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Île-d'Aix walks
Tour of the Île d'Aix
Visorando Member
4.10 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Île-d'Aix (Charente-Maritime)
A short, easy walk with superb views of the rocky coast and the neighbouring mainland coast. Best done in the morning when the paths are deserted, the sun is not too hot and the light is magical.
From Pointe de la Fumée to Fort d'Enet
2.47 mi
+16 ft
-16 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from Fouras (Charente-Maritime)
A short walk, which can only be done at low tide, takes you out to sea in an unusual setting.
From Fouras to Fort La Pointe
5.38 mi
+43 ft
-33 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Fouras (Charente-Maritime)
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.
The Carrelets of Anse de Fouras
4.35 mi
+39 ft
-39 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Fouras (Charente-Maritime)
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.
Boyardville – Le Douhet circular loop
14.18 mi
+26 ft
-26 ft
6h 35
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Georges-d'Oléron (Charente-Maritime)
A circular walk covering a section of the north-eastern coast of Île d’Oléron and passing through the Saumonards State Forest. From Boyardville, you pass the Pointe des Saumonards whilst looking out over Fort Boyard, then the mussel beds in the Anse de la Maleconche, before arriving at the small marina at Douhet. After passing through the salt marshes and the village of Foulerot, you reach the forest of maritime pines and holm oaks typical of the Atlantic dune coastline. This route takes you along a mix of small roads, forest tracks, sandy beaches and seaside paths.
Around l'îIe Madame
4.16 mi
+36 ft
-36 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Port-des-Barques (Charente-Maritime)
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.
From Baie d'Yves to Fort de Fouras via the coastal path
12.03 mi
+98 ft
-98 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Yves (Charente-Maritime)
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.
Promenade des Carrelets in Port-les-Barques
4.63 mi
+26 ft
-23 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Port-des-Barques (Charente-Maritime)
A round trip walk from the carrelets of Port-les-Barques to those of Île Madame. Please note: only possible at low tide.
Saint-Jean des Sables - Les Boucholeurs
Association / Club / Walk leader
6.55 mi
+39 ft
-39 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Châtelaillon-Plage (Charente-Maritime)
A classic walk for Charente locals along the Châtelaillon coast. Views of the islands, Fort Boyard, Pertuis d'Antioche...
Pointe du Chay and Pointe de la Belette
2.39 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Angoulins (Charente-Maritime)
March 2024: at (3) DANGER! No trespassing due to risk of rockfalls.
A short tour of Pointe du Chay, which is very fragile, both on the ridge and at its foot, where dangerous rockfalls can occur at any time, so caution is advised.
Le Bois Madame and Soumard
6.00 mi
+26 ft
-26 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée (Charente-Maritime)
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.
Between Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée and Fouras along the Charente
10.55 mi
+26 ft
-26 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée (Charente-Maritime)
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.
From Pointe de la Parpagnole to Charras in Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée
6.26 mi
+69 ft
-72 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée (Charente-Maritime)
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.
The forts of the estuary
7.79 mi
+56 ft
-56 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée (Charente-Maritime)
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.
Plaisance Beach and Marais du Douhet
3.20 mi
+13 ft
-13 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Saint-Georges-d'Oléron (Charente-Maritime)
A short circular loop of ornithological interest around the Marais du Douhet, in Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, including a pleasant section on Plaisance Beach.
The Fountain and Fort Lupin
4.00 mi
+10 ft
-10 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Saint-Nazaire-sur-Charente (Charente-Maritime)
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.
The Fouras Marsh and the Pierres Closes
6.94 mi
+43 ft
-43 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Laurent-de-la-Prée (Charente-Maritime)
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.
Between Saint-Vivien and Thairé
8.53 mi
+72 ft
-66 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Vivien (Charente-Maritime)
A 13 km circular route in Aunis, on the edge of the Yves Marsh. The route follows many hard-surfaced and very little-used farm tracks, with about a third of the route on dirt tracks.
This route can be covered on foot or by bicycle (with a proper mountain bike on the path along the canal surrounding the marsh).
Saumonards Forest, Boyardville and the marshes
16.01 mi
+23 ft
-23 ft
2.5 hrs
Easy
Departure from Saint-Georges-d'Oléron (Charente-Maritime)
A cycle route that crosses the Saumonards forest, the town of Boyardville and the marshes of the Île d'Oléron, this very varied route mostly follows cycle paths or small roads.
From Saint Georges d'Oléron to the Chassiron lighthouse
16.34 mi
+23 ft
-23 ft
3 hrs
Easy
Departure from Saint-Georges-d'Oléron (Charente-Maritime)
A very pleasant bike ride that mostly follows cycle paths. This tour will take you across a large part of the island of Oléron, but you will also ride along the shore for much of the way, going to the end of the island, the Chassiron lighthouse.
Oyster beds of Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron
7.11 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
1.5 hrs
Easy
Departure from Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron (Charente-Maritime)
Circular loop to discover the oyster beds around Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, which can be added to the Île d'Oléron cycle tour.
Aytré Beach - Les Minimes
6.64 mi
+23 ft
-23 ft
3h 05
Moderate
Departure from Aytré (Charente-Maritime)
A seaside walk to discover Port des Minimes: the Atlantic's leading marina.
Please note that it is forbidden to approach the edge of the cliffs.
The Pointe du Chay circular walk starting from Aytré station
6.01 mi
+26 ft
-26 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Aytré (Charente-Maritime)
A walk starting very close to the city of La Rochelle. You may still be lucky enough to see herons up close between points (5) and (6).
You’ll also see the region’s iconic fishing huts at the bridge (9) and on Aytré Beach.
From the top of the Pointe du Chay, there’s a lovely panoramic view of the Île d’Oléron, the Île d’Aix, the Île de Ré and the Bay of La Rochelle.
In the Moëze-Oléron Nature Reserve
2.46 mi
+10 ft
-10 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from Saint-Froult (Charente-Maritime)
A short walk for birdwatchers and other nature lovers.
The Moëze Nature Reserve
2.49 mi
+7 ft
-7 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from Saint-Froult (Charente-Maritime)
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.
Tour de Salles-sur-Mer
6.19 mi
+79 ft
-79 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Salles-sur-Mer (Charente-Maritime)
A short stroll through the Salles countryside.
A small market town near La Rochelle and Châtelaillon, Salles-sur-Mer has managed to retain its charm as a small village in the Aunis region.
La Rochelle - Esnandes circular loop
33.96 mi
+174 ft
-171 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime)
La Rochelle, Esnandes, La Rochelle circular tour along the Aiguillon bay, then return via the Canal de Marans.
Between marshes, forest and vineyards at the start of Château-d'Oléron
6.10 mi
+13 ft
-13 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Le Château-d'Oléron (Charente-Maritime)
An easy hike between the marshes of Château, La Chevalerie, Grésillon, Le Fief de la Gombaudière, Le Riveau and La Renisière. Please note that this hike is not possible in winter, as some paths are impassable when wet. From April to October, no problem.
Discovering La Jarne
6.13 mi
+62 ft
-62 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from La Jarne (Charente-Maritime)
Discover a small village near La Rochelle. The Aunis countryside on the city’s doorstep!
Encan - Chef de Baie
7.87 mi
+30 ft
-30 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime)
Discover the seaside in La Rochelle. From the new Maritime Museum, through the Old Port, the Parks, the Casino and Port Neuf, to Chef de Baie beach. A blend of history, greenery and human activity.
This is La Rochelle: "Beautiful and Rebellious"!
In the footsteps of Georges Simenon in La Rochelle
4.14 mi
+20 ft
-23 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime)
Take a stroll through La Rochelle, passing by the iconic locations featured in Simenon's novels. This literary tour will also give you a glimpse of La Rochelle's most interesting sights. From the station, pass by the Café de la Paix where he was a regular, the bourgeois streets of Réaumur and L'Escale where his heroes live, the La Genette district where he lived, and other places.
La Cotinière, Château d'Oléron
21.98 mi
+23 ft
-20 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron (Charente-Maritime)
A circular route in the south of the Île d’Oléron, mostly on cycle paths. A hybrid or mountain bike is preferable to a road bike on this terrain.
La Cotinière, the Chassiron lighthouse
26.10 mi
+26 ft
-30 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron (Charente-Maritime)
A circular route on the Île d’Oléron starting from the port of La Côtinière, but which can be started from any point. Mostly on cycle paths. A hybrid or mountain bike is more comfortable on this terrain than a road bike.
Chassagné - Pommerou
6.98 mi
+52 ft
-52 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from La Jarne (Charente-Maritime)
Discover Pommerou, a charming little village, tucked away in the Aunis countryside, off the beaten track, yet well worth a visit. Here you can admire a few old Charente-style houses, tastefully restored.
From La Biroire to Gautrelle Beach
13.92 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
1 hr
Easy
Departure from Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron (Charente-Maritime)
Cycle through the stone villages on the west coast of Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, crossing bucolic countryside, vineyards, forests and marshes, before arriving at the magnificent sandy beach of La Gautrelle.
Stroll through La Rochelle
2.28 mi
+23 ft
-23 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime)
A very pleasant stroll through the streets of La Rochelle will allow you to discover the old town and all its charms.
Around Ors and its oyster channel at Château-d'Oléron
4.67 mi
+13 ft
-10 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Le Château-d'Oléron (Charente-Maritime)
Walk around the village of Ors, its oyster channel and Grésillon.
Ors was the arrival and departure point for tourists during the heyday of the ferry (1945–1966) until the viaduct was built (1966). Traffic jams are guaranteed in the narrow, winding streets!
Stunning views of the Oléron viaduct and the old Ors jetty, which linked the mainland to the port of Chapus in Bourcefranc.
Le Morillon - Le Chêne Vert
6.29 mi
+49 ft
-49 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Périgny (Charente-Maritime) (Charente-Maritime)
Walk along the slopes of the valley floor that feeds the Moulinette stream via surface runoff.
The Five Landscapes Trail in Sainte-Marie-de-Ré
4.74 mi
+36 ft
-36 ft
2 hrs
Easy
Departure from Sainte-Marie-de-Ré (Charente-Maritime)
It's a walk to stroll at your own pace through the village's different natural environments. This route will take you from the narrow streets to the forest and from the coast to the former salt marshes of the Grands Prés, now a major site for biodiversity on the Île de Ré.
Route along the coast and through the forest from Rivedoux-Plage to La Flotte-en-Ré.
10.72 mi
+33 ft
-33 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Rivedoux-Plage (Charente-Maritime)
Start at the foot of the Ile de Ré bridge and walk along the coast to the small village of La Flotte-en-Ré, returning through the woods. During this walk, you will discover Fort de la Pré, Abbaye des Châteliers, the small port of La Flotte-en-Ré and the small village of Rivedoux-Plage.
The ramparts of Brouage
1.25 mi
+23 ft
-23 ft
0h 35
Easy
Departure from Hiers-Brouage (Charente-Maritime)
Set off to explore Brouage!
From Brouage to Hiers
6.69 mi
+46 ft
-46 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Hiers-Brouage (Charente-Maritime)
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.