La Couarde walks

A pleasant walk that begins in the Forêt de l'Hermitain, continues through the open countryside near Trémont after following the Chambrille stream, then across the plain near La Villédé and Vivier before returning to the Forêt de l'Hermitain via the Bois de la Gandissière.

A beautiful hike over varied terrain: the first part is in the gently rolling hills near La Couarde, followed by the second part through the Hermitain Forest. This route offers a wealth of discoveries: the Patriarch (a remarkable oak tree), the Font Querré fountain (see the legend described in the "During the hike" section), and the Stèle du Parterre.

This hiking route in fairly hilly terrain allows you to discover the Cougnat fountain and wash house, family cemeteries, the Paradis fountain and wash house, remarkable "talles", the Perrière fountain and its pond, the Chagnasses woods, the Garennerie fountain and the Savrelle wash house fountain. This hike highlights a geological fault that runs from Saint-Maixent to Lezay, separating the Mellois plateau from a collapse trench where the Sèvre Niortaise river flows.

A very pleasant walk on good paths, mostly in the shade. Along the route, you’ll discover fountains, wash houses, ponds, the Dame de Chambrille and the Hermitain Forest, not to mention a wild stretch along the Grenats stream.

A pleasant hike on a plateau between Melle and Saint-Maixent, leading to the sources of the Lambon, one of the sources of the Sèvre Niortaise. This route across varied terrain allows you to enjoy the green, calm and relaxing countryside and discover many examples of the ancient architectural heritage of Poitou-Charentes through a number of well-restored houses and wash houses such as those in Goux and Grandes Fontaines.

The Lambon Valley is a magnet for visitors thanks to its terrain and scenery. The springs and wash houses in its villages punctuate this walk. Family cemeteries will be visible during this walk, as well as boundary stones evoking the period of the ‘desert’ from 1685 to 1787. Similarly, umbrella pines serve as a welcoming symbol for Protestants.

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.

A very pleasant walk with plenty of shaded areas.

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 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 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 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.

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 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 pleasant hike starts in Sepvret and takes you through beautiful landscapes, the sources of the Sèvre Niortaise, wash houses, a small mill and the Bregion dovecote with 2,200 nesting boxes.

A pleasant walk through a key centre of Protestantism, taking in the pretty village of Brieuil and the charming market town of Exoudun with its bubbling fountain. Varied landscapes in peaceful countryside, both along the banks of the Sèvre Niortaise and on the surrounding plateau. Along the route, views of Brieuil Castle (private) and the Brieuil wash house.

A peaceful walk between Exoudun and Bagnault, allowing you to discover two villages with a rich heritage, very pleasant and full of little surprises (wash houses, bread oven).

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.

A pleasant hike leading to the Métairie aux Moines, the Bois d'Enfiré, the hamlet of La Carte and the Fontaine de la Belle. Discover a beautiful fountain nestled in the valley after the hamlet of La Carte. The hike is mostly shaded and, in the second half, runs along the La Belle river for a while.

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”).

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

A pleasant and original walk around Salles. After passing through the countryside north of the village, this route allows you to explore the banks of the Pamproux along a very natural path via good grassy tracks not shown on the map. This route offers an insight into interesting built and natural heritage (wash houses, springs, old buildings, etc.).

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.

Short hike south-east of Nanteuil to explore the countryside. Go around Mont Alaric, pass through the hamlet of Pallu, then cross the Ruisseau de Magnerolles valley after the Bois de Fayes. Return via the Grandes Maisons and the Dolmen la Pierre Levée.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 pleasant walk to explore the village of Pamproux and its points of interest, such as the Chabanne wash house and fountain, traditional buildings and Saint-Maixent Church. The route stretches along the Pamproux stream, towards its source (which varies with the seasons), offers beautiful scenery on the western side of the village, and allows you to discover a local curiosity, the Moulin de Pouillet.