Chepniers walks

The starting point of the route, Guîtres Abbey (11th and 15th centuries) is an imposing monument located on the Way of St James. We will continue our walk through the gentle Pays Gabay (pronounced gabaye) to meet three rivers, the Isle, the Dronne and the Lary.

This walk will take you through woods and vineyards.

The route is fairly hilly and varied, with the banks of the Isle, vineyards, woodland, beautiful views, castles and stately homes.

Discover the rich fauna and flora of the Né valley in this Natura 2000 classified area - a nature protected zone with many diverse and protected species and plants, such as the European Mink (a little known species near extinction) and wild orchids, as well as many other species naturally found in a preserved environment.

This walk will take you through the vineyards of Saillans, a small village with beautiful views of the River Isle and Libourne.

Magnificent views, weather permitting: Saint-André-de-Cubzac, Pont d'Aquitaine, etc. Passage through Mediterranean-style shrubbery, not to mention a few beautiful castles... Be careful in wet weather, as the path can be slippery.

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.

Loop between the Dordogne and the Fronsadais hills, with landscapes of marshes and hedgerows, then vineyards and hillsides. Pass through the small port of Tressac and enjoy the view of Château de La Rivière.

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.

This fairly hilly route takes you through vineyards and castles and offers numerous viewpoints. The route was designed by the Fronsac Tourist Office and is fairly well signposted for the most part, but has been slightly modified.

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.

This circuit gives you the chance to discover rural heritage (springs, water sources, open air wash houses); and at each place, a description of its history is displayed. The route also highlights the architectural and historical heritage of the 13th century (Eglise Saint-Prohet, the Place Jacquaire, the protestant stele, the Chateau de Segeville) plus the various hamlets in the locality, flora and fauna.

A trail in the heart of the Double Forest that winds through woods and paths, crossed here and there by a small stream. Ponds will appear as you walk along. A very shaded trail, ideal for families as there is little road.

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.

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.

Just a few minutes from Saint-Émilion, this remarkable hamlet has many surprises in store. A lodge for pilgrims on the Way of St James, an aviary, an 18th-century mill, a magnificent Petit Trianon-style château, an important and magnificent collection of iron sculptures, not to mention a beautiful view of the mountains. Let's continue with some Grands Crus and beautiful views of the rolling hills.

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.

From the old Saint-Laurent-des-Combes railway station, at a place called Barbeyron, you will climb back up towards Saint-Émilion with exceptional views of the medieval town. After skirting the town, this hike will take you through the heart of the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru vineyards.

In the Bordeaux metropolitan area, this original circuit combines magnificent views of the Garonne, the Chaban-Delmas and Aquitaine bridges, the Cité du Vin and, further afield, a glimpse of "old" Lormont, all in a natural setting. Please note that there are many steps (but they are in very good condition).