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Departure from Place de l'Église Saint-Gervais Saint-Protais in Marsac.
(S/E) Take Rue du Centre on the left. Turn right onto the D96, then take the first road on the left, Chemin du Ladon. Continue for 150 metres.
(1) Take the path on the left. Turn right, then right again to walk along the wall surrounding the Quanty residence.
Note the square pavilion that once housed a dovecote. In the last century, this dwelling belonged to Gaëtan de Béarn. He sold his properties to pay for his studies and his lifestyle in Paris.
Go down the Quanty path.
(2) Turn right onto Rue de Ladoux, then left onto Rue du Lavoir and walk through the hamlet of Ladoux, where the Ladon stream flows.
A plaque on the wall of the fountain and wash house explains their history and that of the Ladon spring, known as "L'oeil du Cros" (the eye of Cros).
At the fountain, turn left and then take the second right.
(3) Follow Chemin du Brigonnet to the left and go straight up.
(4) Continue straight ahead on Chemin de Pend de Loup until you reach the D96, which you should take carefully on the right.
(5) At the crossroads, turn left onto Route des Trois Villages. Ignore the road leading to Les Tessonnières. In the bend, turn left onto Rue des Cavaliers for 15 metres and immediately take the path on the right leading to Fontaine des Guérinauds. Go back up towards the road, continue left towards Combefolle and then turn right.
(6) Turn left onto Rue Bonnetaud, then right and left to discover the hamlet of La Faye. Walk down to the fountain.
Two stone basins in front of the fountain were used for washing clothes.
Then climb up to reach the Font des Rentes. At the next crossroads, turn left, then climb up to a remarkable viewpoint.
(7) Turn right to climb Chemin de la Côte de Châtelard, where several viewpoints reveal the landscape.
This hillside provides access to the ZNIEFF (natural area of ecological interest for flora and fauna), where several varieties of orchids grow, including one commonly known as the Pentecost orchid, and where protected bird species live.
(8) In the hamlet of Puant, cross the Route de Guissalle to reach the port of Puant (so named because of the foul odours given off by the processing of hemp in the 19th century). Walking along the Charente on the left, you will see an old fishery on the right, marked by a stone wall that crosses three-quarters of the river.
(9) Exit at the large port and follow the road to the right to pass in front of the Logis des Montagnes, which had a dovecote whose upper floor has disappeared. Turn left at the second street, Chemin du Petit Port, then right onto Rue de l'Église to reach Place de l'Église (S/E).
Tourist office
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Moderate 
Difficult 
