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The hike starts in Saint Aigulin, Rue Jean Moulin, at the coach park. A sign at the start of the trail provides technical information about the two hiking routes offered by the municipality, called "Les chemins des cistudes" (The Turtle Trails), the other leading to the north-west of the municipality. Here, you will explore the one leading to the south-west.
(S/E) To start the hike, walk south down Rue Jean Moulin to the roundabout, turn right onto Avenue de Saintonge for about 270 metres, then turn left onto the white path (at the veterinary surgery) for about 800 metres.
(1) At this point, you will find an intersection and an information board. Turn right onto the forest path. At the end of the woods, you will pass a kiwi field on your left and some private ponds. At the end of the white path, turn left onto the tarmac road and continue for about 650 metres.
(2) At the end of this road, you will find a large pond at the intersection, which is a refuge for a wild aquatic turtle, the European pond turtle. Take the time to learn more about this environment from the educational sign, then turn right at the intersection and continue along the path for about 1,200 metres.
(3) At the end of a small bend to the right, leave the white path and take a more forest-like path on your left. Go straight downhill, then turn left for 100 metres, where you will soon hear a small stream, the Vrignotte. Then go up to the right to continue along the forest path for about 350 metres before joining a white path in a more open area (protected wetland).
(4) Back on the white path, there is another sign to read! You then have two options: (see practical information)
Turn right and continue along the white path. After about 600 metres, you will cross a road to rejoin the white path, slightly to the right. Continue for about 1,200 metres. Information boards punctuate your journey.
(5) At the end of the path, on your left, a large pond and grassy area are a good place to take a break, at least long enough to read a new sign and observe the aquatic fauna and insects of the moorland around you. Then take the path that descends to the left for 70 metres and, at the intersection, keep left.
(6) After 600 metres, the paths meet. Your route is still the white path in the extension. But if you want to take a short break, a small path branches off to the right for a few metres to take you to a large pond where you can relax.
(7) After about 900 metres, the path turns to your left at an angle of less than 90° and a new sign tells you that you are on the right track! Continue along this road, which will bring you back to a tarmac road after a left-hand bend. Then take this road on the right.
(8) Along this road, you will see a beautiful pond with European pond turtles on your right, with a new information sign. A few dozen metres further on, take the white path that turns right at an angle of less than 90°.
(9) You will leave the forest and pass a private property on your right, "Le Genêt". Continue along the tarmac road to the right. It begins to turn left, and you will then pass through fields and vineyards bordering the tarmac road.
(10) At the end of the road, turn left. Continue to your right at the Y-junction and keep right at the big bend. Then continue straight ahead to find a white path that goes downhill.
(11) This path takes you through a wooded area, fields and a pond. At the end of this path, but before reaching the road (D160), you will find a white path leading off to the left. Take it and continue for about 580m. The information boards will show you that you are on the right track. At the end of this white path, take the tarmac road on the left for about 200m.
(12) On your right, take the white path. You will soon recognise it; you are now on the way back.
(1) Take the road and follow the route in the opposite direction until you reach your destination (S/E).
Tourist office
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