Échillais walks

Starting from Échillais, you can first admire the beautiful 12th-century façade of the church. Then you will pass in front of "La Limoise". This residence is described at length by Pierre Loti in "Le Roman d'un Enfant" (A Child's Novel). This house belonged to the Duplais family, friends of the Viaud family (Julien Viaud being Pierre Loti's real name). He would spend his Thursdays there, walking from his house in Rochefort (now Pierre Loti's house) to La Limoise, crossing the Charente by ferry. There was no transporter bridge at the time. The Seudre Canal to the Charente (also known as the Bridoire Canal) is 27 km long and was dug in the 19th century from Saint-Hippolyte to Marennes. You will also cross Île Maurice, although it is much smaller than the one we usually think of.

From the transporter bridge to the port of Rochefort, a journey back in time. Rochefort was chosen by Louis XIV to re-establish his maritime power. On this route, which runs close to the water in its first section, there is no shortage of reminders of this era: dry docks, the Corderie Royale rope factory, the arsenal and, with a bit of luck, the Hermione...

A circular starting from Trizay Abbey towards the cave and the Creux Nègre rock passage. This geological curiosity in the region is carved into the ancient cliffs that line the Arnoult valley. Half of the route is on tarmac, on very quiet roads, allowing you to discover the market gardens on the rich lands of the Arnoult valley (home of the Pont l'Abbé bean).

Do you enjoy nature and history? You'll love this walk!

This loop, starting from Tonnay-Charente, will take you across the Charente river twice via two bridges that are completely closed to motor traffic. You can admire the view from the top of the Tonnay-Charente suspension bridge and explore the quays of its sleepy port.

A short walk in the heart of a protected natural environment, where you can encounter many species of birds and enjoy a guaranteed change of scenery.

A short walk for birdwatchers and other nature lovers.

Many forts were built in the Charente estuary. They defended access to Rochefort, a military arsenal. Fort Lupin was one of them. As for the Fontaine Lupin, it allowed ships coming from Rochefort to take on water before setting sail. Tree trunks were placed in the Fosse aux Mâts to harden them before they were fitted to the ships.

Set off to explore Brouage!

A circular starting from the citadel of Brouage takes you through the marsh to Hiers.If you are quiet enough along the route, you will be able to see herons, egrets, nutria and, in summer, storks up close.Most of the route follows tarmaced marsh roads that are very quiet.

One of the most beautiful walks on the Fouras peninsula: from the banks of the Charente to the Espérance beach in Fouras, it takes in the islands and forts that protected the Rochefort harbour.

The route follows the Charente River near its estuary to the mouth of the Charras Canal, opening up a view of a vast circular bend in the river.

Starting from Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée, between woods and marshes, in the heart of the peninsula, with a beautiful view of the Anse de Fouras on the edge of the Bois Madame.

A circular starting from Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée to reach the Charente and its numerous carrelets, then the ocean and the seaside resort of Fouras. The return journey is along the north coast.

When the Broue tower was built, it was reflected in the waters of the Gulf of Santons. The sea is now so far away that it can no longer be seen from the tower's terrace. But from the heights of Saint-Jean-d'Angle, you can still imagine the boats that once sailed here and brought wealth to the port and the village.

Near the coast and the Brouage Marsh, a circular route runs along the Massonnerie Nature Reserve and around the large ponds of the Cadeuil sandpit.

The Marais de Fouras is located north of Saint-Pierre, bordered by the Charras Canal and the Frênes levee. It is a natural area that is home to herons, storks and many other birds. The route then takes you to the Pierres Closes dolmens near the Charras Canal and back to Saint-Pierre via the Route Impériale, with a view of the Prée Salée.

A round trip walk from the carrelets of Port-les-Barques to those of Île Madame. Please note: only possible at low tide.

A pleasant walk passing by the Passe aux boeufs causeway, then around an island steeped in history. Numerous and varied views of the surrounding islands and coastline.

Circular through the former salt marshes of Saint-Just-Luzac

This walk will take you along the coastline of Anse de Fouras, with its variously designed and decorated carrelets (fishing huts). Enjoy the beautiful maritime atmosphere and heritage.

This hike allows you to discover two links in the chain of defences that protected Rochefort in the 17th and 18th centuries. The route, which largely follows the coast, is easy and does not present any navigation difficulties.

A walk between land and sea, following in the footsteps of the ghost trains of an old railway line.

The Charras Canal, the Marais du Roy, the Cabane de Moins, walks with little elevation gain (average altitude = 3 m). Between Châtelaillon and Rochefort, a large marsh area provides an opportunity to observe numerous seabirds and migratory birds. A few hills dot the horizon, former islands from Roman times: Voutron, Liron, Flay, Île d'Albe...

Most of the route follows the coastal path between the Baie d'Yves nature reserve and the town of Fouras. You will pass numerous fishing pontoons along the way and can visit Fort Vauban at the mouth of the Charente. The landscape will look completely different depending on the tide.

A short walk, which can only be done at low tide, takes you out to sea in an unusual setting.