Circular route around the Sèvre between La Roussille and Saint-Liguaire

Park at the hamlet of La Roussille, known for its gourmet inn.

(S/E) With your back to the bridge, take the cycle path (towpath) that runs along the right bank of the Sèvre.

(1) Ignore the path leading off to the left towards the Chey farm and continue along the Sèvre.

(2) Go under the bridge and climb the steps on the left to cross the river, safely following the cycle and footpath which is separated from motor traffic. After the bridge, go down another flight of steps to reach the opposite bank.

(3) Turn left onto the path that runs along the riverbank (Impasse de la Plante). Further on, the path moves away from the river and heads up Avenue de l’Espérance.

(4) Turn right onto this avenue, carefully following the pavement, which is separated from the road by a cycle path.

(5) Go round the Antonin Proust roundabout and continue along Avenue de l’Espérance. Pass to the right behind the Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Saint-Liguaire.

(6) Leave the street by continuing straight on into Impasse de l’Abbaye, which joins Venelle des Écoliers after 50 metres. At the end of the alley, go down a few steps and turn right into Rue du Moulin, which, after a left-hand bend, continues for about 700 metres and ends in a cul-de-sac.

(7) Cross a footbridge, then the lock opposite the Auberge de la Roussille, and finally the bridge on the right to reach the La Roussille car park (S/E)

The Sèvre Niortaise towpath is often very busy during the holidays, at weekends and on public holidays. It can be difficult to find a parking space at La Roussille. Several other starting points are available.

1. Large car park at the Ferme de Chey. A path joins the route at point (1) (approx. 500 m)
2. A small car park near the bridge on Boulevard Willy Brandt (point (2))
3. Car park at the Saint-Liguaire stadium, near the Antonin Proust roundabout at point (5) (full on match days).
4. Small car park in Saint-Liguaire before the Roussille footbridge at point (7) (often full).

La Roussille gourmet inn.

(6) Former Abbey of Saint-Liguaire(Private Property)