Discovering the European mink

The trail ends at the banks of the River Dronne. A car park is available, as well as a covered area for shelter. There is also a boules court nearby.
A sign marking the start of the “Discovering the European Mink” nature trail awaits you.

(S/E) To start the trail, follow the river westwards (passing to the right of the large covered area).
After 100 metres, you’ll come to the first information board. Turn right after the poplar grove to head up a country lane, then left onto Rue Hector Martin to reach the church.

(1) In front of Saint-Fort Church: read the second information board and take the opportunity to visit the church and a permaculture garden on your left. Continue straight on along Rue Henri IV, then turn left onto Avenue Georges Clémenceau for about 250 metres. Turn right onto Rue Pierre Bourdan and continue straight on until you reach the river. A lovely private pond and a few pools line this street.

(2) Back to the banks of the Dronne. A third information panel awaits you. A footpath allows you to walk along the river to the right (east). During your walk, keep an eye out for animal tracks along the banks!

(3) About 700 metres further on, this is where the path leaves the river. A fourth information board gives you a chance to stop and read. Turn right onto the path that leads through the wet meadows. This is a good spot for a play break and a picnic. On this path, the fifth information board awaits you. At the top of the hill, you’ll see the “Lodges de la Dronne” in front of you. Turn right onto Rue Jean Bouin and follow it for 200 metres.

(4) At the end of these 200 metres, on your left, a sixth information board marks the entrance to the arboretum. Turn left; the rest of the path invites you to explore it.
Halfway along the grounds, you’ll find an entrance to the local football pitch on your left. Take this, walk alongside the pitch on your right, then turn right again through the open sports complex to reach Rue Pasteur. To help you find your way, the tennis court will be on your left.
Turn right onto Rue Pasteur, then left onto Rue Gambetta, and finally right onto Rue du 14 Juillet.

(5) At the end of this street, you’ll find Place de la Victoire, its war memorial and the final information panel.
To complete the circular route, turn left onto Rue Victor Hugo for 50 metres, then right to cross the open-air theatre and reach the boules court and the banks of the Dronne.
You are now back at your starting point (S/E).

A flat trail, accessible to cyclists, pushchairs and wheelchairs.
No special equipment is required.
For nature lovers, a camera and binoculars will come in handy.

The path along the river is ideal for spotting animal tracks and aquatic wildlife.
The nature trail and its seven information boards draw your attention to points of interest relating to the area’s natural and historical heritage.

Good to know: The town of Saint-Aigulin offers two other longer walking trails through the Forest of La Double, starting from Avenue Jean Moulin, near the secondary school and the coach park.