Ars walks

A pleasant walk starting from Ars-en-Saintonge, exploring a very natural area including the Bois de la Grande Prée and the Né. The route features some fine examples of built heritage, such as the school complex and the Bûcher d’Ars, the Château d’Ars at the start of the walk, and the Church of Saint-Maclou on the return journey.

Gimeux was built on a hillside overlooking the valley and marshlands of the river Né and enjoys a flourishing farming activity: meadows and cereal fields in the valley, vineyards on the hills. Ancient burial sites and the outline of the old Roman road called ‘Chemin Boisné’ are revealing of the ancestral occupation of the land. The parish church dates back to the 12th century. Also marking the landscape are an old chapel as well as the remains of a windmill on the Fanaud hillside.

Located at the confluence of the Né and Charente rivers, the Merpins commune has been permanently occupied by men from very early times: arrowheads, pottery shards, and later an imposing medieval fortress, an 11th century church and an abbey dating back to the 12th century are the living proof. These fertile lands are home to meadows, cereal fields and a Grande-Champagne listed vineyard.

Built on the lower slopes of Grande Champagne, Genté offers its residents proximity to the town of Cognac, 8 km away, and the charms of rural life. Point 101 is an iconic location in the commune of Genté, where the orientation table is located. This site was once home to an old mill, some remains of which are still buried in the ground around the site. Point 101 is also the reference point for sea level.

Bordered to the South by the Charente river, theSaint-Laurent area consists of a small town gathered around its church and its 11th century portal, several villages spread across the valleys and the hills as well as farms and secluded dwellings.

This route includes a tour of the Vallée de La Croix, part of the natural and historical heritage of the Borderies region, via the Chemin du Panteneau in the canton of Saint-Martin, whose right-of-way has marked one of the boundaries between the two municipalities of Saint-Laurent-de-Cognac and Louzac-Saint-André since 1824.

It was in December 1856 that Salles de Segonzac joined forces with the Commanderie d'Angles, a small village nestled in a bend of the River Le Né. Angles lived in harmony with the river, whilst Salles, resembling a large village, centred its life around wine-growing.

At the westernmost tip of Charente, Louzac-Saint-André, with its two villages and numerous hamlets, is a typical commune of the Borderies region in Saintonge. These rural paths wind through alternating wooded areas and vineyards. From valleys to hills, in addition to beautiful views of the Romanesque churches of Saint-Martin de Louzac and Saint-André, walkers will discover two remarkable natural landscapes, the Ri Bellot Valley and the Vallée de La Croix.

A lovely walk through the Charentais vineyards, passing beautiful buildings and around the village of Roissac. Angeac- Champagne counts numerous prosperous-looking Charentais houses, witness to the wealth which lies in the local economy producing cognac, its principal occupation. The entrances to the estates are marked by a gate or porch way: there are at least 50. They are unique and typical of our local heritage. At Roissac village they embellish the main street.

Situated at an altitude of 25 metres, the River Né and the Motte stream are the main watercourses flowing through the commune of Saint-Fort-sur-le-Né. From certain vantage points, there are excellent views of the village, the dolmen, the vineyards, the Grande Champagne countryside and the other surrounding villages. Each season offers a chance to discover its own unique charms.

Thanks to the natural beauty of its location and the richness of its heritage, Saint-Brice is one of the most picturesque areas of Cognac region. At the heart of the Charente and Soloire rivers valley, man has erected many symbolic buildings: dolmens, churches, abbeys, castles and manors, all expertly crafted.

Situated at 25m altitude - the river Né and the Motte stream are the principal water courses which cross the locality. In certain places there are excellent views towards and from the village, the Dolmen, of the vineyards, the landscape of the Grande Champagne and surrounding villages. In every season you can discover a certain charm and appeal in St. Fort.

Juillac-Le-Coq is crossed by the Mothe stream, a tributary of the Charente. The village has a population of around 667. Wine-growing is its main industry.

Juillac-Le-Coq is crossed by the Mothe stream, a tributary of the Charente. The village has a population of around 667. Wine-growing is its main industry.

A beautiful walk through vineyards and small villages. Observation table at the foot of the Arthus mill. Pass very close to the village of Neuillac (4), with the church opposite. Between points (7) and (8), you can see the spire of Archiac church.

Beautiful views of Château de Bourg and the Cognac vineyards. A very pleasant return journey along the banks of the Charente.

Saint-Sulpice-de-Cognac is pleasantly located between the marshlands of the Antenne River and limestone hillsides. There, are hidden the remains of the Agrippa Roman road as well as forgotten local railroad. Cherves-Richemont is graced with the Antenne River and offers an unexpected diversity of landscapes. Its historic heritage is particularly rich: Romanesque churches, Château Chesnel, watermills, manor houses….

Segonzac: the root of its name means 'strength, courage' in Gaulish. Archaeological digs have revealed a Neolithic inhabitation (approx. 5000 B.C) The Hundred Years' War persuaded the construction of numerous underground passages, which enabled the inhabitants to take refuge from extreme violence. Protestantism has, without a doubt, left its mark in the area, particularly with the Segonzacais. The first Reformed church was founded in 1558. Troubles occurred in 1562 and the parish church was burnt down. Today's Temple is the third constructed since the Edict of Nantes. According to a legend at the start of the 17th century, it was at Segonzac that a vintner named Chevalier de la Croix Maron invented double distillation.

The Gaul root of its name means 'strength, courage'. The Hundred Years War persuaded the construction of numerous underground passages, which enabled the inhabitants to take refuge from extreme violence. Without a doubt Protestantism has left its mark in the area, particularly with the Segonzacais. The first Reformed church was founded in 1558. Troubles occurred in 1562 and the parish church was burnt down. Today's Temple church is the third constructed since the Edict of Nantes.

As you set off, you’ll discover the Romanesque church of Neuillac and its modillions featuring a variety of subjects. You’ll then walk through the Cognac vineyards. At Les Fontagards, you’ll pass a beautiful manor house that bears witness to the boom in wine-growing in the 19th century. After crossing Le Noblat, you’ll reach a more wooded area where a section of the Roman road has been uncovered, before returning to Neuillac along paths lined with vineyards and copses.

Hike down the vineyard-covered slopes of the Petite Champagne region, home to Cognac brandies, and venture into the woodland with its fabulous atmosphere. In Saint-Eugène, the hill, crowned by a beautiful church overlooking the Né valley, offers a magnificent panoramic view of the vineyards.

A pleasant walk through the medieval town of Pons, continuing into the surrounding countryside amongst vineyards, woods and fields. The start of the route offers a lovely stroll through the town of Pons, allowing you to take in its various features, culminating in its esplanade, castle and keep.

A walk in Pons along the River Seugne and through the town centre, the market and the keep. A short walk with a slight elevation gain, but without any difficulty and offering the coolness of the River Seugne’s banks.

A countryside walk that follows the paths of the Chagnolais countryside through vineyards and fields, forming a circular route that approaches the Domaine de Lavoissière to the north and leads to the Bossuet distillery to the south. You can visit the distillery before heading west to the Domaine de Nancrevant, where you can also stop off.

A pleasant walk that alternates between sections on good farm tracks through vineyards and stretches through woodland. This route offers beautiful views of the Saintonge countryside and allows you to enjoy the peace and quiet of the area.

A pleasant walk through the woods near Marignac offering a fine view of the Château d’Ardennes. This route, with its varied landscapes, provides a real opportunity for relaxation and a change of scenery. The sight of Château d'Ardennes as you emerge from the woods is a real delight and a lovely surprise, given the state of the building.

This hike will take you to the heights of the commune of Chaniers to discover the view of the hillsides on the other side of the Charente, before returning along the river.

This route will allow you to discover the variety of landscapes in the Borderies region. The Coran valley from Saint-Brice-des-Bois to Saint-Sauvant runs alongside three villages where you will find places to eat as well as remarkable churches and monuments. Once past Saint-Sauvant, you will experience the secret side of the Borderies, where vineyards and farms can be discovered at the edge of a wood or in the hollow of a valley. Here, nature is less tamed than in the rest of the region.

The village is crossed by the Collinaud, a tributary of the Né. Primarily focused on wine-growing, Ambleville also has fertile land for growing cereals.

The Collinaud, a tributary of the Né, flows through the village. Whilst Ambleville is primarily focused on wine-growing, it also has fertile land suitable for growing cereals.

The commune of Ambleville is crossed by the Collinaud, a stream tributary of the River Né, which includes wash-houses typically found in this area of Grande Champagne. During your walk you will have the chance to discover La Motte, a hamlet in this commune. Take the time to admire the rolling countryside and La Motte wash-house. This walk can be enjoyed with all the family, because children will find it fun to cross the Collinaud by way of the stepping stones.

A pleasant hike starting from Antignac, winding its way through vineyards and woods. This route allows you to discover a peaceful and very natural corner of Saintonge. You may see wild animals such as deer at the edge of the woods.

Starting from the car park at the church in Criteuil-la-Magdeleine, the route runs alongside the Né and Collinaud rivers and crosses the vineyards of the Grande Champagne region. Points of interest along the route include: the Church of Saint-Macrin - Saint Jean Baptiste, the Chapel of La Magdeleine, beautiful wine estates, the wash house, the drinking water pumping station, the remains of a watermill and windmill, and various viewpoints.

Set slightly apart from the main roads, the village seems to have fallen asleep… And yet, at the start of the last century, it was home to numerous shops and craftsmen who made it famous throughout the surrounding area. Criteuil-la-Magdeleine boasts a wealth of large houses, known as ‘logis’, and around ten mills (no longer in operation today) situated on the River Né. Some of these can be seen from the walking trail.

This 10 km circular will show you the very diverse landscapes of Saintonge. Two-thirds of the route is shaded by woods, one-third is through vineyards (we are in the "Fins Bois" area of the Cognac appellation) and a small third (thank you Pagnol) is in the two villages at the start and finish. The route is sometimes complicated, but the paths are well marked. The route was surveyed on site, so it is very reliable, even if it sometimes seems to stray from the paths marked on the IGN map (especially at the start).

The hike is mostly in the woods, on dirt tracks as they say here. There is little elevation gain and very little tarmac. You are guaranteed to be surrounded by nature, with flora and fauna.

A short, peaceful circular on wide paths, in a wooded and hilly setting.