From the mill to the dovecote via the Orangerie in La Mothe-Saint-Héray

Start from the Moulin du Pont l’Abbé. There is a large, shaded car park available.

(S/E) Head south-east across Rue du Pont l’Abbé, then follow the path that runs between the houses. Walk alongside the Sèvre Niortaise to the bridge, cross it and turn left onto Rue de la Laiterie.

(1) Take the path on the left which leads back to the Sèvre Niortaise. Cross the small bridge, then turn right onto Rue de l’Ouche. Continue straight on until you reach Rue du Moulin Blanc, turn right, then right again onto Rue du Pontreau. Return to Rue du Moulin Blanc via Rue de Versailles.

(2) Turn right, then left into the Venelle de la Chamoiserie. Continue straight on until you reach the Orangerie.

(3) Walk around the park, which is open to the public. On leaving, turn right onto Allée de l’Orangerie. At the junction, carry on straight ahead past the Collège de l’Orangerie, then head towards the Parc du Champ du Parc. Turn left onto Allée du Parc.

(4) Walk round the dovecote, then turn right onto Rue du Rempart. Turn right again onto Rue du Cygne, then left onto Rue de l’Église. Turn left onto Route de Pamproux, then walk round the town hall to admire the historic buildings.

(5) Head left onto Rue du Pont l’Abbé, continue straight on until you reach the mill, then turn right to return to the car park (S/E).

Feel free to enter the Orangerie park by pushing the entrance gate quite hard. The park and some of the buildings are open to the public.