starting from Coulon, you will walk along the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise for more than 5 km to reach the village of Magné, which you will cross to reach the Epineaux marsh and return to your starting point.
On the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise in Échiré
Mélusine accompanies you near her castle in Coudray-Salbart, along the peaceful banks of the Sèvre Niortaise, towards old hamlets and ancient dwellings with imposing dovecotes.
Route des Grandes Mottines
A short walk along dirt tracks through the marshes and their nutria.
In the wet marshland of Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud
As you follow this route through the wet marsh, you will discover its unique features, such as the trous de bris (former clay extraction sites used for tile manufacturing until the 1980s), poplar groves and a wide variety of plants and animals.
Suiré Chalusson Circular Loop
This walk will take you to the Couvent des Lucs and the Château de Suiré, near the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise. You will then walk along farm tracks to the A83, before returning via a shaded path through the Guignefolle Valley to reach the picturesque village of Chalusson. A metal footbridge installed in the 19th century beneath the railway bridge will allow you to cross the Sèvre once more to reach the upper part of the village of Saint-Gelais.
Around the Jeune Autise in Maillezais
This path between the "wet" and "dry" marshes, passing by a characteristic feature of the marsh (the Aqueduct), will take you from the Romanesque church to the majestic Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Maillezais.
From Port d'Aziré to Marais des Nattes
Walking along the Rigole d'Aziré to the Courdault canal, then returning via the Marais des Nattes, you may spot some nutria, purple herons or lapwings, and perhaps even a deer or two.
From the church at Xaintray to the Logis de Pichenin
A circular route that takes you from sunny country lanes to shaded paths and tracks on either side of the Autize valley.
The footbridge known as the ‘planche de la route’, which spans the Autize at the bottom of the Rousillon woods, has been swept away by the floods of recent weeks.
Xaintray Town Hall (20 March 2024)
Jean dôs Bois Trail
Starting from Saint-Michel-le-Cloucq, 5 km north of Fontenay-le-Comte, you will first walk along shaded paths around the Vendée and its tributary, the Ruisseau de la Cornelière. (difficult section, uneven path) then, passing by the Fontaine à l'Ermite, you will cross part of the Mervent forest and reach Saint-Michel via quiet paths and small roads, with beautiful panoramic views.
The Racounette Wash House
Beautiful views and a few wash houses enhance this route, the first part of which is shared with the Logis de Pichenin trail.
At the sources of Gâtine
A route through hills, hedgerows, forests, streams and green valleys with numerous views of the "little Switzerland" of Beugnon.
La Cornelière
Covering an area of 5,518 hectares, the Mervent-Vouvant forest complex includes a 2,530-hectare state-owned forest. It is home to a rich variety of plant species. The most common species, the sessile oak, can reach a height of 35 metres at 200 years of age.
The suggested route follows paths and forest lanes in the north-eastern part of the forest.
The multitude of existing paths allows you to extend or shorten this walk as you wish.
The Hermitain and Sèvre Niortaise valleys
A route along shaded paths, between mossy stone walls and on white paths or small, quiet roads, around the Hermitain stream and the Sèvre Niortaise. Stone footbridges, a 12th-century bridge, renovated old mills and many other points of interest make this hike well worth the effort.
This route, marked in yellow, has been modified and shortened due to the closure of the Grand Moulin footbridge, which is awaiting restoration.
From Orbrie along the Vendée
A lovely circular walk along the River Vendée and through the Mervent Forest. This circular walk will take you to the Mervent Dam, following part of the Mélusine GRP®.
Chemin des digitales in the Secondigny forest
A hike in the Secondigny National Forest, dotted with foxgloves and ending with magnificent views of the Pays de Gâtine.
Walk at Port d'Aziré
This is an easy, short walk that allows you to discover the wild side of the Green Venice. In the heart of nature, you will always be close to the water, in the shade of pollarded ash trees and poplars. And you may even be lucky enough to spot some nutria or deer.
Le Gué Verdon
At the start, quiet country lanes with panoramic views of Fontenay-le-Comte and the surrounding countryside; then, after passing through the village of Meilleraie, shaded paths and tracks running alongside the Vendée river not far from the Albert dam, before climbing up to Saint-Michel-le-Cloucq.
The three valleys from François
This hike will take you along the meandering Chambon, Musson and Sèvre Niortaise rivers, passing through villages with beautifully restored stone houses and paths that cross vast plains of cereal crops stretching as far as the eye can see.
Around the Château de Coudray-Salbart
You will first follow the right bank of the Sèvre Niortaise to the Pont de Gué Moreau. There, you will take theGR®36, which will lead you back to the Château de Coudray-Salbard. Following a shaded path, you will climb up behind the château to the hamlet of Le Peu, reaching the Fontaine Braye. Continuing along theGR®, you will walk through a cool, lush valley. As you climb back up onto the plateau, you will leave theGR® and return to Ternanteuil to reach the car park where you started.
Around Auchay-sur-Vendée
Starting from the Eiffel-style bridge linking Auzay to Chaix (now merged into the commune of Auchay-sur-Vendée).
This route through lush countryside (steep, wooded hillsides, vast fields and meadows) will take you to the Moulin de la Boissière (in the commune of Velluire-sur-Vendée) before reaching the banks of the Vendée at the Massigny Dam.
The Hermit's Fountain Trail
Starting from the Fontaine-à-l'Ermite roundabout, the trail joins the lake shore and then follows the left bank of the Vendée river up to the Perrure bridge, before climbing up to the Allée de la Fontaine à l'Ermite, which will take you back to the starting point.
Please note that the trail is uneven and involves climbing over rocks along the Vendée.
The Mervent Dam
Circular route through the forest, passing through rolling meadows, then along the Vendée to the dam and the lake shore, on paths and trails that are sometimes a little steep but pleasant in all seasons.
Le Bois des Touches
During this route, you will discover the village of Vallans and its 11th- and 19th-century Notre-Dame church, the hamlet of Le Petit Village with its fountains, the Château d’Allerit (private) and its dovecote, the hamlet of Fougerit, the Bois des Touches, watered by the Courance, leats, streams, wash houses and fountains.
Les Peux and the Chemin du Lisier
From the ruins of the old fortified castle, passing by the Church of Sainte-Eulalie (a listed historic monument), follow the Peux, a network of small footpaths with evocative names: Peu des Demoiselles, Peu des Ânesses, Peu de chez Gognar, Peu de Gâte-Bourse… you will discover the village of Benet, which stretches across two hills crossed by Rue de la Combe, beneath which flows the Vrizon.
Circular loops around Saint-Projet
This route consists of three circular loops that are linked, allowing you to adjust the length of the walk as you wish. In a delightfully undulating landscape, dotted with fountains and wash houses, you’ll walk along paths that are more or less overgrown with grass and small country lanes passing through villages with beautifully restored old houses.
The Path of Françoise d'Aubigné
You can admire the Romanesque church of Sciecq before crossing the Sèvre Niortaise on a chain boat. You will then see the Château de Mursay, where Françoise d'Aubigné was raised, before walking along a shaded path overlooking the river. In the village of Surimeau, you will cross the Sèvre again at the Moulin d'Âne and take the Chemin des Pêcheurs between the Sèvre and the Bois des Touches to reach the Moulin de Compéré before heading back up towards Chantemerle and returning to the starting point.
Please note: the chain boat will be removed on Friday 8 September 2023 for maintenance. It will probably not be put back until the end of March next year, except perhaps for Heritage Days. (information from town staff) There is no alternative crossing available...
The Autise and the Xanton dolmens
This route offers a wide variety of landscapes. A circular route through the fields on the heights of Xanton, with a 360° panoramic view, joins theGRP® Tour du Pays de Mélusine, which runs alongside rolling meadows before descending back towards the valley. It then joins the signposted Vallée de l’Autise route.
The Autise and Saumort valleys via Roc Cervelle
This route follows paths that run alongside the Autise and Saumort rivers in the heart of unspoilt countryside. Very pleasant in fine weather, some sections of these paths can sometimes be flooded or difficult in wet weather.
La Cressonnière and the Chemin des Wagons
An 11th-century church, a stately home, a wash house, a communal lake, the ‘Chemin des Wagons’ and the Château de la Cressonnière… These are just some of the sights you’ll discover as you walk along paths that follow the route of old railway lines or hedgerow-lined tracks through the fields or deep within the Bois des Rochettes. An easy route that can be shortened, extended or altered as you wish. Ideal for families.
The marsh between La Garette and Le Vanneau
Starting from the Garette Leisure Park, you will walk through the heart of the Marais Poitevin, mostly on dirt tracks, to Le Vanneau. After the port of this village, you will cross magnificent vegetable gardens and return to your starting point along creeks, canals and ditches crossed by beautiful, sturdy footbridges. There's no reason why you can't do this route by bike.
Around the Autize via Les Moulières and Tourteron
A route that follows the River Autize, passes near Château des Moulières, then takes a footpath and reaches the village of Tourteron via agricultural tracks. After a detour to the fountain and wash house in Tourteron, the walk continues across the plain dotted with wind turbines, then follows or runs alongside an old railway line, passes under a viaduct and returns along the meadows bordering the Autize to the Moulin de Dray before climbing back up to Saint-Pompain.
Le Jaulard and La Fontaine à l'Ermite in the Mervent Forest
A circular route that takes you off the beaten track in the heart of the Mervent State Forest, suitable for all seasons. Shortcuts are possible. The GPX track can be very useful.
The Brangeard Valley, starting from the Cherveux-Saint-Christophe pond
Setting off from the Cherveux-Saint-Christophe lake, you’ll reach the water tower, the highest point on the route, surrounded by countryside stretching as far as the eye can see, then a shaded path will lead you to the hamlet of Lussais. You’ll then enjoy the lush greenery of the Brangeard, Musson and Marcusson valleys as you follow a circular route along small roads, footpaths and grassy tracks that will take you back to the lake where you started.
The Mervent Forest from Chevalement d'Épagne
Circular route in the Mervent-Vouvant Forest starting from Chevalement Saint-Michel in Épagne.
Circular between La Roussille and Magné
This route follows the cycle path along the Sèvre Niortaise, from La Roussille to Magné, then returns via the Marais de Peigland and Marais de Saint-Rémy to the village of La Tiffardière, near the starting point.
Circular route around the Sèvre between La Roussille and Saint-Liguaire
A short circular route that follows a cycle path along part ofthe GR®36, heading up the Sèvre Niortaise to the bridge on Boulevard Willy Brandt, and returning to the Roussille lock via the opposite bank and then through the village of Saint-Liguaire.
Pierre Brune and Pierre Blanche
A hike best enjoyed in the warmer months on shaded trails in the heart of the Mervent Forest.After a steep climb up the Rocher de Pierre Brune, you’ll reach the viewpoint overlooking the Pierre Blanche climbing site via forest paths and a short stretch of road. You will then descend to the banks of the river known as the Mère, before following the course of the Ruisseau des Verreries to reach the Maison Forestière of the same name. You will discover the Cinq Jumeaux before reaching the Pierre Brune Dam by following part ofthe GRP® Tour du Pays de Mélusine.