Fors walks

A pleasant walk north-east of Fors in countryside alternating between hedgerows and open fields. The very natural route also allows you to explore the built heritage, ancient witnesses to the past.

A very natural route crossing the northern tip of the Chizé Forest in the first part and the countryside west of Marigny in the second part. This route with its varied and relaxing landscapes offers a peaceful moment. You may see deer and birds in this area. Marigny was the home of a great Poitevin bard: Yves Rabaut.

A long walk across the Niort-Brioux plain, taking in open fields and hillsides. The landscape varies greatly, from the plateau at the start of the route to the Guirande valley, ending near L’Abîme after passing at the foot of Le Peu.

This route allows you to discover: the church of the former parish of Mairé, the porch of an old farm in Haut-Mairé, the old wash house in Bas-Mairé, the Motte Saint-Denis, the Saint-Pierre church and the 12th-century Hosannière Cross. All this while travelling through the countryside on pleasant flat paths that cross the Guirande (a tributary of the Sèvre Niortaise).

Be extremely careful when walking along the D124 road (approximately 180 to 200 m) as vehicles travel very fast. This is the only "negative" part of this short walk, but it is important to note it. To avoid missing them, pay attention to points (3) and (4), which are not field/meadow entrances but grassy paths. No difficulty.

A lovely walk around the Guirande in the plain to the south-west of Prahecq. This easy route winds through a hedgerow-lined countryside where the paths meander between the Guirande and intermittent streams.

A very nature-oriented walk in the Chizé Forest, starting from the Maison Forestière du Pas Trop Fort. The heavily shaded route allows you to explore a well-structured forest in the first section, with forest lanes, paths, etc. The second section follows a path that winds more, breaking up the monotony one sometimes feels in the forest.

In order to preserve the richness of its environmental heritage, the Grand Boussseau Forest has been designated a Sensitive Natural Area. As such, it benefits from the Deux-Sèvres Departmental Council's environmental preservation and education policy. This short trail invites you to discover this protected environment.

A walk with little elevation gain on the Mellois plateau in the Sainte-Blandine area. This route alternates between farm tracks and quiet country lanes used only by local residents. This walk offers the chance to see Poitou donkeys when they are out in the pastures or grey mares (at several points along the route).

During this route, you will discover the village of Vallans and its 11th- and 19th-century Notre-Dame church, the hamlet of Le Petit Village with its fountains, the Château d’Allerit (private) and its dovecote, the hamlet of Fougerit, the Bois des Touches, watered by the Courance, leats, streams, wash houses and fountains.

A lovely walk on the Mellois plateau. Very little elevation gain. An easy route offering a glimpse of the countryside surrounding the town of Périgné. This walk follows good farm tracks, often shaded, and offers a lovely glimpse of a still-wooded area of the Mellois plateau. The quality of the paths also makes this hike suitable for mountain biking.

This pleasant route will take you through several charming little villages that have retained their character. The first part of the route follows quiet, little-used roads, ideal for enjoying the peaceful landscape. The second part mainly follows dirt tracks, closer to nature. Throughout the hike, you will regularly follow the Belle and the Béronne, two rivers that bring freshness and gentleness to the route. You will also discover some traces of the local heritage, such as mills, wash houses and other water-related structures, which bear witness to the rural history of the region. A varied route, combining villages, nature and heritage, perfect for a rejuvenating walk.

Taking the cycle paths and theGR®36via Belle Île, you will follow the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise and the Noron lake. Numerous vegetable gardens and beautiful residences line part of this route.

A pleasant walk through a marshy area to the east of Épannes. It appears that the Marquis de Cugnac developed the Mère and the Courance. He also donated several marshes, which were then used as communal pasture or cultivated marshes. This route allows you to discover all these developments and the state of this area, which varies greatly between marshes, woods and bocage.

A pleasant hike on either side of the Lambon at the gateway to Niort in a little-known, peaceful countryside with varied landscapes. This route also allows you to discover a high-quality ancient built heritage with beautiful properties, a dovecote, etc.

This route follows the cycle path along the Sèvre Niortaise, from La Roussille to Magné, then returns via the Marais de Peigland and Marais de Saint-Rémy to the village of La Tiffardière, near the starting point.

A pleasant hike to discover the southern part of the Chizé forest. This route offers a peaceful and shaded moment in nature in a forest with remarkable trees.

A pleasant walk around the River Belle between the villages of Montigné and Verrines-sous-Celles. Along this route, you’ll find beautiful views of the Belle Valley, wash houses and traditional buildings. But also river crossings over stone bridges, wash houses and wells, the church at Verrines and, next to it, a bread oven.

A route designed to help you discover springs and wash houses located near the River Belle between Périgné and Montigné. The route alternates between farm tracks and quiet country lanes (as evidenced by the grass growing there). The walk passes close to the Château de la Forge and alongside the Château de la Guittonnière

This walk takes you through the villages of La Crèche and Vouillé. You’ll follow dirt tracks and small roads, most of which are shaded. The walk passes through the village of Villeneuve. Near Bimard (in the village of Vouillé), you might spot a herd of Angora goats (at La Ferme de l’Accroche Cœur).

A pleasant hike around the Lambon, which is crossed several times via magnificent stone bridges. It begins with a bucolic route between old stone walls, traces of the laborious work of our ancestors.

A pleasant hike in the Sèvre Niortaise Valley, on the outskirts of Niort. Despite the city being quite close, this route allows you to discover a preserved natural area with good paths. The alternating passage between small hills and valley bottoms offers beautiful landscapes. Along the way, you will get a beautiful view of the Château de Vandelaigne and a few other architectural gems.

In the heart of the Green Venice, you will reach its capital, Coulon, after leaving the village of La Garette. La Garette is one of the most typical villages in the Green Venice. Its 800-metre-long pedestrian street is lined with old fishermen's and farmers' houses. Coulon is a major tourist attraction in the Marais Poitevin, the capital of the "Venise Verte", i.e. its eastern part also known as the "wet marsh", as opposed to the "dry marsh".

A pleasant hike around Aigonnay, offering a wonderful opportunity to discover a rich architectural and natural heritage. In particular, the Logis du Breuil, the wash houses and fountains of Arrignon, Trébot, etc., and beautiful landscapes along the Aigonnay river.

A short route in the countryside, near the water, with beautiful monuments, including wash houses.

It’s all in the title! No fewer than eight wash houses on this circular route. There are numerous springs in this area, which are said to have given the village its name: “Aigues” meaning water and “O’nay”, to spring forth. A small stream called the Aigonnay flows through Écrebis, where there used to be a mill; it joins the Lambon, which flows to the south-west.

You can admire the Romanesque church of Sciecq before crossing the Sèvre Niortaise on a chain boat. You will then see the Château de Mursay, where Françoise d'Aubigné was raised, before walking along a shaded path overlooking the river. In the village of Surimeau, you will cross the Sèvre again at the Moulin d'Âne and take the Chemin des Pêcheurs between the Sèvre and the Bois des Touches to reach the Moulin de Compéré before heading back up towards Chantemerle and returning to the starting point. Please note: the chain boat will be removed on Friday 8 September 2023 for maintenance. It will probably not be put back until the end of March next year, except perhaps for Heritage Days. (information from town staff) There is no alternative crossing available...

This hike will take you along the meandering Chambon, Musson and Sèvre Niortaise rivers, passing through villages with beautifully restored stone houses and paths that cross vast plains of cereal crops stretching as far as the eye can see.

This walk will take you to the Couvent des Lucs and the Château de Suiré, near the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise. You will then walk along farm tracks to the A83, before returning via a shaded path through the Guignefolle Valley to reach the picturesque village of Chalusson. A metal footbridge installed in the 19th century beneath the railway bridge will allow you to cross the Sèvre once more to reach the upper part of the village of Saint-Gelais.

This hike takes place in the commune of La Crèche, along dirt tracks and tarmac sections. The trail runs alongside and crosses the Sèvre Niortaise river several times. It passes through several villages in La Crèche. You will come across several family cemeteries, some of which are buried under brambles. Along the route, there are four wash houses: Pairé near the football stadium, Ruffigny, Saint-Martin and at the Barilleau mill. In Breloux, there is an old temple and a deconsecrated church.

A boat trip on the Green Venice towards Coulon.

Starting from Coulon, you will walk along the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise for more than 5 km to reach the village of Magné, which you will cross to reach the Epineaux marsh and return to your starting point.

Circuit in the middle of the Poitevin marshes, following the Sèvre Niortaise between Magné and Coulon on the way back.

A route along shaded paths, between mossy stone walls and on white paths or small, quiet roads, around the Hermitain stream and the Sèvre Niortaise. Stone footbridges, a 12th-century bridge, renovated old mills and many other points of interest make this hike well worth the effort. This route, marked in yellow, has been modified and shortened due to the closure of the Grand Moulin footbridge, which is awaiting restoration.

This hike starting from the Pont de Sainte-Néomaye car park (on the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise) is an excellent suggestion. It is a route that allows you to discover the rural charm of the Deux-Sèvres, between valleys and small typical hamlets, while remaining accessible to all levels. Dirt tracks, forest paths and small tarmac roads (local roads). The Chemin de la Crépinière is a green introduction that runs partly along wooded areas. The gradient is very gentle, ideal for warming up your legs at a leisurely pace. The circular hamlet route: Mons, Fenioux and Kadoré. The route then revolves around three authentic villages: Mons: A peaceful passage where you can appreciate the local stone architecture. Fenioux: A central crossing point that often offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Kadoré: The last hamlet before heading back down to the valley. Gently descend towards the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise.

At the edge of the Aulnay Forest, the history of the Knights Templar, pilgrims, salt workers and winegrowers comes to life through the old paths, vineyard plots and the Commandery. This walk takes you past the rest areas at La Chaume and La Chauvière, the church at Ensigné, the Chemin de Contré and the Chemin Saunier, the Templar Commandery, the oaks of Fief-Louis, the stork well at Le Lac and the Trou de l’Ormeau.