Fressines walks

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 pleasant hike to discover the Argentière and Hermitain streams. The route crosses the western part of the Hermitain Forest and allows you to enjoy the peaceful nature of this bocage area to the north and east of Prailles. This route offers a beautiful introduction to the local heritage with Protestant family cemeteries, wash houses, the Monastery of Piè Foulard, as well as old houses and farms.

A lovely short hike starting from Prailles, a mainly rural village. This is a wooded area criss-crossed by numerous hiking trails, much to the delight of nature lovers. During the walk, the path passes close to the Grand Ry wash house. This largely shaded route is therefore very pleasant even in hot weather. What's more, as it is on a plateau, hikers can regularly feel the effects of the wind.

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 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.

Heading for Romans (79). They say walking is the fountain of youth in Deux-Sèvres... Is this legend true? For this local outing, the ice axes and oxygen masks have been put away: we’ve focused on enjoyment, the great outdoors and a route accessible to all. Starting from the school car park, Romans Town Hall, Rue du Prieuré, let’s start with the vast and peaceful Maupré plain. We’ll skirt respectfully around the Logis de Vieux Romans. A quiet passage, almost on tiptoe, so as not to disturb the (benevolent!) ghosts of the past. Head towards La Garde and La Guittonnerie via the grassy service paths, perfect for unwinding without tiring yourself out. A bucolic detour along the Chemin de la Mare, a crossing of the Plaine de La Règle, before returning to the heart of Romans via Rue de la Garenne. A circular route that's ideal for those who love history as much as they love the great outdoors, without ending the day completely knackered.

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.

A very pleasant walk in the woods starting from the Lac du Lambon car park. The circuit runs alongside the Lambon before leading to an old mill where there is a stone bridge to cross the river. The climb then continues along the ruins of the old village of Jean Migault, leading to the path taken on the way there, which you follow to return to the car park.

A walk through varied terrain on the plateau between the village of Prailles and Lake Lambon. This route allows you to discover the diversity of the wooded countryside to the north-west of Lake Lambon.

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.

This walk takes place between the villages of La Crèche and Azay-le-Brûlé. You’ll follow small roads, farm tracks and paths reserved for walkers. You’ll pass through four hamlets, agricultural plains and wooded areas along the Chambon.

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 pleasant walk starting from the Plan d’Eau du Lambon which, after a steep climb towards Gliére, reveals the bocage of this farming area. This route also allows you to discover the local heritage through the Couvent de Pié Foulard, the châteaux of Lussaudière and La Bessière, and traditional houses. The undulating landscape is very pleasant and offers a sense of peaceful tranquillity. This hike through Protestant country follows numerous paths and tracks between characteristic embankments.

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.

Hike starting from Ricou. The trail first joins the approximately five-hectare Ricou quarry geosite, located on the right bank of the Sèvre Niortaise river in the commune of Azay-le-Brûlé. It consists of an open-air quarry formerly exploited for its limestone of varying types used as building material (rubble stone). Leaving the site, the route descends into the Sèvre Niortaise valley and leads to Veillon, before turning right onto the other bank of the river to reach the first houses of Sainte-Néomaye. You will then have to cross the Sèvre again to return to Ricou after passing through La Corbelière.

A lovely route through varied, undulating terrain, part of which goes around the Plan d’Eau du Lambon. Stunning views of the lake and its leisure centre.

A beautiful, varied walk starting around Lac du Lambon and continuing through a hilly area and across the Mellois plateau, dotted with numerous castles, manor houses and other traditional buildings. Note the many shaded paths, sometimes running between embankments, which lend a special charm to this route.

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).

An easy walk in the woods of Celles-sur-Belle with minimal elevation changes. At the start and finish, there are beautiful views of Celles-sur-Belle Abbey. This walk offers a variety of landscapes around the village. The route also takes you past a remarkable tree, the “Talle à Teurtous” (see “During the walk and nearby”).

This walk takes place largely within the commune of Azay-le-Brûlé and, to a very small extent, in Augé. It follows paths that mostly run alongside the Ligueure and Chambon streams. It takes you through a few pretty hamlets with restored houses, and you’ll come across wash houses and footbridges.

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 short hike takes place in the commune of Souvigné, on paths and small country roads. You will pass through several hamlets, three wash houses and several Protestant cemeteries.

This walk between Souvigné and the Sèvre Niortaise valley offers a chance to discover varied landscapes of hillsides, woods and plains. The Bois des Challoteries is typical of the area’s lovely forests. Furthermore, the many villages and hamlets you pass through provide an opportunity to discover the traditional architecture of southern Deux-Sèvres

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 walk takes you on a route through the Bois de Celles. The route allows you to discover varied landscapes of woodland and farmland, as well as traditional local architecture as you pass through the hamlet of La Garzelle.

A lovely hike near Saint-Maixent that allows you to discover the landscapes on either side of the Sèvre Niortaise. This route also allows you to discover beautiful traditional and modern architecture, wash houses and the splendour of nature in a fairly wild area.

This short hike takes place in two towns: Azay-le-Brûlé, between trails and dirt roads, not far from the shopping area, and Saint-Maixent-l'École, with decking along the Sèvre Niortaise river and in the town streets.

A beautiful hike to discover Cherveux with its temple, castle, well and Ripe-Cul staircase, the Plan pump (1880) and a sundial (1836). Along the route, you will find several family cemeteries, the Trousse Chemise wash house, the Mousson valley, the old Truite windmill, the Cherveux - Saint-Christophe lake, hundred-year-old chestnut trees and the Logis de Seneuil.

A bucolic route with some elevation, partly following the paths marked out by the municipality around the Brangeard, Marcusson and Musson rivers. Some sections are steep and others may be flooded depending on the season.

This walk, which takes place entirely within the commune of Cherveux, allows you to explore the Brangeard and Marcusson streams. You’ll follow hiking trails and small country lanes, passing through a few hamlets.

This short 9 km circular loop will take you to the Puits d'Enfer site. This site is famous for its legend and is an area of ecological interest due to the presence of rare species. There you will discover a breathtaking view of the town of Saint-Maixent-L'École and its abbey church. You will walk along country lanes and small roads. You will follow the railway line linking La Rochelle to Paris and the Ruisseau du Puits d'Enfer stream, which is sometimes dry in summer.

A lovely walk on the Mellois plateau. Varied landscapes with a mix of fields and wooded areas. Passing through the villages of Negresauve and Le Luc de Verrines, in particular, offers a good view of traditional architecture.

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.